Page 51 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

Just like my father, I’ve allowed materialism and ambition to consume me, prioritizing profit over personal connections.

“God,” I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair. “What am I becoming?”

The truth is, I can’t deny the similarities between us any longer. My father’s greed and ruthlessness have driven a wedge between us for years, and now I find myself following in his footsteps, pushing away the one person who could truly make me happy.

“Enough,” I whisper fiercely. “I won’t let this happen. I won’t become him.”

With renewed determination, I decide to make things right with Maria. She deserves to know how much she means to me, and that I’m willing to change for her. I just hope it’s not too late.

I rush downstairs and into my private parking garage. Jumping into the closest car, I start it up and tear out of the building.

I could call her, but that won’t do this conversation justice. She deserves to be looked in the eye and apologized to.

At the office, I toss the valet my keys and rush into the building. On the ride up in the elevator, I keep my eyes down, wanting to avoid all conversations.

I’m only here for one thing. For one person.

On my floor, I jog out of the elevator and to my office. “Maria?—”

The next words die before they leave my mouth. Maria isn’t in yet.

Wait. Not only is she not in; her desk is clear. Gone are her photos and cutesy anime figurines. The only thing left is the company computer.

My stomach drops to my knees.

“Good morning, sir.” It’s Cathy, from Human Resources.

“Good… morning.”

“I was so shocked to hear about Maria leaving.” She shakes her head. “But don’t worry. I already have several interviews lined up for this morning. We’ll have you a new assistant before lunch.”

I open my mouth to speak, but my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. I don’t want a new assistant. I want Maria.

And not just at this desk. I want her in my life. In my arms. In my heart.

But that’s not going to happen. She’s gone. Obviously, our conversation yesterday was the last straw.

And why should I be surprised? I lied when I said I don’t have feelings for her. I was trying to protect us both, but in the end I’ve only done irreparable damage.

“Sir?” Cathy asks.

I just nod. “Fine.”

Yes, she can get me a new assistant. It doesn’t matter who they are or what their qualifications are. Either way, they won’t be Maria. Either way, my life is falling to pieces, and I’m just standing by, watching it crumble.

CHAPTER 20

MARIA

“And… done.” I finish up the last email of the day, close down the computer, and look around the open office space.

Most people are doing the same thing as me, winding up for the day and chatting pleasantly with their coworkers.

It’s been a few weeks since I quit working for Nathan, and I’ve managed to land myself a new job at a marketing firm. I’m now an assistant to the firm’s founder, which is undeniably a good job.

The people here are nice, too, but I can’t help but wonder why I’m still in this city. With the money Nathan gave me, I could move out of New York and start a new life. But aside from collecting materials to work on the Montauk cabin, I haven’t done anything new.

Every day, I show up to my new job like a robot, with my heart still broken after what happened with Nathan. I guess it’s just easier to keep going through the motions than to confront the pain head-on.

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