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.

to burden you guys with my problems. And besides, I think I

spoke up, "Well, you don’t have to handle it on your own. We're here for you, and we'll do whatever it takes to help you through this. After all, what

wash over me as I looked at them. I knew I

***

your clients that we won't be entertaining any more walk-ins. Word of mouth is the best. We have printed our brochures. You all are welcome

the studio after my sickness. We were having a quick meeting in the back room of the

had convinced her to take up the desk

need to ask?” I asked my staff who were happy

about the

audience where they are. So, we'll be posting more frequently and using more hash* tags to increase

chimed in. "And what about online

few weeks that will allow clients to book appointments

program. We're offering a discount for clients

building among my team. We were all ready

my hands." We've got a lot to

another announcement 'And one more thing, team. As a token of appreciation for your hard work, I've decided to offer a bonus to each one of you at the end

were thrilled,

you so much, Eve!" Jessica exclaimed, her face beaming

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

couldn't do this without each and every one of you. Let's make this

and my team members started to file out of the room, eager to get started on the new marketing plan. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that we were all working together

***

that satisfaction and pride, I had thought I would be able to forget

There were so many things he told me that evening at Justin's place before leaving. No matter how busy I was, his voice used to ring in my head

think I deserve a chance? We deserve a chance. Eve. You must be wondering how I know your name. I went to your

I want to

not a stalker, Eve. I promise if you say no, I will not follow you. But please... don't say no, yet." He had pleaded with

and moved on? Did

to his word, I never found him stalking me or following me. My staff had started showing concerns that why was

***

the cool evening breeze hit my face. As I glanced across the street, my eyes landed on the same club where I

stepped inside, the loud music that had