Unlocking my Boss’s Heart (Romance in Sweet Comedy #4)

17. Celia

Chapter seventeen

Celia

I returned to Maddison’s apartment and apologized with a long hug for worrying her, even though I’d texted her several times the last three days to let her know I was okay. She pulled back and held me at arm’s length.

“You know I like to tease you,” she began. “Since seeing Anton here, I thought a relationship outside of work might blossom between you two. I know you—smart, well-grounded—and I know him from the media, with all the hype surrounding who he is. It seemed like the perfect recipe for a couple.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t know what happened, but I’m sorry if I pushed you too hard.”

“It’s not your fault….” I sat back to face her. “Hearing about Reeva’s pregnancy from Anton’s conversation with his brother left me confused. I saw Anton every day, and he didn’t mention it. I felt like I was being lied to. And adding that to the office romance, which was already making me anxious…I needed to get a grip.

“I needed space to figure out my whirlwind of feelings. They were overwhelming, and I believed that if I wanted to keep my focus on becoming a top lawyer, I couldn’t work in the same office with Anton. So, I wrote my resignation letter.”

“Life around the elite New Yorkers—people like Anton and Reeva—presents challenges far different from dating the guy next door,” Maddison said after a moment of reflection.

I nodded.

“But Celia, you only heard pieces of a conversation, not the full story.”

“I can see that now, but in the moment, logic went out the window. What would you have done if you were in my shoes?”

Maddison didn’t answer directly. Instead, she said, “If he promised you that he wants you in his life, give it a chance and trust him. He’s never broken a promise to you before, has he?”

“We’ve known each other for less than three months and dated for about that long. It’s daunting to trust so deeply when there are obstacles, like you mentioned. There’s our background, working together, and now a baby…. I feared more heartache.”

I rested my head on her shoulder and sighed as she asked, “Have you spoken to him about any of this?”

I shook my head.

“Well, you should. You won’t find peace until you do,” Maddison advised, her arms around me.

“I hope you’re right, Maddy. I really do.”

After my conversation with Maddison, worries about continuing to date Anton, despite all his reassurances, only deepened. So, I asked him to come over to the apartment to talk before I returned to work.

Maddison was heading out to give us some privacy.

I watched her grab her phone and keys. “You know you can stay in your room while we talk.”

“You know that won’t work,” she replied. “I’m too nosy to sit still. I would end up interrupting you a million times and eventually just be a nuisance.”

“I hate to keep you from your place.”

Maddison rolled her eyes. “You’re not keeping me away. Besides, mi casa es su casa, right? Promise me you’ll be good. I’ll even bring you a slice of pie from Mrs. Woods.”

“Promise.”

At the door, she turned back. “Just be honest with him, and don’t let it turn into an argument. I would hate to have to clean his blood off my walls.”

I groaned and pushed her gently out the door, finding myself alone in the silent living room. As Anton's arrival drew near, my stomach knotted with nerves. It’d been easier to discuss things with Maddison.

I sank onto the couch, rehearsing how to express my worries to him.

For starters, as coworkers, we weren't as productive in my opinion as we should, because of this relationship. My plan to climb the lawyer's ladder would suffer, and I knew people would question my qualifications if they knew I was dating the boss.

Then, there was the issue of the baby.

Children required constant love and attention, and I never wanted to put Anton in a position where he felt he had to choose between spending time with me or his child.

The entire ordeal had given me too many sleepless nights; it was better to call things off now before we became too attached—before the heartbreak became even more unbearable.

His knock came just then.

“Hey,” I greeted when I opened the door.

“Hi.” Anton kissed my cheek. He walked into the living room and turned to face me. “Are you okay? You look a little…pale.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice a mere whisper of how I felt inside. “Thanks for meeting me here.”

He raised an eyebrow, a silent question hanging between us, but he didn’t voice it. Instead, he smiled softly. “Of course.” He waited for me to sit on the couch before sitting beside me. “So, you said you wanted to talk?”

“Yes, one second.” I got up and walked to the kitchen.

I rummaged around, looking for nothing in particular, just nervous.

For the first time, his presence felt large and almost intimidating. He’d never appeared unapproachable before, even during the interview. This was so different from the comforting aura we had at our first meeting in the bookstore, where his presence was soothing. Now, he seemed more like an adversary than a friend. It was as if I was facing a seasoned attorney in a courtroom.

My throat felt dry. I grabbed a bottle of water and took a sip.

“Can I get you something to drink?” I asked, my voice a little too high-pitched.

“I’m okay. You didn’t invite me here just for a drink, Celia.”

His directness took me aback.

“Yes. That’s true.”

He watched every move I made, waiting patiently for me to come back to the couch. I hesitated, unable to think clearly with him being so close. Why did he have to be so handsome? My mind wandered to the moments of passion we’d shared, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside. If I was going to end things, I couldn’t afford such distraction.

“Let’s talk, Celia,” he coaxed gently. “Ask me anything. I’m an open book, I promise.”

Gathering my courage, I walked back and stood a few feet from where he sat.

“Since that night, I've been thinking about our situation,” I began. No need to specify which night; it was clear to both of us. “I’ve been thinking about it, and….”

My mind went blank.

I groaned internally.

I needed to be clear and concise if I was ever going to get through this.

Anton’s brow furrowed, his expression mirroring uncertainty. “And…?”

Taking a deep breath, I found the clarity I needed. “I don’t think we should continue seeing each other.”

He sucked in a sharp breath but remained silent. Did he hear me? Not sure, I emphasized, “There’re just too many complications. I don't know how to be with someone who—”

“By too many complications, you mean what, exactly?” he asked gently.

The silence that descended between us was suffocating.

“Aside from the situation with Reeva, you’re my employer.” He was expecting me back at work. “I never know if I’ll encounter Anton, my boyfriend, or Mr. Waltons, my boss.”

He opened his mouth to reply, but a buzzing sound interrupted him.

“Excuse me,” he muttered, pulling his vibrating phone from his pocket and glancing at it. “It’s Johan. I have to take this.”

I moved away, not wanting to eavesdrop on another conversation with his brother after what I’d overheard the last time. But the apartment was small, and it was impossible not to hear what he was saying.

“Yeah,” Anton answered, then stiffened abruptly. “I’m on my way,” he said before hanging up. Then, he stood.

“What happened?” I asked.

I could see the worry in his eyes.

“My brother doesn’t know for sure, but it sounds like my father started having chest pain a short while ago.”

I hesitated for just a second before deciding to go with him. There was no time to think; even if we were breaking up, he needed a friend at this moment. This conversation would have to resume later. So, I grabbed my purse and followed him to his car, heading for the hospital. As we drove in silence, I realized that despite my intentions, some bonds were too deep to sever so easily. We were friends and friends are needed in tough times.