Ouch! My CEO Fiancé Fell For His Maid

9- Cherie (Book 2)

"You are hiding something. We know that. Either it's related to Adonis. The man you met a few days back or it's related to Elijah, Justin’s friend, who you seem to know. Whatever it is. We don’t want to pry into your life, Eve. But please remember. We are your friends, and we want to let you know that we will always be there by your side no matter what you decide."

Ashley was holding my hand, sitting at the edge of the bed. Hooking her thumbs in her shorts pockets, Aniya was standing looking at us. Justin was leaning against the doorframe listening to his wife but didn't comment.

To avoid Adonis, I had decided to stay here but my friends knew there was something, I was not letting them know.

Justin cleared his throat, "By any chance... Is any of these men trying to stalk you or bully you?" Justin asked me sincerely.

I shook my head quietly trying to control the tears that were at the brink of my eyes. How to tell my friends that Elijah and Adonis were the names of the same man?

No, he was not the stalker, nor he was a bully. I was the one bullying myself. I told myself silently. Justin peeled himself from the doorframe and walked to the bed.

Taking the place beside his wife, he held my hands, ‘Tell us, honey. What do you want? Should we arrange your visits to the doctor? Or should we ask someone to visit you here? We can't leave you alone." He had worry in his eyes and I was feeling ashamed for disturbing my friends' lives due to my personal problems.

"Oh, no!" Justin spoke, "I know that look. You are not a burden on us, Eve. For God’s sake."

Aniya stepped forward, putting her hand on my shoulder, "We're here for you, Eve. Whatever it is, we’ll help you through it. You don't have to go through this alone.”

Ashley rubbed my knee, "Just tell us what's going on, Eve. We won't judge you. We just want to help."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their concern and support. "It's complicated," I started, "I just...I don’t know how to explain it."

Justin gave my hand a gentle squeeze, "Take your time, Eve. We're not going anywhere."

I looked up at their kind faces and felt a lump in my throat. These were my true friends, the ones who would stick with me through thick and thin.

Finally, I spoke, "C... Can I get some time? I am sorry, guys but right now I am a mess. I just need some time. I promise I will confide in you."

Aniya's eyes seemed misty, 'Take all the time in the world. Just don’t forget that we are here."

I nodded slowly, 'Thank you."

Ashley's expression turned to one of concern, "Oh, Eve. We just can't see you in pain. Ok?" I nodded at her.

And

handle it on your own. We're here for you, and we'll do whatever it takes to help you through this.

over me as I looked at them. I knew I could count on

***

more walk-ins. Word of mouth is the best. We have printed our brochures. You all are welcome to distribute them in your neighborhood,

my first day at the studio after my sickness. We were having a quick meeting in the back room of the Salon. Mrs. Margret had made

strategy for the promotion of the salon. I had convinced her to take up the desk job and hire a girl who could

I asked

senior stylists, raised her hand. "Yes, Eve. What about the soc*ial media presence? Are we going

sure we're reaching our audience where they are. So,

chimed in. "And what about online booking? Are we going

we definitely are," I said. "We're going to be launching a new web*site in the next few weeks that will allow clients to book appointments online.

the referral program. We're offering a discount for clients who refer a friend, so make

building among my team. We were all ready

then, let's get to work," I said, standing up and clapping my hands." We've got a lot to do in the next month, but I know we

announcement 'And one more thing, team. As a token of appreciation

staff members were thrilled, and I could

you so much, Eve!" Jessica exclaimed,

so hard, and I want to make sure you know how much I appreciate everything you do for

do this without each and every

that, the meeting was adjourned, and my team members started to file out of the room, eager to get started on the new marketing plan. I felt a sense

***

pride, I had thought I would be able to forget about him. But

able to push him out of my thoughts. There were so many things he told me that evening at

I know your name. I went to your Salon. The lady... Mrs. Margret told me your name." He

is so much about me I want to tell

not a stalker, Eve. I promise if you say no, I will not follow you. But please...

he forgotten about me and moved on? Did I make a

to his word, I never found him stalking me or following me. My staff had started showing concerns that why was I working like crazy. They all wanted to give me relief, but I didn't want

***

I finally stepped out of the parlor, feeling a sense of relief as the cool evening breeze hit my face.

the club's entrance. As I stepped inside, the loud music that had become