No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Seriously, I'd love for Director Hudson to treat us," the girl said with a boldness and directness that took me by surprise.

"No problem, just let everyone know. Tonight, I'll take you all to The Seaview Bistro," I replied immediately, catching the girl off guard. "I'm going to hold you to that, Director Hudson," she said, her cuteness undeniable.

I nodded, "I'm serious too."

"Yay!" She ran off, beaming with joy.

I couldn't help but smile at our exchange, thinking how her few words seemed to brighten the whole office atmosphere in an instant.

After setting down my bag, I glanced around and headed to Grant Smith's office.

"Come in!"

Hearing that, I shoved the door open, to find Grant totally into something, didn't even bother to lift his head.

I walked over to see a pile of documents in front of him, many of which concerned my department.

It was clear that in my absence, this man had been carrying the weight of my responsibilities on his shoulders.

you hire someone else, Mr. Smith? It seems quite burdensome to juggle so many roles," I remarked, causing Grant to pause his signing and

"Sweet Mother of God, you're

at his belief that I might not return to work

why hadn't he hired someone in my absence? Was he waiting

me back, Mr.

there's a company policy that requires you to work

Grant's response

that part in the contract?

a bit

it, which

a

hid

he was unaware of Ernest's

doesn't know. The truth

If anything were to happen to him, we were to

Ernest had passed, and Grant hadn't seen

now, he should have asked about