Daniel made her sit in the waiting room and went inside to talk to Mr. Ramsey. Yesterday for some reason she could not meet him so she was called this morning. Daniel was back within a few minutes. "Is she the one?" She stood up when a chubby and bald man came out of his office with a friendly smile, "Hello, Emerald. Welcome on board. Daniel talks about you all the time." He was trying to be friendly with eyes lingering on her chest. He extended his hand for a handshake. When she reached out, he held her hand and started walking towards his office, not bothering to leave it. A little surprised, Emerald's eyes went wide and she turned quickly to see Daniel. Poor Daniel himself seemed too confused. The worst thing was when he tried to follow them inside the office, Mr. Ramsey told him in a no-nonsense tone. "Wait outside, Daniel." Instead of asking professional questions, Mr. Ramsey discussed the weather and climatic changes with her. Emerald didn't know that he was so approacha
(FLASHBACK Four years ago) She was at a private party invited by a friend of a friend, all alone in Turkey when someone spoke near her ear in a heavy voice, “It’s rare that a beauty like you is all alone in this beautiful country.” She was getting bored as hell. Upon turning, she found a boy who must be twenty or twenty two with the iciest blue eyes she had ever seen. His long beard and mustache might be a repellent for many. But she was wildly attracted to this icy blue eyed stranger. “And what a handsome man like you is doing here all alone? Or maybe I am blind I can’t see any date with you.” She jested taking a sip of her wine. After getting over the initial awkwardness they were talking like two old friends. Before leaving the party they decided to meet at a coffee shop the next day. “How can someone drink black coffee? Don’t you find it bitter?” She pouted innocently sitting before him. “Black coffee is sweeter than this life, Guzel.” He placed the cup on the table. True to
(FLASHBACK Four years ago)Putting the cupcakes in the oven of the small kitchen of his studio apartment, she straightened when her back hit his chest.“Easy, Harika!” He steadied her by holding her shoulders.“I told you already. I don’t understand Turkish.” She chuckled turning to him.Moving away a hair strand gently from her face, he smiled, “I can teach you if you want.” He was looking into her green eyes.The smile there faltered a little.Raising her hand, she touched his long beard, “Why do I feel that you are hiding behind it, Jacob?” His face at once turned serious and he stepped back with an awkward laugh, “I am not trying to hide anywhere, Julie. This is me. I know women usually don’t like hairy-faced men.”She wanted to tell him that she was falling for him. Despite having this strange mustache and beard, she was gradually falling for the guy hiding behind it.His blue eyes used to give her heart those funny tingles.“You seem to like baking a lot, by the way.” His voice
Emerald in her panic did realize, what that piece of sh*t made her do. She had been played again by him. He made her sign those absurd documents and took advantage of her naivety just like he did four years back. He not only picked her up but also put her down on the leather chair that was placed for him. "Should we call a doctor?" He was kneeling beside her and there was a pin drop silence in the hall. "I am fine and ... I certainly don't need a doctor." She tried to convey with finality in her voice. "Did you have your breakfast? I hope your stomach is not empty." He inquired gently. "She just had a sandwich in the cafeteria." Maya who was standing awe-struck, at last, found her voice. Rafael straightened and was quick to speak when he saw her moving from the seat, "Stay here, please. It’s a short one. I won't take long." When he raised his face to address the crowd, all gentleness had gone and in its place was standing a cold CEO who only meant business. "Hello! I am Rafael W
It had been three days since the arrival of the new CEO. Thankfully Rafael was so busy that Emerald did not see him in the office after the first encounter. She heard somebody saying that he was not in San Francisco.Which was good for her.After tucking Sofia in bed she kissed her head fondly and looked at her innocent face. She was thoroughly enjoying these last few days with Levisay's kids.Emerald needed to think of her future too.Daycare was the first option because the little chipmunk liked getting acquainted with her age fellows.Giving a final kiss on her chubby cheek, she left the room to join others for dinner.This was a special dinner. Hunter arranged it for her to bid her proper farewell before leaving the house. According to Hunter and Abigail, only closest friends were invited. Emerald knew those close friends including Ethan along with his latest date, Molly with her husband, and her friend Selina.Though she wanted Maya to attend the dinner but Maya was not available
(Four years ago)She just turned eighteen when she got the chance to move away from her parents. She was their adopted daughter.But they were not ready to wrap their heads around something and that was…She was a human! She could make her own decisions. They wanted to control her by telling her every fu*ckin time that they did something good by adopting her and now she owed it to them. She should choose business studies as this was the only best thing for her.Instead of listening to them, she flew to New York and started learning about baking, professionally to take her mind off her old folks and her step-sister. They all had been trying to be manipulative but she resisted.She needed time to think about her future. So she decided to go for one thing she was passionate about.Baking!She was not alone. Her high school buddy Julia Aaron accompanied her. They were friends since childhood because of their name resemblance.Emerald was Emerald Julie Aaron and her friend was Julia Aaron.
Everything about her was a truth except this name and her low financial condition. She would explain to him that she took the name because she was scared that some stranger might want to stalk her in this unfamiliar country.After twenty minutes drive Alvin dropped her at the venue. She was escorted to a private lawn which was heavily lit with fairy lights. There were freshly lit scented candles on the table which was set for two. The handsome man was waiting for her with the cutest smile ever. Sometimes she wanted to shave away his heavy mustache and see what his facial contours were like.She knew he would look more handsome without it. But nothing mattered to her. Not his looks. Not the fact that he lived in a small apartment. Nothing.The only thing that mattered was his sincerity. Alvin had spoiled the surprise for her but she did not want to do this with Jacob.“You look beautiful, Guzel.” He kissed her hand and hugged her. Tonight for some odd reason she felt like he was not r
Last night as usual she could not go to sleep. Her mind kept drifting back to Rafael. How he followed her to her room. How she could detect genuine guilt in his eyes.He only knew that he had betrayed her. What if he would know about Sophia? Will he demand answers about the child? What if the presence of the child makes him furious?Would he still follow her?No. Her heart knew that he would create havoc. He would not let her live in peace.The smell of barbecue hit her nostrils and she looked up to see Sophia playing with Merissa. Rowan was crawling where the girls were running on the lawn. Mrs. Anderson was sitting there enjoying the sun while Avery was tagged behind Rowan keeping a strict eye on him.Hunter had decided on a barbecue lunch and Abigail was sitting there waiting for him and Ethan to get it done. Only Ethan was invited thankfully. Not that Emerald minded others' presence but she did not want Rafael around her.The office was enough.“Don’t tell me! Ha-ha.” Hunter was l