Page 80 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

Now, it’s over.

“Celia, wake up.”

I opened my eyes to my mother gently tapping my shoulder, the familiar scent of her lavender perfume enveloping me.

“What?” I said groggily.

Judging by the way the sun angled through the windows, it might be approaching noon. Not surprising. I’d spent the night wrestling with my thoughts, the noise of New York gossip still ringing in my ears and didn’t fall asleep until this morning.

“There’s a man downstairs who wants to see you. He says he’s your boss,” Mom said after giving me a minute.

“My boss?!”

It couldn't be Anton.... He wouldn’t have left New York with what was sure to be a firestorm in the media. But who was I kidding? Did I recently have two bosses?

“I’ll be down soon,” I told Mom, and she left.

What was he doing here?

My heart thumped, loud and heavy with so many emotions.

I got ready quickly and walked downstairs.

The morning light filtered through the gauzy curtains of the living room, casting a soft glow over the assorted family photos and well-loved furniture. My steps were hesitant as my gaze landed on Anton standing awkwardly in the center of my parents’ living room. The warmth of home was suddenly replaced by a sharp pang of anxiety.

His eyes locked on mine.

Chapter thirty

Anton

My gaze fixed on Celia’s as she came down the stairs, a blend of worry and determination that mirrored mine on her face.

“Good morning,” I greeted, my tone betraying a hint of nervousness.

“Morning,” she replied dully.

She was as striking as ever in simple capri pants and a T-shirt. The sight of her brought me a small measure of relief, though the tight set of my jaw spoke of anything but ease.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she turned to her parents, who were seated at the dining table. “Can you please excuse us? We’ll talk in the back.”

“Honey, what’s going on? If you’re in trouble—”

“Dad, it’s okay. I’ll be fine. I promise I’ll update you and Mom soon.”

Her dad looked between us, then said, “If you insist. We’ll be right here if you need us.”

She led the way out to the backyard and stopped under a tree with a wooden bench. Then, she faced me.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, brows furrowed.

“I couldn’t let you face everything that transpired alone,” I replied, stepping toward her. My tone was firm yet soft, letting her know how worried I’d been. “I went to your apartment as soon as I saw the article in the newspaper. But you were already gone.”

She crossed her arms, straightening her back. “Everything? You mean the lies spread across the papers? That’s not everything, Anton.Everythingis my life turning into a scandal overnight.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. We knew Reeva’s threats of consequences, but this?” I spoke calmly, but I was sure she could see the anger etched on my face and the turmoil reflected in my eyes. “What she did was cruel.”

I’d built my law firm into one of the best in New York, despite my father’s criticism of my choice of career choice. And now, this.

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