Paige's POV

I tucked Alex into bed, kissing his cheeks and forehead before turning off the lights and leaving the door open, just in case he woke up later on. As I walked out, I sighed tiredly, running my hand through my hair. Today was really hectic, and I am very grateful to have actually made it through if the pounding of my head doesn't count as anything. After a quick shower, I put on a comfortable black shirt and loose shorts, the perfect fit for bed. I reviewed the work I had left unfinished since I had to pick Alex up from school, reminding me that I needed to hire a nanny to help me both physically and emotionally, it would reduce the eyes on me a little, I just hope she doesn't charge much. I don't think I can handle that right now, but at the same time, I can't keep enduring the harsh comments from people who were growing suspicious of my denial about my son.

I woke up really late, realizing I was running behind schedule. I quickly showered and dressed in a professional pink blouse and black pencil skirt, I could try to look presentable at least. I checked on Alex, who, gratefully, was already dressed and waiting for me, his big blue eyes reminded me so much of his father gazing up at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. We stopped by McDonald's to get him something for breakfast since we were already too late, and I decided to get lunch at once before dropping him off at school and heading to work, feeling guilty for not having enough time to prepare a homemade meal.

As I arrived at the office, Grayson spoke up.

"Miss Moretti, you're lucky you made it just in time." Vanessa stood beside him, smirking, which I found suspicious, the look on her face already gave me the confirmation I needed, she had done something she knows will only add pressure to my workload,

She stared at me like I was some dirt under her show but I couldn't care less, I have worse problems than her pained self,

"Were you able to finish up the work yesterday?" Grayson asked as he gathered a few files on his desk.

"Yes sir" I answered quickly, trying to sound confident despite my exhaustion. I can't even remember the last time I slept properly without the pressure of work pushing down on me

"That's good because I have more for you, Vanessa couldn't finish up her work yesterday so I want you to help her finish up. She has to go to the hospital and check herself, she is having a fever. We can't have a sick employee doing anything around here, it is not good for the employee or the company, I am sure you know that" he said turning to glance at Vanessa who quickly morphed a sick and pitiable face which I can never fall for, how on earth can he even believe such a pathetic lie,

"I am so sorry, Sir, I didn't know it would get this bad, I would have given prior notice but I just have to go and check whatever this is before it becomes worse," she said feigning tiredness as she clutched her stomach like she wanted to puke but I knew better, Vanessa's fake sick leave was a familiar tactic, and I am tired of covering for her or even trying to make Grayson see her for who she is,

"I understand, don't worry you are free to go," he said to Vanessa and she nodded slowly before walking out but not without hitting me on purpose and the stupid blind boss couldn't even see it, I won't blame him though Vanessa has her charms, why on earth will anyone even want to favor me not to even think of looking at me with how messed up I am, I couldn't even keep my high school boyfriend.

~~~~~

Before Vanessa left, she stopped by my office.

"Thank you so much, Paige, it's so nice of you to volunteer to finish up my share of the work" Vanessa started as she walked into my office smirking, the fakeness in her voice irritating to the ears, it took a lot not to throw something at her just to see how she would react to a bruise on her so-called pretty face.

"My pleasure, you are supposed to be resting, why are you here, you will not get better if you don't treat yourself" I replied with an obvious fake smile, two fakes might make it real right?

"Oh please we both know nothing is wrong with me," she said flinging her hands in the air as she expressed what I would like to call stupidity.

"But it would have been nice, don't you think so?"I smiled sweetly at her flooding my arms in front of me.

"Ugh, Bitch" she shot angrily before storming off.

"How ironic" I muttered to myself with a slight chuckle facing the work in front of me.

~~~~

At lunchtime, I prepared myself for a break, relieved to have a call from a potential nanny for Alex, although I prefer not to go out for lunch but why not use the opportunity? I scheduled a meeting at the cafe down the street since it wouldn't be so far away from the company in case of emergencies. I knocked twice in Grayson's down before opening the door after a faint 'come in' from him.

"I will be going for my lunch break now"I informed him from the door, not entering the office totally.

"Be back in 15 minutes there is a lot to be done, I just got a call from R&J Technologies, they finally accepted our proposal to work with them, and fortunately for us the meeting will be held here so we have to out in our best to impress them" he said with a sly smirk on his face probably because he is proud that he is finally going to be working with one of the greatest company in the whole of New York, it is great news actually but I know better than to be happy for a company that is likely to throw me out someday like I didn't matter.

