Rides of Our Promises (Original, English Version)

Chapter 22 - Aya McDaniels (The End) *

There was a revolt in the company. Alright, that was an exaggeration. I don't see how they're going to manage it, though. Charles and I only considered it as a small commotion. There's really nothing they can do about the fact that we already married each other.

To resolve the issue immediately, Charles called for a meeting. As his assistant, I sent the invitations on his behalf.

As everyone settled on the function hall, with shareholders and personnel from middle-level and top-level positions, the HR manager facilitated the discussion.

I sat next to Charles. They weren't polite and judging by Charles' expression, he's bored. He expected as much, we both did.

They were questioning our relationship and how it could adversely affect the company. Yes, there was a prohibition in the employee manual against nepotism and having relationships between employees. If two people gets married, normally one of them has to go. But there are exceptions. Charles is CEO and we're both majority shareholders.

After the men and a few women have aired their thoughts, Charles reached out to use the microphone. He passed it to me before reaching for another one.

"I think almost everyone here is sorely misinformed." He didn't mince his words. He turned to me, then. "I tell them or you tell them?"

"Be my guest." I gestured. He has more authority than I do and people are bound to listen to him.

"As you all know, Oliver transferred his shares to me when he stepped down as CEO and appointed me to the position. What most people don't know is that his wife, Lee, transferred her shares to Aya McDaniels. Not to me. Ms. McDaniels is a shareholder on her own right and our marriage has nothing to do with it."

I clucked my tongue. He turned to me.

"It's Mrs. Cross now." I winked at him. Heck, everyone knows my personality. I know it wouldn't shock them.

I turned to face everyone, "Also, I didn't seem to recall any complaints when Oliver and Lee got married while both of them are working here at Taylor Industries. If we take that as precedent, there ought to be no issues with my marriage to Charles, is there?"

Before anyone could say anything, I beat them to it.

"I know, I know. We're not the original owners, but still... they entrusted their shares to us by virtue of legal transfer. I say as long as Charles can do his job as CEO, and as long as I perform my job as his assistant, there shouldn't be any problem, right? If I perform poorly, or Charles for that matter, you can always take it up with the HR or the BOD. File a report. Back it up with evidence. I only worked here because my good friend, Lee, asked me to. I only stayed because my good friend, Lee, requested me to. I'm doing my job properly because I know how much this company means to Oliver, my good friend Lee's husband. Only one person can tell me to go. Lee." I showed them my winning smile and another wink. The person who can ruffle me hasn't been born yet (except maybe Charles). They really had no right to say anything. Charles could be tyrannical when he wanted and this is one of those times. Aside from what I already said about Lee and Oliver's marriage being taken as precedent to ours, Charles went through every section of the company manuals to tell everyone there is no issue at all. Then, he clapped back. Pointed to the company rules and regulations and ethical standards. Most of those who spoke earlier had the grace to look down in embarrassment.

"I have already filed the report to HR, they should be a bit busy these coming weeks." I told Charles as soon as we got to his office. He sighed as he wrapped me on his arms.

"What are the chances they would keep at it?"

"You leave that to me. I have a plan."

"You're starting to sound like Lee." He noted and I laughed a bit.

"She was so cool when she laid out that complicated plan of hers. Mine is less complicated, so it shouldn't be a problem." I kissed him on the lips.

"Say, I'm wondering if we can compress our workweek and take Fridays off. That way we can have three days for leisure." He suggested as he pulled us down on the couch. I know how much he needed breaks. Heck, I know I wanted breaks, too.

"That could work, but not anytime soon. They would want to see us working really hard." I joked with as much sarcasm I could muster. He effectively groaned.

"I swear Oliver wouldn't miss being a CEO. I know I wouldn't if only there's something else I can do." I laugh at his statement.

"Do you ever regret taking up the position?" I asked and I know he already thought it through.

"I wouldn't mind if I get a break every now and then. Let's go on vacation every month. I could arrange something." He stated as he buried his face on my neck, tickling me.

"That... I have a question." We're already married but we haven't talked about kids yet.

"Hmm...?" He asked, leaning back and propping his head on my shoulder instead.

"Do you want kids? How would we plan to have them?" I'm more concerned about the fact that we're both working, and that if we ever have kids, I might have to take time off work. I'm already thinking how I will still manage as his assistant working from home. I would hate to hire someone else to do my job, even if temporarily.

"What plan? Do we need a plan? I want two or three." He asked and I told him my thoughts. I wouldn't have expected him to grin.

"Hey, you married someone who's an assistant first before becoming a CEO. I'm sure I can always work out something with you." He stated calmly.

"And there's a breakroom. I could live out here with you if you're fine with it." He suggested and it was hilarious. No proper businessman would suggest such a thing. I winked at him. I understood what he meant. It's not ideal, but since we work together, we can definitely make it work.

I turned to face him and we shared a passionate kiss. We'd live our lives the way we intended to. Our way.

Ever since we got married, I found him speaking more and more with me and I love him even more for it.

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A/N: Kindly support the rest of the series, if you haven't read them yet. Book 1 - Memories of Tomorrow, Book 2 - A Lifetime with You, Book 3 - I Need Your Warmth, Book 4 - When Our Hearts Collided, Book 5 - Destined to be With You. Give them a like, maybe add to your library and read at your own sweet time. You can also follow my profile for updates. Thank you for reading. :)