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......

Jace's POV

"You guys go ahead I am right behind you." I said to Brandon and Jay as we got to our destination.

"Are you good?" Brandon asked noticing my new profound foul mood,

"Yea," I shrugged him off, I sat in the car for a few minutes talking deep breaths while trying to clear my head before walking into the company,

"Time to get this over with." I muttered as I got to the receptionist, she quickly directed to where the elevator was saying someone will be there to take me to the conference room, but I didn't miss the once over she gave me, well, most females look at me like walking sex god so nothing new there,

"I'm Vanessa Sir, nice to meet you." an overly excited woman said as soon as the elevator door opened, I fought the urge to roll my eyes at her and just nodded saying she should lead the way,

"Mr. Grayson will be with you shortly" I heard someone say from where I guess is the conference room, but that voice, it sounds.... familiar, the door opened before I could ask the lady in front of me,

I could only stare in disbelief, it can't be, it just can't be......it's been 6 years,6 fucking years....., what am I supposed to say to her, how am I supposed to explain why I treated her the way I did that faithful day, what happened to her pregnancy, she couldn't have aborted it...could she?.....

"Pa..." I wanted to call out, but she ran off before I could even grab her or something, damn it she can't leave my sight again,

"Are you okay, sir?" Vanessa asked battling her lashes at me, I simply nodded, walking into the conference room where Brandon and Jay already got comfortable,

I could barely grab anything Mr. Grayson was saying concerning the contract making me genuinely grateful for Brandon and Jay because they seemed to have noticed I was off my game, and they quickly took over things while I just nodded when necessary,

"Will any of you fine gentlemen care for coffee?" Mr Grayson asked, staring at me directly like the question was meant for me in particular, seems like he noticed my lack of concentration too.

"That sounds good." Brandon quickly said, taking the attention away from me, which I was more than grateful for,

"Vanessa?" Mr Grayson said, giving his employee a look, but her next words threw me off balance,

"Why me, what happened to Paige, that's the one thing she does right anyway. "She said not minding we all heard her, I expected Mr. Grayson to lash out or something, but he simply sighed and got his phone out of his pocket dialing a number,

"Paige, get us some coffee in here." Mr Grayson said almost immediately, I heard her say something I couldn't make out, but from the look on Grayson's face he didn't like it.

"Paige just do as I have instructed "He said with a scowl on his face, but something stirred in me, I have a feeling Paige doesn't get the best treatment here,

"Just make them all black and put the milk and sugar by the side"he finally said before putting the phone down,

"Your coffee will be brought soon in the meantime, where were we?"he said going back to talking about the contract but this time around I was completely lost, I couldn't get my mind to stop thinking about that phone call, why do I have a bad gut feeling about Paige's work here.

Five minutes later, Paige walked in with a tray in her hand and everyone's attention turned to her, but she solely kept her eyes on Grayson avoiding every other eyes, but I knew she was avoiding mine the most

"Uhmm, the Coffee Sir"she said as she got to where Grayson was,

"That's right "he said nudging her to give everyone theirs, Brandon and Jay told her how they liked their coffee which she prepared quickly, when she got to me she said nothing, but I wouldn't blame her, I was about to relieve her the stress of asking me when she handed me a cup of black coffee perfectly prepared, still saying nothing to me or even making eye contact she walked out leaving everyone in disbelief most, especially me...she remembered.....

"Excuse me" I said just as Paige walked out, my head is a fucking mess and I couldn't continue sitting here, I need to talk to her somehow, without waiting for anyone to say or ask anything I walked out, I saw Paige walk into a small office I guess is hers,

Taking small breaths I walked towards the door knocking lightly, I could hear her heavy breathing from the other side and I panicked a little,

"What do you want, Vanessa?"I heard Paige say, the way she sounded struck my heart hard,

When I didn't reply the door opened minutes later followed by a loud gasp by Paige,

"Can we talk?"I finally said when I realized she wasn't going to say anything, but she just kept staring at me with emotions stirring in her eyes that couldn't be missed.... anger....hate...hurt...

