Chapter 1
William's POV
My secretary knocks on my office door lightly. I bring my nose out of the pile of documents on my desk.
"They are ready for you, sir."
I nod with a smile.
It's finally happening. The merge we've been waiting for. I get up picking my phone and the contract as I head for the conference room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I think we are in business." I smile brightly after almost an hour of us going through the contract and finally signing it, "Sarah? Get the champagne. It's been sitting on ice for over a month."
They laugh as we shake hands.
"Mr Dumont." Charles says, "It's really a pleasure to go into business together."
I grin shaking his hand, "Indeed. My father would have been so happy."
"I know he would." Charles nods, "I'm still saddened by his passing."
"I know...but this is a happy occasion. Let's drink to him." I smile handing him a glass of champagne.
"Our representative's flight has been delayed but I'm sure he will be here soon," Charles informs.
"We are looking forward to working with them. And don't worry we will make them feel at home. We have the office ready and everything." I smile brightly patting him on the shoulder.
"I am pleased to hear that."
"Sir? Mr Fitzgerald is here." Sarah announces.
"Great! He is finally here." Charles cheers.
Fitzgerald....the name sounds familiar. There are lots of Fitzgeralds out there anyway. I say to myself as I nod to Sarah, to show him in.
"Welcome, my boy." Charles smiles brightly as we all turn our attention to the man walking into the room with a suitcase.
"Hey, uncle." The man smiles taking off his shades.
No...It can’t be. I blink feeling my throat suddenly going dry, and my heart hammering into my chest.
"Everyone...this is my nephew, Alexander." Charles pats him on the shoulder as he proceeds to introduce him, "Are you just coming from the airport? Why didn't you head home first? Everything has been handled here."
"And miss the party? Not a chance." He smiles causing everyone else to laugh, except me. I can't breathe. I need to get out of here.
"And here is the man of the hour. Mr Dumont. You will be working alongside him." Charles introduces while I stare at Alexander's outstretched hand.
"Uhmmm....welcome. We are glad you could make it." I say looking away.
"It’s a pleasure to be here. I'm looking forward to us making millions together." Alexander says shaking my hand firmly.
I nod retrieving my hand.
Doesn't he recognise me? I don't buy that. But isn't that a good thing? I take a breath of relief while I wave the group of people leaving the office goodbye.
I rush into my office, loosening up my tie. Not now. Why now? There are other Dumonts out there. Who am I kidding? He definitely recognised me. But why act so nonchalant?
"Hello again, Willie."
I gasp, turning fast at the amused tone.
"Alex..." I call quietly.
"After all these years." He smiles "You look amazing." He grins walking into my office with both hands in his pockets as he looks around the room, "Nice office." He nods to himself.
"It’s good to see you...wh-what a small world." I chuckle uncomfortably.
"Is it really good to see me? Because back there you acted like you saw a ghost." He frowns taking a seat opposite my desk.
"I didn't think you recognised me." I shrug taking a seat as well.
"I had to act that way because I saw the look of discomfort on your face." He scoffs, "How could I not recognise that laugh and those dimples?" He smirks causing me to blink a little taken aback by his remark, "and the obvious one, your father's company name." He laughs, "A small world indeed."
"Yeah..." I laugh nervously, "Well, it's good to see you. And you should head home to get some rest. Your office is ready for you to come in anytime you want."
"Sure, boss." He smiles staring at me for a moment, "My uncle mentioned a party tonight?"
"Oh, that." I look away from his mischievous eyes, "It's just dinner with the associates. You don't have t_"
"_I will be there." He cuts me off getting up, "I'm looking forward to catching up." He throws me another smile, walking out.
Oh God no. Why now? When everything is finally working out. Of all the business deals, why did it have to be his uncle's? I groan closing my eyes.
My phone rings, getting me out of my thoughts, "Alan?"
"Hey baby...I picked up your suit for tonight...are you okay?"
I breathe out, "I'm fine, baby. You're the best."
"You should sound more cheerful. You just signed a major merger deal." He says with a smile in his voice.
"You're right, I should be happy. I'm just tired."
"How about you come home early tonight and I help you release some tension before the dinner party?" He husks.
I laugh lightly, "I will see you soon, baby. I have to get back to work."
I close my eyes hanging up the call. I can do this. It's been years already. I can be professional and stay away from him. I say to myself with a nod.
But if there was another way for Alex to get much more handsome, I would say he has found it. The image of him a few moments ago in my office, comes back, haunting my mind.
Lord give me strength.