"That's enough time, thanks"I appreciated rushing off without remembering to ask him the date for the meeting, well guess I'll find out later.

I met with the woman at the café and we discussed the details. She was a simple woman in her mid-forties and, luckily, she actually didn't charge much, saying she wasn't doing it for the money, that it was more like a hobby to her than a job, and she wouldn't mind it. I headed back feeling a sense of hope that I might finally find someone to help me balance my work and motherhood.

Paige's POV

Good news is I finally found a nanny, turns out the lady from the cafe actually took the job and she seems nice enough so I think Alex will love her.

Now that's off my list I have to find a way to finish the extra work I was given because Vanessa practically ditched work today I have to do everything all alone, it's already past 9, and I still have a lot to do, why on earth can't he just assign someone to help me, he is definitely doing this on purpose and it isn't fair.

The office phone rang bringing me back to reality with a sigh I picked the call.

"Can you bring me a cup of coffee, Miss Moretti" Grayson said through the phone, sounding just as tired as I am?

"On my way" I said simply, as much as Grayson doesn't treat me so well I still tend to pity him or should I say care for him as an employee, he works his ass off day and night just to make sure his family is comfortable and happy, I found out few months ago that his wife is a cancer patient and is somewhere off in Italy receiving treatment leaving him to care for their four children.

Grabbing his favorite cup from the cupboard, making it totally black as he likes before heading to his office.

Knock knock knock.

"Come in" he said a little above a whisper, I trudged in dropping the coffee slowly on the desk to avoid spilling it.

"Are you done with the files," he asked as I turned to leave.

"Almost" I said wincing slightly already preparing myself for what he has to say.

"You can go, finish up tomorrow" he said, shocking me to the core.

"Wait, what?" I said turning quickly, well faster than I would have liked.

"I said you can go home, it's past 9 already, you could come early in the morning to finish it up" he said glancing back at his laptop screen, I stared at him intently still in shock that's when I noticed the difference.

His undoubtedly looks stressed, but it's like all his walls that were always up and high in the day is down like completely, it's like he just let himself be himself at nights, how did I notice earlier it's part of the façade as a CEO he probably feels being vulnerable and nice we will run him over, well, someone has to tell him otherwise then

"The meeting is tomorrow, I won't have enough time to review the documents, I am almost done anyway a few more hours won't hurt besides I can't let you stay here all alone right?" I said with a small smile on my lips, he looked up once again with this emotion swirling in his eyes that I cannot identify, but it's giving a nice feeling so...

"Thank you Paige"he said sincerely before going back to his work like he didn't just do something more than shocking, I stood there opening and closing my mouth, but I couldn't formulate any words, he can say 'Thank you' wow that's something I won't forget easily.

****

Walking into my apartment, I glanced at my watch, and it read 11:30pm,well, that's a bummer Alex is definitely asleep already so much for asking him how school was today but at least I finished the work.

"I was this close to concluding you won't be home today"Someone said, making me shriek in fear.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you" Mrs. Rivers, Alex's nanny said, and I smiled softly at her, surprisingly she agreed to start immediately which right now I am grateful for,

"It's ok, I wasn't really paying attention to my environment if not I would have definitely noticed you standing there" I said taking of my shoes.

"Dinner?"she asked gesturing me towards the kitchen.

"Ooh thank you so much, I was actually planning on going to bed like that"I said with a shrug,

"Thank God I left some for you besides Alex mentioned you not always eating, and I should please get you to eat"she said smiling at me,

"He makes it seem like I am going to starve myself to death I am just not usually hungry."I said as I sat on a stool as she put my food into a plate serving it.

"Thanks, "I said digging in.

"Alex is asleep which was a bit difficult for me considering the fact he won't stop asking about you, he is a nice boy by the way you did an impressive job" she said making me smile a little.

"Thank you "I said smiling back at her, though it didn't reach my eyes.

"I will be heading home now, it's late already" she said picking her purse, but the look in her eyes told me she wanted to ask a lot of questions that I doubt I can or will be able to answer, so I am glad she held herself,

"Exactly it's late already so stay the night, the streets aren't the best at night" I said sincerely, I basically live downtown cause that's what I could afford and at night let's just say things that shouldn't even be heard of happens.

