Reunited With The Bad Boy CEO

Brielle is in love

“I promise, Snugglebug, this one will taste good,” Alice vowed as I walked out of the kitchen and into my room.

I yelled out playfully, “It better do!” with a small smile tugged at the corner of my lips, I closed the door to my room.

I got out of my clothes, feeling like the weight of the world had just been lifted off my shoulders. I had my bath as usual and slipped into a sweatpant and an oversized t-shirt.

I put on my laptop and anticipated the amount of messages I’d receive as it hummed to life. Brielle had replied to my texts. She wanted me to put a Facetime through to her as soon as I was back.

She missed me already. It was mutual.

I clicked the Facetime button and soon, Brielle’s face illuminated the screen. “Serenity!” She exclaimed, snacking on a pack of ruffles. She had her cute glasses on.

I had always liked them.

“You look like…” A frown creased her brows.

"Like I just survived a war zone?" I finished for her, my own laughter bubbling up. "Don't worry, Brielle, the casualties were only my fried brains."

“I’m sorry about the worker who lost his baby.” Brielle brushed her hair backward. Unlike me, she had a hair full of long dark hair.

The conversation swerved into a melancholic tone. “It’s fine but I am suffering the consequences. He’s a very essential worker. Finding a replacement for him proves difficult now.” I went ahead to narrate the ordeals to her.

Brielle usually had ears that listened to my rants. She listened with rapt attention and chirped in a word or two. It was sad that I couldn't tell her about Shawn. I felt bad for it but telling Gabe was already enough.

I could not bear to share that information with yet another soul. It was the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to me.

When it was Brielle’s turn to fill me in, she left no detail unturned. Brielle was quite the talker and she was the listener too.

I decided to ask Brielle who it was that she formerly said she liked although I could already guess. “So, teacher, tell me who that crush of yours is.” I tilted my head aside after folding my hands.

Brielle’s face flushed instantly. “It's not a crush, you silly. It's a fully blossomed affection. Serenity, I think I'm in love.” I saw her eyes get dreamy.

“Care to share his identity with me?”

“Erm—I told you and Gabe it's someone we know. We don't know too many people. I mean, not enough for me to like.”

“Then who?”

“Gabe.”

I knew it!

"Gabe?" I asked, surprised but not entirely shocked. My intuition was usually as sharp as a paper cut and had already seen that coming.

“Don't tell him!" Brielle pleaded. "Not yet."

I could not refrain from grinning from ear to ear. “Why am I not surprised?” I giggled.

“Maybe because I'm wack at masking my feelings.” Brielle sulked.

Oh, Brielle, I was once like you.

“Or maybe I'm just very observant and saw the signs early.” I tried to lift her spirits.

I didn't know too much about love but if it's Gabe and Brielle, I’d definitely root for them.

“Do you think he knows?” Brielle’s question interrupted my thoughts.

Judging from my last conversation with Gabe about Brielle, I doubted it. “Urm—nah. I don't think so.” I shook my head.

I watched Brielle touch her chest in relief. “I’ll die of shame if he knows.”

“Why? You guys have been friends since childhood. I’m sure he’d be happy about it.” I said. I meant it too.

“Erh—Serenity, I don't know about that. I don't think he likes me.” Brielle sounded sad.

I unfolded my hands and leaned in close to the screen. “Well then, tell him.” I urged.

“Hell NO!” Brielle’s eyes widened in protest.

“Remember Gabrielle,” I called her full name. “butterflies are more beautiful when they are free.”

“Yeah, yeah. I'm no butterfly, honey. I don't want to ask a boy out.”

“Okay then, you’ll tell him when you’re ready. I just hope you do it soon.”

“Me too.”

I tried to lift her mood with encouragement. Brielle was never sad for long, hence, our conversation soon became vibrant like we didn't just have that downbeat conversation.

With a promise to talk the next day, the video call ended. I had promised Brielle I’d talk to her later when I remembered the task Sinclair had to give me. I was determined to start tomorrow and didn't have the intention of returning to Alice’s tomorrow.

I would go to stay at Shawn’s mansion for the rest of the week. I knew he’d be glad to have me - his sex toy. I should be able to locate those documents before I leave.

I’d make sure I did.

But first things first, I needed to hear Gabe’s thoughts on it and convince him to be happy about me going to stay at Shawn’s estate for a couple of days.

My fingers hovered over my phone but Alice’s sweet voice boomed from the kitchen. “Dinner’s ready, Snugglebug!” She chimed.

Oh, the nightmare was about to begin.

With a sigh, I rose and out I went to have my dinner with the hope that it wouldn’t taste like cooked leather.

The dining table was set. Roasted chicken, golden brown and glistening, sat alongside vegetables and a creamy casserole that, surprisingly, didn't resemble anything like Alice’s past meals.

I just hoped it would maintain its uniqueness up to the taste.

“It better not be another culinary experiment, Alice," I teased, taking my seat.

Alice simply laughed. "Take a bite, Snugglebug. Then you can judge." She sounded so sure of herself.

I liked the confidence.

I did take a bite and damn…!

Alice wasn't playing! The chicken was juicy, the vegetables perfectly cooked, and the casserole wasn’t bad too.

"Alice," I breathed, a genuine smile gracing my lips. "This is—good."

“See? I told you I've been practicing," she beamed, her eyes twinkling.

Alice had indeed gone overboard to please me. Now, breaking the news to her would be a lot more difficult. Good lord, what do I do?