Page 204 of Now and Forever

Throughout the time he was with me, he never once mentioned anything about Ivy or his engagement. I wouldn’t have missed that kind of info, knowing how glued I was to him last night, so why had he not disclosed this major factor?

“Serena?” Margery gave me an expectant look.

I blinked a few times, wondering what I had missed. “Sorry, what?” I mumbled, hoping I hadn’t offended her with my flighty mind.

“Your mother mentioned that you needed internship hours. I thought it would be a brilliant idea if Cruz takes you under his wing. It would be a good opportunity for you—”

“Wait, Mum, we need—” he tried to argue, looking ready to combust, but Margery was unrelenting.

“I know it might be odd and difficult for you for a short while, but you will get used to it. Besides, Serena’s like family. Her mother and I agreed that it would be a fantastic prospect for her. It’s already agreed upon. Let’s not try making me break my word to my friend.”

Obviously seeing the tension in Cruz’s reaction, I knew I had to pacify the situation.

“I don’t think that’s necessary, Margery, but thank you. My school offers a list of companies that will gladly open their arms for these things.”

“Are you implying that my company won’t be the best candidate for internships? Because let me assure you, it wouldn’t be featured in Fortune Global 500 if it weren’t,” Cruz justified with pride and a dash of arrogance.

Well, I had no idea what I was declining to begin with. But Fortune Global 500? Fuck. Having that attached to my resume would be beyond impressive; it would be astounding.

“I wasn’t trying to be rude. I just thought it would be better if you weren’t forced to do it out of kindness to me and my mom.” It was too obvious he didn’t want me working for him, and I couldn’t fault him for that. It was his company, after all, so it was his decision, plain and simple.

Masking his reaction, he threw me a steady look. “No one forces me to do anything, Serena,” he stated in a matter of fact tone before eyeing me with such intensity that I almost forgot to breathe. “You can begin on Monday after you finish with your classes.”

I was flabbergasted. What had just happened here?

“Mon-day?” I stupidly stammered, astonished at his rapid change of heart.

“That’s splendid!” Margery gleefully exclaimed while I still kept openly staring at Cruz, my soon-to-be boss.

Fuck. Me.

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