"Don't worry I have a driver, he is here already so I would be fine, thanks for the offer"she said coming to kiss me on my cheeks before leaving, I like her already.

I washed off the dishes before heading to my room, I took a quick shower putting on a pink night gown with my robe letting my hair down, I stood at Alex's door staring at him with a small smile on my face, as much as his father didn't want him and I went through a lot and still going through a lot because I decided to keep him, I am delighted I have him he is my little bundle of joy, I know I can be very hard on him sometimes, and I am not doing so well giving him all he can get and should need, but I am trying my best it just feels like my best isn't enough.

I walked over to his bed placing a kiss on his forehead.

"Mum,"I heard him mutter in his sleep, making me smile softly.

"Yes baby"I said, brushing hair off his face.

"Why didn't you pick me up today"he asked, the sadness evident in his voice making me feel worse than I already feel,

"I am so sorry Mummy had a lot to do but didn't you like Aunt Rivers?"I asked wanting to hear his opinion of his nanny.

"Hmm, she's ok, I just prefer you "he said with a shrug as he slowly closed his eyes sleep taking over,

"And I will always love you, mummy will make it up to you somehow"I said kissing his forehead again making him sigh as he snuggled into me.

"Can I sleep with you today mum?"he asked slowly trying to fight the sleep that has won already, I smiled at him carrying him carefully to my room, I placed him on my bed using the blanket to cover us both as I cuddled him making sure he was comfortable before I let sleep take its course.

****

"Good morning Grayson"I said calmly as I walked into his office.

"Paige"he said not looking up but acknowledging my greeting at least, well great his walls are back up.

"The meeting with R&J technologies is 30 minutes from now"I said as I dropped the files I worked on yesterday on his desk, I would have returned it yesterday's, but I had to rush home,

"Ok then go get Vanessa I need you girls to welcome our guests and lead them to the conference room when they get here, I will be there soon"he said still not glancing up.

"Ok"I said simply leaving the office, walking back to my cabin knowing fully well Vanessa saw me and is definitely following me to say some trash.

Jace's POV

"Sir your meeting starts in 30 minutes" I heard someone say from the door, making me sit up from my seat as the bimbo on my laps fell to the ground due to her lack of warning

"Ok then, inform Jay and Brandon we will be leaving in 10 minutes" I said in a gruff voice, and she nodded before hurrying out, and now she just killed my mood.

"Get up and get out" I told the bimbo that I don't know her name, no surprise there it's difficult remembering any of their names,

"Wait, what?" She asked looking all confused and by the way, still on the ground, is she waiting for me to help her up or something because if she is, then she should get ready to clean the floors then.

"You heard me" I said, facing the files in my table that needed my attention.

"We haven't completed what we started" she said trying to sound sexy, but it just pissed me off the more,

"Don't let me repeat myself, Janet" I said trying to keep my cool, though I was getting really impatient with her.

"My name is Brittany" she said well squealed and that was it.

"Security come take out this trash" I said into the AirPods on my ear.

"You have got to be kidding me" she said finally getting up and dusting herself, guess she realized she couldn't clean the floor to my taste.

"Sir" one of my bodyguards said from the door and I nodded signalling him to come in, I simply glanced at the bimbo and he quickly got the hint.

"Don't come near me, I can help myself out" she said grabbing her purse and walking out but not before sliding a piece of paper containing what I guess should be her number to me, so much for her being angry.

"Get my black limo ready I have a meeting in a few minutes" I said to the bodyguard, he gave me a curt nod before walking out.

"If anyone calls you know what to say right?" I asked my secretary as I walked out of my office, locking the door behind me,

"Yes sir, but what if your Dad calls?"she asked in a small voice, knowing she hit a nerve,

"Like I said you know what to say" I said, walking away before I say something I didn't want to

***********

"Come on, we are late already" I heard Brandon say as I stepped out of the large building,

"It's not like they can start the meeting without us" I said with a shrug as I got into the limo,

"Still we shouldn't be late it doesn't say good about us" he said making me roll my eyes.

