Chapter 1
Eros
" You're about to do it again sir," Colton mutters, noticing me leaning forward to get a peek at the headquarters of The Grace Havens." You're about to change the lives of these Africans actually," he smirks." The people are going to be happy getting a new boss like you."
" They sure are, that's the point of this meeting." I counter, joining him in the sarcasm.
My driver parks at the curb, allowing Colton and me to exit. The Grace Havens office building is on the edge of Times Square, unassuming that it's almost quaint. It's not my style at all, but I can make a few adjustments, especially for a company with so much promise.
There's chaos through the windows, and I make sure I'm wearing my best smile before reaching for the doors. Being acquired by a larger company can be a nerve-wracking situation, but I'm here to assure my new team that they have nothing to fear. In fact, I'm about to make their lives much better.
Inside, several people with suits of different colors of the rainbow wait for us in the lobby. I recognize Michael, the CEO stepping down, as well as a few others.
" Eros." He reaches forward and shakes my hand.
" Good to see you, Michael. This is Colton, head of my legal team. And Essel, Emma, and Latif."
More introductions are made. Hands are shaken. Meanwhile, I take in the lobby. It's charcoal and cotton colored, posters of The Grace Havens old ads lining the walls. The chairs need replacement, and so does the carpet.
No worries. The lobby is just one of the many things that will improve under my care. The Grace Havens won't be the first company I've taken to new heights.
" Ready to step down," I ask Michael.
" Trust me, I wish I could." He laughs heartily then looks around." Our COO AKAME is running late, but she will be here soon."
" No it worries." A little rush followed by an ache passes through me. It's always the same whenever I hear that name. Akame.
I knew an Akame once. So long that it feels like another lifetime. It's hard not to think of her every time the name comes up, but like I always do -I push the ball of emotion down and keep smiling.
" I'll be stepping in as CEO temporarily," I say, switching topics in an attempt to get my mind off the past." Until we find the right person to lead The Grace Havens into its next chapter."
Michael nods, I detect relief in his eyes. " That's good to hear. The team was worried."
" I never rush into things," I assure him." This is my seventh acquisition. Each company has its own DNA, its own culture. My job is to handle what's working not dismantle it."
Michael steps closer." Eros's portfolio is quite impressive." he adds." There's synergy here that will benefit everyone."
"Let me show you around," Michael offers, gesturing towards a hallway." We're not flashy like your other holdings, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by what we've built."
As we follow Michael through the main workspace, I notice Maui plantation lookalike stretches out through the floor-to-ceiling windows like a private backyard.
People are busy but not frantic. There's a sense of purpose that I respect. Heads rise as we pass, curious eyes taking in the new ownership.
" Our plantation entrance is through here," Michael explains, pushing through double doors.
The plantation field is impressive - perfect trees bearing fruits of every kind, plenty of space, and farm workers working.
" This is where the magic happens," Michael says with obvious pride." We test all our fruit concepts before scaling them up."
" Excellent setup," I comment, genuinely impressed." This is actually larger than I expected."
I make mental notes of where I can implement immediate improvements. The tour ends back in the lobby, where Michael checks his watch.
" Akame should have been here by now," he says, brow furrowed." She is usually punctual."
" I'm sure she has a good reason," I say, not really concerned. I'll be meeting her soon enough.
As if the universe read our impatience, the front door swings open, and a woman rushes in, her dark hair slightly tousled from the wind outside." I'm so sorry I'm late. There was a huge traffic on-"
The moment she looks up, her words stop abruptly. Our eyes meet, and the world around me seems to freeze.
No it can't be. But it is.
Standing before me, looking every bit as shocked as I feel, is my Akame. Akame Esuma. My university best friend. The one whose memory I've spent years trying to forget.
" Eros?" she whispers, her voice barely audible.
I force myself to maintain composure, though my heart is hammering against my ribs. It's been so long, and yet at the same time it feels like a day hasn't passed. She's older now. Blessed with more beauty and those eyes of hers narrowed at me like a dog about to lunge.
" Akame," I manage to say, though it takes a great deal of effort to bring any sound to the surface." It's been a long time."
Michael looks between us, confusion evident on his face." You two know each other?"
" We went to university together," Akame says quickly, her professional mask sliding back into place, though I can see the storm behind her eyes.
" Small world," Colton remarks, oblivious to the tension crackling in the air.
Small world indeed. And suddenly, infinitely more complicated. I extend my hand, determined to keep this professional." Akame. Looking forward to working with you."
" Wait..You..." She trails off." You bought The Grace Havens?"
" Of course."
Her face turns red, but she clears her throat and looks around, noticing that everyone in the room is watching her.
" I'm here to do good," I say softly." I promise."
Her eyes flash, and she hesitates for a moment before taking my hand. Her touch sends electricity shooting up my arm - a reminder of everything I once felt and lost.
" Likewise," she says, but her eyes tell a different story.
