Her Assistant

[39] Honesty Hour

Jesse's last word echoed in Chloe's head a few times before she could speak. Is it true? She silently questioned. Her chest felt a little tight.

"I'm sorry Chloe. Had I known about your history with Phil, I wouldn't never hire that bastard who broke your heart," the CEO spoke sympathetically.

"I know you don't want him for me, Jess..."

"This isn't about whether I like him for you or not. This is about the company and you. Do you think Phil really loves you, huh? If he does, he would've manned up and told the whole world about it. Come on, Chloe you're better than this!" He shook his head in disappointment, hoping the young lady would buy it. "You were a mess when your dad brought you to me. Phil ruined your life and now I'm trying to make it better again. Please don't destroy what you have established without him."

She gently removed Jesse's grip around her arm. "I appreciate your concern, Jess. But, if Phil did steal money, he would've gone to Philadelphia or Vegas. I don't know..."

Jesse scoffed, "Were you on it too?"

"My dear cousin, you know how I barely cared about raises and wealth," she laughed then she sighed. "I've thought about taking your place. Yes, it is fulfilling if I get to the top and then what? Women like me rarely gets a chance to be loved like the way Phil does. I want to have a family of my own and I will have it... with him."

"Chloe, don't ruin your life for that man. If you need proof, I have it. You do not know what you're talking about. Okay?"

"Maybe I don't. Please forgive me, Jess."

"I will if you're gonna end your ties with Phil Connor."

"I can't take your place right now, and you should get Jordan. You don't have much time," she suggested. Deep inside, she knew Phil is the one, because it didn't matter to him if she's going to manage the company or not. All he wanted was for Chloe to be happy. Seeing the photo of the life growing inside her drove her to become a better mother.

"After all I did for you, you're going to repay me with this?" Jesse angrily spoke. "And you're even suggesting that a bastard will run the company when I'm gone, you ungrateful bitch." Jordan, his younger bastard brother, never showed up after Jesse drove him away. He's a good man, and worked as hard as Jesse, but the true heir was never pleased because Jordan is a product of infidelity, Jesse's mother's pain. Jesse's mom died out of depression after finding out his father's affair, Jesse was only eight years old and that made him bitter towards Jordan.

Tears welled up in her eyes. "Jesse, I'm not worthy to be your successor. Not now... I need time to fully prepare myself, I can't do this." She walked away, hoping that Jesse will find it in his heart to forgive her. She must prioritize her baby first because her pregnancy is delicate. She uncontrollably cried as she strode along the busy streets. Maybe Phil had done something wrong but... why not? She asked herself. Jesse would never lie about things involving the company, she thought.

He loves her so much, sometimes it's annoying, she knew that. She felt that. His fear of losing her again is a proof that his love for her is genuine. She is drawn to him. Everything he does makes her giggle and blush. For a second, she doubted all of those.

"Chloe!" A familiar man waved from a distance, trying to get her attention. She avoided whoever that was and could barely see that man's face, she continued on walking but the man kept up.

"Hey Chlo, what's wrong?" It was Harold, Jesse's partner. "What happened?" He opened his arms for her and she cried on his chest. "I don't know what to do anymore."