Page 84 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

We found my family hanging out in the living room, waiting for me. I’d texted my brothers to meet here for a quick meeting.

“Celia! What a surprise!” My mother hugged Celia. Then pulled away, holding both Celia’s hands. “How are you handling all of this, my dear?”

“It’s…it’s hard, and it’s going to get harder before it gets better. But—”

“What’s this?” my mother asked, lifting Celia’s hand. “Oh, you got engaged!”

Celia flushed bright red as all eyes turned to her.

“Yes. I asked, and she said “yes,” making me the happiest man alive,” I said.

My mother teared up and hugged Celia again. “Welcome to the family!”

“Congratulations,” echoed the rest of the family.

Someone opened a bottle of champagne, and within twenty-four hours, we found ourselves in the middle of a second engagement celebration. The true reason for our visit was placed on the back burner until I reminded everyone, and we sat down.

I told them what they already knew from Johan.

“What will you do about your ex-girlfriend?” my father asked. “It seems she would rather destroy you in her fall and damn the consequences.”

I glanced at Celia. “Love, we haven’t discussed this yet.”

All eyes turned to her again, she blew out a breath. “I think we should focus on clearing our names and the firm’s, keeping her out of our lives.”

“My thoughts exactly.” I was a happy man, being on the same page with my love.

Later, as I exited the bathroom, my mother caught me in the hall. “Honey, a word please,” she said, opening the door to one of the first-floor bedrooms. We stepped inside, and she closed the door behind us. “Sweetheart, I’m so happy for you and Celia. You knew what was best for you and when it was. I feel bad that I pushed you to get back with Reeva.”

“It’s okay Mother,” I hugged her. “We’ll get through everything she’s throwing at us and move on with our lives without another thought of her.”

“Celia is solid—any lawyer is solid. You two will do well together.”

“Thanks Mother.”

Soon after, Celia and I said our goodbyes.

The cab dropped Celia at Maddison’s before taking me to my place.

When I got home around nine o’clock, I went directly to my study to work on my notes for the press release the following day.

Monday came quickly. I’d emailed Olivia on my way to Texas, asking her to call an emergency staff meeting this morning before the press conference.

In the staff meeting room, I briefed everyone on what to expect from the media regarding Celia and me. Most were already aware of Reeva’s statement. Some senior attorneys patted me on the back for encouragement, the others expressed their support, and a few quietly listened and left.

I appreciated every type of support. This firm’s team had to stick together in these challenging times.

The press conference went really well, in my opinion. Afterward, reporters bombarded me with questions. I lingered around to answer them, wanting to be as transparent as possible. However, the questions quickly shifted to Celia—whether they could meet her, learn more about her. I felt very protective of her and left the post-press conference Q&A deeply disappointed that my priorities about defamation didn’t align with theirs.

I returned to the office to put in some work.

During a short break, I called Celia and asked if she could come to my place this evening. She agreed.

Surprisingly, I worked peacefully and got a lot done before it was time to go home. Excitement and nerves drummed through me. This was the first time Celia was coming to my apartment as my fiancée.

She was on time, as usual, with pizza from her neighborhood.

I picked her up and sat her on the counter. Stepping into her space, I took her mouth with mine, with a hunger I didn’t know I had in me. Her hands automatically linked behind my neck. I slid her closer to the edge of the counter and ravaged her mouth with mine. Our tongues swirled, our lips pulled, and she made little whimpers that I loved hearing while I grunted.

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