Page 157 of From Rivals to I Do

“Thank you,” I say softly, feeling my cheeks heat up in shame.

We sit there in silence for a while. It starts to get awkward before he finally speaks.

“Rayne, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have let you go when you left my place yesterday. I don’t want to let you go. I’m sorry I freaked out. What you saw with Ria is not what it is. She just arrived yesterday and came straight to my place because I mentioned to her the stuff I was dealing with.”

I listen to him, taking in his words and trying to decide how I feel. Part of me wants to believe and forgive him but another part of me is hesitant. I can’t help but wonder if there is more to the story.

He continues, “I almost lost it yesterday when I couldn’t find or reach you. I came here first and then I went to your mom. I’m sorry my foolishness led you to drink. I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if something had happened to you. Rayne, please forgive me.”

I take a deep breath and try to clear my head, reminding myself to communicate my feelings and boundaries.

“Leonard, I don’t know what kind of relationship you have with Ria, but if it is me, it has to be me. I’m sorry Charlee is the reason your mom is dead, but I don’t want you to date me or have a relationship with my child because of pity, Leo.”

“I promise you, Rayne, it’s not pity. I love you and I love Charlee.”

“Okay, I forgive you.”

He pulls me in for a deep passionate kiss.

“Hmmn, I have missed you,” I say as I kiss him back.

***

Rayne

It has been almost three months since the fight. Charlee seems to love Leonard more than me. Leonard introduced me to Ria and his dad. Things have been

great, and this man is just perfect.

Today I resume my new job at Sterling Holdings. Leonard pulled a few strings for me but I am not about to be that girl who got a job through a man but can’t keep it.

Sterling Holdings has been in business for ages. It was started by Sylvester Sterling, and it has since then been passed on through the generations.

The workday goes by fast. After a lot of introductions as the new secretary, I do a lot of catching up on the company’s policy, mission, vision statement, JD, etc.

Apparently, my role is a shelf position, but I’m happy to be here, not working for Leonard.

My first task at work is to make sure my new boss, Joe Sterling, attends all of his meetings and the last meeting of the day is with Leonard at the City Hotel at 4 pm. At 2 pm, Monica walks in to drop a dress for me, saying it is from Leonard, wishing me a happy first day in my new role. Apparently, it was supposed to arrive earlier so I could wear it to work, but she couldn’t make it due to “unforeseen circumstances.” I take the garment bag from her and wish her a lovely day.

As soon as she leaves, I pull out my phone to thank Leonard. He doesn’t pick up but responds with a text.

“I’m in a meeting at ATM. I’m guessing Monica just delivered your dress?”

“Yes, but I haven’t tried it on yet.”

“You should wear it to the meeting we have later today. Happy first day”

I put my phone down and head over to the restroom to change. The corporate white knee-length dress that Monica delivered is made of crisp and lightweight

fabric with a subtle texture that adds dimension and sophistication to the overall look. The dress has a tailored fit with a slight A-line shape, which flatters the

figure without being too tight or revealing. It features a high neckline and short sleeves. The dress has a hidden back zipper and is fully lined for added comfort

and opacity. The hems fall just above the knee. It’s perfect.

“I love that Leonard has grown to understand my style to this level of detail. The dress is flawless,” I whisper to myself.

I take a selfie in the dress, showing just a little above the hem of the dress to my legs. “See you soon,” I text.

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