Sensual Redamancy

Chapter 46

•Sofia•

I plopped into my chair with a heavy sigh, tucking my hair behind my ears with my fingers before sitting back entirely.

Today felt like my official initiation into my profession, specifically as a part of the Bernardi family. I'd given my first-ever solo pitch on a priority project and even now, I couldn't wrap my head around how I'd handled it so gracefully.

Being the youngest in my department and least experienced wasn't easy, especially while working with some of the biggest names in the industry as my direct superiors. 

Being the CEO's wife barely gave me an advantage. Rather, it thrust me into the spotlight—a trial of my capabilities and worthiness of being a part of the board.

I worked hard to prove myself—to prove my willingness to learn and grow professionally and the feedback I'd received today told me I was moving in the right direction and I'd given a good first impression. I just needed more exposure in the field.

My phone vibrated on the desk, prompting me to check my notifications. My lips spread into a small smile as I read through a few reminders I'd set for myself.

I was on birth control now, meaning I could finally have him the way I wanted to. We could feel each other how we burned to without any barriers diluting the intimate effect.

Back then before I'd met him, the thought of my first time used to terrify me and keep me up at night at times. I'd always imagined something painful I wouldn't willingly participate in or maybe something I would willingly give into but fail to enjoy.

With him, it felt different. I was neither scared nor nervous about it. I trusted him and although I barely had any experience, I knew I could follow his lead. He'd talk me through it and make sure I was comfortable and enjoying having him inside me. I had that much faith in him and his personality.

I absentmindedly pulled the drawer on my left open when I noticed something peculiar peeking from it. My smile instantly grew even wider as I fully opened the drawer and picked up the unfamiliar items to place them on my desk.

The first was a collection of assorted chocolates with a note stuck onto the packaging case.

Congratulations on your first pitch. I'm proud of you, love.

I felt a fuzzy feeling swirl around my stomach. That was really quick and thoughtful. I remembered telling him I had a sweet tooth at some point as well as a few of my favourite chocolates. Every single one of them was a part of the collection he'd gifted me.

He did listen to me when I spoke and that made me smile.

The other gift was a medium-sized white heart-shaped hat box tied with a ribbon. I pulled the ribbon to open the box, and red roses instantly popped out to greet me without falling out of the box.

They were preserved roses and smelled so good I felt intoxicated the more I inhaled their scent. He must have had the set custom made otherwise the roses wouldn't be smelling so much like him.

It was either his signature scent had been used on the roses or I just missed him so much that everything reminded me of him. I couldn't wait to go home to him tonight.

While sniffing the roses, my eyes wandered to the open drawer, registering the nearly empty space.

I carefully placed the box down and closed it before paying full attention to the drawer, my hands rummaging through the few papers inside.

"I'm sure I put it here," I mumbled to myself, carefully checking the drawer.

I'd certainly placed the journal in here the last time I read it. Was I remembering it wrong and had I put it somewhere else instead? If not, why couldn't I find it?