Page 43 of My Billionaire Boss Crush

“Hey, sweetheart,” I respond with a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “I know I’ve been avoiding talking about Blair since everything happened…” I trail off and sigh deeply. “But you have to know that I won’t do anything to make you uncomfortable. If you don’t want me to be with her, you just have to say the word.”

"Dad, I want you to be happy. I know the past was tough, and everything with Mum was a mess, but it's time to move forward."

Her words warm my heart, and I can't help but feel grateful for the bond we share. Summer has been my rock throughout the difficult times, and her maturity astounds me. "I just don't want to hurt you, sweetheart," I reply, my voice tinged with emotion.

She takes my hand in hers, her touch offering a sense of comfort. "Dad, you won't hurt me by finding happiness. I want to see you smile again, to see you with someone who loves and cares for you."

Tears well up in my eyes as her words touch a chord deep within me. I realize that I've been clinging to the pain of the past, afraid to take a step toward happiness. But Summer's love and encouragement open my eyes to the possibility of a new beginning.

"You're right," I say, my voice filled with determination. "I need to stop holding myself back. It's time to embrace the possibility of love again."

Summer smiles, a radiant expression that warms my soul. "I'm glad you see it that way, Dad. And if Blair makes you happy, I'm okay with it. She’s special, and I like her already anyway. You two look good together regardless of what everyone else is saying."

A bittersweet smile tugs at my lips as I think of Blair—the woman who has captured my heart in a way I never thought possible. "She is," I admit, my heart swelling with affection. "Blair is amazing, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have her in my life."

"Then go after her, Dad," Summer urges, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "Don't let fear or other people’s opinions hold you back. Life is too short to miss out on love."

With a renewed sense of purpose, I thank her for her understanding and support, wondering when my sixteen-year-old girl became so wise.

As she embraces me, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders, a weight that I had carried for far too long. I know that moving forward will have its challenges, but with my daughter's blessing, I feel empowered to take the leap.

Determined to find Blair and express my feelings, I set off with a sense of anticipation and hope. As I get into my car and begin my journey, my heart races with nerves. I navigate the familiar streets leading to her father's mansion, my mind a whirlwind of hope and trepidation. What if she has chosen to shut me out completely? What if the damage is irreparable?

As I arrive at the imposing gates, I gather my courage, my pulse quickening with every passing second. The mansion looms before me, a symbol of privilege and protection but also a barrier that separates us.

I press the intercom button, my voice steadying as I announce myself, "It's Alex Graves. I need to speak with Blair."

An interminable silence follows, amplifying my anxieties. And then, a voice crackles through the speaker, filled with a mix of skepticism and caution, "I'll inform Miss Blair of your presence, Mr. Graves."

Minutes stretch into eternity as I stand at the entrance, my heart pounding with anticipation. Finally, the massive doors creak open, revealing Blair, her eyes guarded but curious. "Alex, what are you doing here?" she asks, her voice laced with a touch of wariness.

With gratitude and a surge of determination, I step inside, my gaze sweeping across her body while her eyes flicker with a mix of emotions; surprise, uncertainty, and a glimmer of hope.

All doubts dissipated, replaced by a fierce determination to fight for our love.

Chapter twenty-five

Homecoming-Blair

My heart skips a beat as I open the door to my father's mansion and find Alex standing before me. Surprise, shock, and a hint of anxiety washed over me, leaving me momentarily speechless. How did he find me here? And why is he taking such a risk?

If anyone saw him here and took pictures, the entire mess with the media would get even worse, and I can’t stand seeing Alex distressed.

It's only been a few days since I last saw him, and the sight of his disheveled appearance strikes me with a pang of sadness.

His once neatly styled hair hangs untamed, falling haphazardly over his forehead. His normally clean-shaven face now bears a shadow of stubble, hinting at the neglect he feels within. The lines etched upon his forehead and around his eyes are deeper, betraying the weight of his emotions.

His clothes, once meticulously chosen, now hang loosely on his frame, as if he's forgotten to take care of himself. His shirt is wrinkled, the collar slightly askew, a reflection of the turmoil that rages within him. The vibrant colors that used to complement his presence have faded, mirroring the dullness that has settled in his heart.

But it's his eyes that reveal the depths of his distress. Once filled with a vibrant spark, they now appear dull and empty, reflecting the shattered pieces of his broken heart. The windows to his soul have lost their light, replaced by a haunting sadness that leaves me breathless.

Taking a deep breath, he meets my gaze while my heart pounds erratically in my chest. "Blair, I needed to see you," Alex says, his voice filled with sincerity. "Blair," I say, my voice trembling with a blend of emotions. "I'm sorry for everything, the media frenzy, the pain you've had to endure. I never wanted any of this. I just want us to be together."

My eyes glisten with unshed tears as I look at him, vulnerability and love intertwining in his gaze. "Alex," I whisper, my voice filled with fragile hope. "I've missed you. I've missed us." When he smiles, I step back a little. “But we both know this isn’t going to work. I was a fool to think it would, but… after the past few days, it’s becoming clear that we’re better off not being together.”

“Don’t say that, please don’t say that,” he pleads, his usually confident voice trembling with fear. “I don’t care about what others say. All that matters is that you and I love each other, baby. I can’t function without you in my life.”

I shake my head, crossing my arms over my chest to stop myself from leaping into his arms and kissing him the way I’ve longed to do for the past few days. “I watched the news yesterday, Alex. There’s talk going around that the board members at your company are looking to replace you as the CEO with someone else.”

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