Page 51 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
“Rosie is still with Catherine. I had hoped she’d bring the little one over today, but it’s late now and they’re probably both asleep. I managed to convince Kim to work for me. At least she’s staying for a trial week…” I tell her everything. Every detail. It just feels good to talk to her about it.
Only when I hear the front door do I stop. The hour has passed. It felt like a fleeting minute.
“Keep your fingers crossed for me, okay?” I get up, kiss her forehead, and let go of her hand.
Amani approaches carefully as I turn. “Her vitals haven’t changed. I’ll go now. Have a peaceful night.”
“Okay. Thank you.” She sits down in the armchair while I leave the house right away.
It takes everything out of me, every time I come here—not knowing whether she might have died just before, or if she could have woken up while I wasn’t there. Both possibilities are cruel. I don’t even know what I should wish for.
If she dies, she’s gone, and I’ll have to bury her.
But after four years, all hope fades.
If she wakes up again, she could be in a persistent vegetative state or have suffered severe damage. I know my mother well enough to know she would never have wanted that.
She’s still stable enough that I can’t have the machines turned off. But if her condition worsens, I’ll have to decide.
Do I let her go? That would mean the end. Killing her.
Do I keep her alive? That wouldn’t change anything. Maybe she’d suffer. Maybe she doesn’t want to die because she’s still somehow aware. Or maybe she wants it to finally end.
I can’t ask her anymore.
I remember her words—that she never wanted this. But she also wouldn’t want her fate, her life, to be in my hands.
So, I swing between two feelings that consume every second of my life. On one hand, I hope she’s still alive because I can’t bear to lose her. On the other hand, I want her to finally find peace.
The worst part is, I hate myself for both thoughts. There’s no winning here. Only loss.
When I return to the mansion, the kitchen is clean, and everything is in its place. She obviously thought it through and didn’t just shove the pots, pans, and plates anywhere. I admit, I have a pretty unusual system of organization—not easy to figure out. First point in her favor.
Kim isn’t in the living room or any of the other rooms downstairs. Since it’s already well after midnight, I assume she’s asleep.
It’s a strange feeling, knowing such an attractive woman is here in my home, and that we won’t be sleeping together. Kim is off-limits. The good thing is, she sees it the same way. That’s the perfect foundation for both of us to build a solid, long-term working relationship.
After a long shower, I head to bed. I set my alarm for 9 AM. I’m curious what she has planned for tomorrow morning. Maybeit really will just be eggs. If so, I’ll book her a cooking class so breakfast can actually become a pleasant experience.
Chapter 13
Kimberley
What an incredibly beautiful house. In the basement there’s a home theater—thanks to the high ceilings—and a private pool, though he doesn’t seem to use it much right now. At least, there were no fresh towels, shower gel, or shampoo by the showers. The library must hold several thousand books: literature from different countries and plenty of thick volumes on natural medicine, mythology, and physics. There’s even a small section of children’s books that Rosie surely enjoys. I love when children are taught from an early age that their imagination is more valuable than just being washed over by TV shows or movies.
I peeked into several rooms but finally decided to take a long bath and then go straight to bed. That way, I could still chat withChloe a bit—though I haven’t told her about my little detour yet. She really should be the first to know about all this, but I haven’t even told my parents.
I want to figure this out on my own.
And afterward, I can talk to her and to my family abo01ut everything.
Now I’m sitting in my new bed, surrounded by the softest pillows I’ve ever01 had the pleasure of cuddling with. Even though the whole room has a very minimalist design, there are so many details to discover. I especially love the balcony overlooking the garden. The artistic molding on the ceiling and walls invites daydreaming, and with the sheer fabric draped around the four-poster bed, I feel like a princess. Did he have this room prepared just for me? Everything seems so new and so carefully thought out.
That night, I sleep as if on a soft, cozy cloud. I wake up ten minutes before my alarm and enjoy the sunbeams sneaking through the curtains. In daylight, I can admire the garden and the magnificent flower-covered balcony even more. What a splendid view…
I savor the moment, then head to the bathroom. After a long shower and my morning ritual, I open the door to the walk-in closet. Door open—boom! Walk-in closet. Door closed—bam. Nothing to see. Door open again—zap! Clothes everywhere. I play around with it a bit like a child before finally picking out something stylish: a black pleated skirt and a dark blue blouse. I pin my hair up. To match: pearl earrings and a gold bracelet.Simple but elegant. I’ll only put on the black heels when we leave; for now, the comfy plush slippers will do while I prepare breakfast in the kitchen.
And I’ve thought of something special for him. Instead of boiled eggs, I’ll surprise him with a sweet breakfast that not only tastes delicious but also looks beautiful.