"Please Paige."I said again,

"What the fuck do you want, Russo?"she asked, saying my last name like it burnt her,

"Last name basis...wow" I said trying to lighten up the mood but the look she gave me just told me she wasn't having any of it,

"Goodbye, Russo." She said, closing the door,

"Did you abort our child?"I finally asked I wanted to ask since I saw her, something flashed through her eyes, but it disappeared like it was never there before I could figure out.

"Yes"she said completely emotionless shutting the door without another word, I don't know if it's the fact she really got rid of our child or the fact she didn't even want to talk that hurt the most, but I am sure they both hurt badly.

"Jace?"I heard Brandon call out making me turn around that's when I realized that the meeting was over,

"How long have you been standing there?"I asked in a low tune.

"Long enough to know that something is really up with you"he said folding his hands,

"I am fine.... Grayson can I talk to you privately?"I said walking back towards the conference room as Grayson followed suite.

"Get out"I said to Vanessa who was busy typing away on one of the chairs, she stared at me in shock before scurrying off when she realized I was in a very foul mood.

"Mr Russo, is everything okay ?"Grayson asked as Vanessa walked out making sure to shut the door behind her, at least she knows what privacy is,

"How long has Paige been working for you?"I asked going straight to the point,

"So this is about Paige?"he said.

"Don't answer my question with another question Grayson, I have very little patience right now"I said a bit rudely but right now, I couldn't care less,I was both angry and hurt,

"Close to 5 years now, why?"he said,

"What do you know about her?"I asked totally ignoring his question,

"Actually nothing, she is very closed off I don't even know her address only the area she lives in, but I know she has a poor educational background"he said which caught me off guard,

"Poor educational background like...?"I asked, not getting him quite well,

"She didn't graduate college, she only has her high school degree, but she is quite intelligent that's why I gave her the job as Vanessa's assistant" he said, and I noticed something in his voice as he talked about Paige, but I didn't read meaning into it,

"Wait she works under that .....slut"I said in disgust, I was expecting a reaction from Grayson even if it was a look to warn me not to mention his employee like that, but I got nothing,

"You may not believe me, but I don't like it either but that's what her degree could get her, she had good results throughout high school which got me wondering why she never went to college, when I asked her, she simply said her parents couldn't afford it, but I didn't buy it, her results could have gotten her scholarship to any school of her choice, but I never pushed it"he said his gaze softening a bit,

"Look Jace,I am not supposed to tell you all this but from the moment Paige walked in with the coffee I saw the look you gave her and I immediately knew it was something more than what meets the eyes,I have always been the worst boss to Paige but I really care about her,she is like a sister I never had,no matter what I did to her she always looked out for me when the time came, and I will forever owe her for that, she is really something. "

"I want you to fire her"I finally said, shocking Grayson,

"Wait what, "he said in disbelief,

"I want all the files you have about her duplicated and sent to my office by this evening."I added.

"I am afraid I can't do that, Jace"Grayson said with a firm look on his face that I am guessing was supposed to get me to back down, but I wasn't having it,

"I never said you had a choice." I said.

"You are not some god, Jace and no one worships you, you can't just ask me to let go of one of my best employees for nothing, she needs the job and I need her services"he said, pissing me off,

"Just fire her Grayson, I will pay you if that's what you want." I said, raising my voice,

"Pay me?.....you will pay me to fire someone?"he asked bilwildered,

"Yes, name your price "I said, who thought all I needed to do was mention money.

"$100 million "he said, smirking like he just won the jackpot,does he really think I don't have that,

"Done"I said instantly shocking him,

"Wait....you are joking, right?"he asked.

"You will get the money as soon as I get to my office and I see the documents, I want Paige gone today"I said, walking out,

"Let's go."I said to Brandon and Jay who were still waiting for me.

"What was that about?"Jay asked,

"Nothing much." I said in a tone that told him to drop it, which he quickly understood, I glanced at Paige's office door before getting into the elevator..... I am not letting you go for the second time Paige, we have a lot to settle, and we can't do that if you won't talk to me, so I just have to make you talk to me, I promise I mean no harm.........