WHEN THEY FALL IN LOVE

CHAPTER:11

THE NEW CEO:

LUCAS:

t had been a month since graduation, and today was a significant day for me: I was about to be announced as the CEO of Cullinexa. I was pacing around my room, nerves and excitement swirling inside me. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and I rushed to answer it, surprised to see Annabeth standing there.

"Annabeth?" I gasped, a smile spreading across my face.

"I came to your house for a change this time," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Come in, sweetheart!" I welcomed her, stepping aside.

As she walked in, she glanced at my pajamas and smirked. "Cool dress, by the way."

"Oh really?" I shot back playfully, a grin creeping onto my face. In one swift motion, I playfully pushed her onto the bed and dove in beside her, wrapping my arms around her in a cozy cuddle.

"Lucas!" she laughed, pushing me away playfully. "What if someone sees us?"

"Let them see! It's a free country," I replied, teasingly nuzzling into her neck. The warmth of her laughter filled the room, making everything feel right.

But then reality hit me like a freight train. I glanced at the clock on the wall and realized I had a big event tonight. "Oh no, I need to get ready!" I exclaimed, jumping up. "I can't believe I almost forgot!"

Annabeth sat up, her expression shifting to one of mock seriousness. "You're not going to embarrass yourself as the new CEO, are you?"

"Not if I can help it!" I shot back with a grin, rushing to my closet. I quickly threw on a sleek black tuxedo, feeling the weight of the occasion settling in.

As I adjusted my tie, I glanced over to see Annabeth already dressed in a stunning black mermaid gown that hugged her curves perfectly. She looked like she had stepped out of a fairytale, her hair cascading in soft waves.

"Wow, you look incredible," I said, my breath catching. "That dress is absolutely perfect for you."

"Thanks! You clean up pretty well yourself," she replied, a teasing smile on her lips. "Are you ready to impress the world tonight?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. But I think I might need a little good luck charm," I said, stepping closer to her. "What do you say?"

"Oh, I've got just the thing," she said, reaching up to adjust my collar, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary. "Perfect. Now you're all set."

As we exchanged smiles, I felt a surge of confidence. With Annabeth by my side, I knew I could handle anything. "Alright, let's do this! Together."

"Together," she echoed, and we headed out the door, ready to face the night and the new chapter ahead of us.

My dad walked up to the podium, the room buzzing with anticipation. "Thank you all for being here tonight. This is a pivotal moment for Cullinexa, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished together. Our vision for the future is bright, and I'm excited to see where it takes us. "And now, I'm honored to announce the new CEO—Lucas Caldwell!" he declared, his voice echoing through the auditorium.I took a deep breath, my heart racing as I walked to the stage. The applause washed over me, a mixture of excitement and nerves swirling in my stomach. Standing behind the podium, I looked out at the sea of familiar faces—friends, family, and colleagues who had supported me on this journey."Thank you, everyone," I began, my voice steadying as I soaked in the moment. "This is a dream come true for me, and I'm incredibly grateful to my dad and the entire team at Cullinexa. You've all played a significant role in shaping who I am today and in bringing us to this moment."As I step into this role, I want to emphasize that my vision for Cullinexa is one of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. We're not just a company; we're a community. I believe in empowering every single member of our team to contribute their ideas and passion, driving us forward together."I'm excited about the challenges ahead, but I know that with the support of this amazing team, we can achieve extraordinary things. Let's embrace this journey, and together, we'll make Cullinexa a beacon of innovation and excellence. Thank you!"The applause echoed as I stepped down from the stage, adrenaline still pumping through my veins. I caught a glimpse of Annabeth in the crowd, her smile radiant and proud. After the ceremony wrapped up, we decided to celebrate at a fancy restaurant. As we arrived, the ambiance was perfect—soft lighting, elegant decor, and the tantalizing aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air. I led Annabeth to a cozy table tucked away in a corner, feeling a sense of intimacy envelop us."First official dinner as CEO. How does it feel?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity."Honestly? A bit surreal. But having you here makes it even better," I replied, my gaze locked on her. "I mean, I'd love to celebrate with my parents, but I wanted some alone time with you, too.""Aw, Lucas, that's sweet. You know, I'm just here for the food," she teased, her playful grin making me chuckle."Right, of course. Just the food," I shot back, leaning in slightly. "But if we're being honest, I could just eat up the sight of you."She laughed, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Flattery will get you everywhere, you know.""I'm counting on it," I said, grinning. "Besides, I think you deserve to be treated like royalty tonight."As the waiter approached, I ordered a bottle of the finest wine and a selection of dishes to share. Once we were alone again, I leaned back in my chair, studying her. "So, what do you think of your new CEO?""I think he's got a lot of potential," she replied, raising an eyebrow. "But he'd better not let the power go to his head.""Don't worry, I have you to keep me grounded," I said, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I wouldn't want it any other way.""Good answer," she said, squeezing my hand lightly, her smile radiant. "I'm excited to see where this journey takes you, Lucas.""Me too, especially with you by my side," I replied, feeling a sense of warmth and connection. Tonight wasn't just about celebrating a new role; it was about us, the path ahead, and all the possibilities waiting to unfold.