Page 89 of Your Second Chance
I’d brought him in to ensure everything was airtight. The goal was simple: coordinate with a discreet, mid-level paparazzo who’d capture a few staged photos of Ollie and me, giving the appearance of a casual, romantic stroll through town.
It was all about optics. The story we’d sell would solidify that Ollie and I were together and that the baby was part of our happy little narrative. If anyone went digging, they’d find aseamless, polished version of the truth, and there’d be no room for speculation.
I had to make sure Peter was fully on board and that the execution would be flawless. This wasn’t about my privacy; it was about protecting everyone involved, including my job with the team.
Fingers laced in mine, Ollie and I walked inside the large office building. As we passed the bathroom, he laughed and pointed. “Remember?”
I giggled, the memory of our chaotic first meeting flashing through my mind. “How could I forget?”
We continued down the hall to the conference room, where Peter was waiting for us.
“Come in,” Peter said, holding the door open as we stepped inside.
I scanned the room and froze when I saw a familiar face standing at the end of the table. My hand dropped from Ollie’s as I took a step forward.
“Iris?” I blinked as my mouth gaped.
It was her—my old boss, standing there as if she belonged in this room. My mind raced, trying to piece together why she was here, of all places. Ollie glanced between us, his brow raised, clearly waiting for an explanation.
I couldn’t move, couldn’t think. “What are you doing here?”
I shook myself out of my shock and ran toward Iris, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I can’t believe this. What’re you doing here?”
Iris smiled, pulling back and guiding me to sit in the chair beside her. “When I heard Peter’s favorite employee was going on maternity leave, I had to come see for myself.”
“Oh, right,” I said with a soft laugh, patting my belly.
Iris’s expression shifted, more serious, but playful. “Leave.” She waved a hand at the boys.
I whirled in my chair. “This is my old boss, Ollie. Can you give us a second?”
Ollie furrowed his brow. “Alright.” He glanced at Peter, and the two of them stepped out, leaving Iris and me alone.
She reached her hand toward me, and I took it. “I’ve missed my favorite employee.”
“I can’t say I miss Chicago much,” I replied, flicking my eyes to the one-way glass, where Ollie stood on the other side. Turning back to Iris, I hesitated, then blurted, “The baby is Austin’s.”
Her hand tightened on mine, but her expression didn’t shift, only softening. I took a deep breath and quickly told her the story—the whirlwind of everything that had led to this point, from the press conference I saw before I boarded to the pregnancy test result in the airplane bathroom.
Iris squeezed my hand as she leaned forward. “I was so sorry to hear about Austin. I always hoped he’d pull himself together, for your sake, but...” She paused, and I looked at her. She was right. Everything she warned me about. “You deserved better, Nova.”
“Leaving was the best decision I’ve ever made, even if it was terrifying at the time. Being here, starting over... it’s been everything I didn’t know I needed. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and for firing me.”
Iris smiled warmly, brushing her thumb over my knuckles. “I always knew you’d find your way. You’re tougher than you give yourself credit for.”
I tilted my head, curious. “How’s work? Still running the show like you always do?”
“I’m thinking about retiring in a few years,” she admitted. “I don’t have forever to do this, and... well, I’m seeing someone. Life’s too short not to enjoy it while I can.”
A genuine smile spread across my face. “I’m so happy for you, Iris. You deserve that.”
She squeezed my hand one more time before sitting back in her chair. “Enough about me. What can I do to help you, Nova?”
I took a deep breath. “I need your expertise,” I said, my tone serious. “I can explain everything, but I could really use your help.”
Iris nodded without hesitation. “Of course. Whatever you need.”
She stood and walked to the door, motioning for Ollie and Peter to come back in. As they entered, Ollie’s gaze landed on me, concern and curiosity mingling in his expression. He moved to sit beside me, his hand instinctively reaching for mine under the table.
