Chapter 28: A Year After

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Caelus' PoV

"Sir Caelus," Mirabel's voice broke through my thoughts. I was seated in my office chair, gazing out at the city skyline and the nearby dock, a view that had become all too familiar in the past year. It had been almost a year since my position as Chief Operating Officer and President of SkyHaven was stripped away from me, taken by none other than Altair, my stepbrother. Despite my efforts, I still couldn't track down that elusive omega's whereabouts. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. I swiveled my chair around to face Mirabel. "What's the bad news?"

"Well, some of our employees from the Art Department have submitted their intentions to resign," she began. My eyes widened at the revelation. "Most of them are our Senior Artists."

"After all this time, why are they suddenly deciding to leave?" I inquired, puzzled.

"I regret to inform you, Sir Caelus... the main reason for their departure is Altair's decision to cut down our employees' salaries," Mirabel explained. My heart sank at her words.

"What do you mean, cut down?" I asked, trying to grasp the full extent of the situation.

"He's halted the implementation of the yearly salary increases," she clarified. "And as a result, they've opted to transfer to The Treasure Chest corporation."

"The Treasure Chest?" I repeated, disbelief coloring my tone. It was one of the fastest-growing toy companies, making waves with its innovative toy lines. Meanwhile, SkyHaven had been dubbed "BoreHouse" in the media for its lackluster releases. Despite the negative publicity, Altair remained firmly in control. It pained me to see the empire my father and I had built slowly crumbling before my eyes.

"Should I intervene legally to prevent them from quitting?" Mirabel asked, sensing my distress.

"No need," I replied, resigned to the reality of the situation. "Does Altair know about this?"

"Yes, Sir," she confirmed, her expression sympathetic.

"And what was his response?" I inquired, anticipating Mirabel's answer.

"He instructed me to let them leave," she replied solemnly.

"Then, so be it," I said with a resigned sigh.

"But, Sir, without our Senior Artists, it will have a significant impact on our company's output and quality," Mirabel pointed out.

"Give them a month to finish their contracts," I instructed her. "And inform the Head of the Human Resources Department to start hiring new batches of artists to fill in the gap."

"Noted, Sir," Mirabel acknowledged before leaving my office. Once alone, I couldn't contain my frustration, slamming my hand on the table. I felt utterly helpless.

"Altair, you and your insatiable greed," I muttered through gritted teeth. "If only I could find that omega who helped you ruin my life and my company." My thoughts were interrupted by the unexpected entrance of my father into my office. "Dad, you're here."

"I'm not here for small talk," he said coldly.

"Please, take a seat first," I urged him. "Can I get you anything?"

"I want you to get your act together, Caelus," he growled at me. "SkyHaven is crumbling, and Altair is letting it happen. Why are you suddenly turning a blind eye to something we both worked so hard to build?"

I couldn't bear to face my father's disappointment. But what choice did I have? If that sex tape were to surface, it could destroy not only SkyHaven but also my entire life and family.

I had no option but to watch as SkyHaven fell apart under Altair's control.

"Dad, it's just... I'm exhausted from being trapped in this company," I confessed, feeling the weight of my words.

"Stop with this nonsense, Caelus! You're not a child anymore. What's with this rebellious attitude of yours?" he scolded me in frustration.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I apologized weakly as he began to leave the office. I sighed heavily, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. I was at a loss for what to do next.

Alon's PoV

As sunlight streamed into the room, I realized I had been awake all night, taking care of my baby. It had been a year since that fateful night, when I became pregnant and welcomed my child into the world. At first, I had been unsure about keeping the baby, but with the endless support of Arthur and Mrs. Gibson, I found the strength to embrace motherhood. I left my job at the bar, losing touch with Jason in the process, but Mrs. Gibson and the other tenants became my pillars of support throughout my pregnancy.

Three months ago, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy, whom I named Miu. With his arrival, my life changed in ways I never could have imagined. He was my light, my flame, bringing warmth and joy into my life after a period of darkness. With Miu by my side, I felt ready to leave the past behind and move forward.

Arthur had urged me to search for Miu's father, but I felt that Miu and I were enough for each other. Life would be tough, but I was determined to give my all to raise my son. Mrs. Gibson had once told me that Miu was the greatest blessing I would receive, and she was right. He had become my salvation, a reminder that even amidst hardship, there is light and hope.

As I checked on Miu, sleeping peacefully in his crib, I couldn't help but smile at the sound of a baby crying next door. The couple had also welcomed a newborn, and I marveled at the timing of our children's arrivals.

Seeing Arthur preparing to leave for work, I made a decision. "Are you leaving?" I asked him.

"Yeah," he replied, slipping on his shoes.

"I've decided to go back to work," I told him.

"Why? Who will take care of Miu?" he asked, concerned.

"I've spoken to Mrs. Gibson. She's agreed to help," I reassured him.

"Are you sure about this?" Arthur inquired.

"Yes," I affirmed. "I need to do this for my son."

Arthur smiled, his expression one of pride. "You've really changed, Loony."

"Arthur, thank you for everything you've done for me and Miu," I expressed my gratitude. "I feel guilty sometimes, knowing that this isn't your responsibility."

"I know, but it brings me joy," Arthur replied. "Anyway, I should go. Jason will scold me if I'm late again."

"Take care," I bid him farewell, waving as he left. As I prepared breakfast in the small kitchen, I noticed the daily newspaper on the table. Picking it up, I came across an advertisement that caught my eye:

"SkyHaven Toys Company is looking for new artists/designers to join our team."

Reading through the qualifications, I realized that I fit the criteria perfectly. With my artistic skills and imagination, I decided I would give it a try. Perhaps it was time for a new chapter in my life, one where I could pursue my passion while providing for my son. I made a mental note to visit their office and apply for the vacancy.

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