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.

you guys with my problems. And besides, I think I can handle it

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 could count on them

***

You all have got just one month. Please start informing 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 to distribute them in your neighborhood, among your friends, to

at the studio after my sickness. We were having a quick meeting in the back room of the Salon. Mrs. Margret had made sure to ask all the staff members to reach there fifteen minutes

bomb marketing strategy for the promotion of the salon. I had convinced her to take up

ask?” I asked my staff

What about the soc*ial media presence? Are we going to be more active on

make sure we're reaching our audience where they are.

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

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. We'll also

Margret added, "And don't forget about the referral program. We're offering a discount for clients who refer a

among my team. We

We've got a lot to do in the next month, but I know

them were about to stand up I quickly made 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

were

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

her. "You all work so hard, and I want to make sure you know how much I appreciate

We couldn't do this without each and every

of the room, eager to get started on the new marketing plan. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that we

***

feeling that satisfaction and pride, I had thought I would

him out of my thoughts. There were so many things he told me that evening at Justin's place before leaving.

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

much about me I want to tell you, Eve.” He had

no, I will not follow you. But please... don't say no, yet." He

Did I make a mistake 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 to rest even for

***

a long and exhausting day at work, I finally stepped out of the parlor, feeling a sense of relief as the cool evening breeze hit my face. As I glanced across the street, my eyes landed on the

even realizing it, my feet began to move towards the club's entrance. As I stepped inside, the loud