"Stop acting like you are a saint or something, I am pretty sure you don't want to go" I said turning to face him,

"I am better than this big head here, he kept on whining that you just cock blocked him and stuffs like that, apparently he was about to get it when you sent Jamie to come get us" he said referring to my little brother who stuck his tongue out at him.

"I didn't ask you to remind me" Jay said, making me burst out laughing.

"The irony that I cock blocked myself "I said in between laughter.

"Does it mean I am the only sane and decent guy in our midst?" Brandon asked, making both Jay and I give him a skeptical look.

"That's cause you claim you have a girlfriend you love, it's funny how Lisa turned you into a love sick puppy "I said,

"You won't get it until a girl sweeps you off your feet" he said, ignoring the looks he was getting from Jay and me,

"Yea, not happening "I said shaking my head,

"Don't be so sure, after all that girl back in high school did it, what's her name again, ha right Paige" he said and I froze midair,

"That's true bro, you never told is what really happened between the both of you" Jay chirped in and just like that my mood died,

"Like is said earlier nothing, we just got tired and decided to have a break then she moved" I muttered turning away from them.

"Yea right, but you are still stuck up for her" Brandon said totally not believing me, but I couldn't say anything to them, I just couldn't, I still remember that day like it was yesterday, the day that still haunts me...

* Flashback*

"You can't just deny everything just like that" Paige screamed at me as tears gathered in her eyes, she was showing me her pain, how much my words were affecting her, but I just couldn't think straight with the news she just dropped.

"Well watch me" I said casually crashing on the sofa beside my desk,

"We have to find a solution to this pregnancy, you can't expect me to abort our baby" she said, wait who talked about abortion here of course she won't do that, but I just can't, I have a future ahead of me,

"Your baby not ours" I said, shocking both her and myself, I love her, but I just can't, My Dad won't take this lightly and I can't afford to let anything come between me and my future.

"Are you seriously denying sleeping with me and getting me pregnant" She screamed at me as she finally let the tears fall, at that moment I was tempted to hug her and apologize accept the baby and work something out but something just kept holding me back keeping me rooted to a spot.

"Look I accept that I slept with you, but I definitely didn't get you pregnant, why don't you ask all your numerous lovers maybe one of them will accept that they released their semen into you" I said tried to act unfazed by her tears when it was literally killing me inside, I knew very well that she didn't have any lovers or any guy apart from me, but I just had to say something, just something,

"What are you talking about, I don't have any other boyfriend apart from you"she said as her tears dropped without control.

"Oh, please spare me all these, whenever you are done with this drama leave and shut the door behind you"I said because I was already at the verge of losing my control, I just wanted to ignore my father's warnings and hug her, kiss her anything to stop her tears, but I knew he wasn't bluffing,

"Just so you know, if anyone asks you who is responsible for that thing you're carrying, and you mistakenly call my name, I promise you I will deny ever knowing you at all and trust me when I say I'll make your life miserable" I finally said as I walked into my bathroom shutting the door behind me but not before seeing the broken look on her face and in that minute I regretted everything I just said, but I couldn't take them back, I didn't hear her voice or cries any more, so I assumed she left, and she really did, she left for good, I never saw her again........

*Present day*

I looked for her everywhere, her mother was a mess without her which fuelled my guilt the more, she never came to school again, her mum showed me the letter she left and that's when I realized I made the greatest mistake of my life.

I had to find a way help her mum without letting her know I was the cause of everything and up until this day I always make sure I find time for her, she hasn't been herself since the incident, but I guess she is better than she would have been without my help,

Every day, I sit and wonder, where did she run off too?, did she give birth?, did she keep that child after all?, if she did, I want to know if it's a boy or girl, if he or she looks like me or her or both?, will I ever see her again?, will I ever get to apologize?, is she still alive?, I know I shouldn't think like that, but I can't help it, no social media has anything about her from that day onwards, I have tried so many detectives, but they all come out with little or nothing to help find her.

Every so often I blame my Dad for all of this, he knew she was pregnant, and he made me reject her, he used his money to his advantage once again, right now, I know that's not an excuse, but then I was living off his money then if he had kept to his threat I would have been left with nothing, I still can't bring myself to look at my father the same way after day, I felt he hated me, all he ever cared about was his money and now that I made mine all on my own he wants to merge our company, but I can't let it, he should go to hell for all I care......