Page 45 of Bossalicious Bad Boy

I'm left standing there on 5th Avenue, watching people pass by in a blur of colors and motion. The sun glints off car windows as they rush by, honking impatiently at pedestrians who dare to linger too long in the crosswalks. A nearby street vendor calls out his wares, the aroma of sizzling hot dogs and onions filling the air. As much as I try to focus on the world around me, my thoughts keep circling back to Clara, her wounded expression haunting me.

"Alright, Alex," I murmur under my breath, starting to walk again. "Think. How can you help Clara?"

My mind races through various possibilities – offering her an apology, trying to make amends with her family, finding some way to prove that I was completely ignorant of my father's actions. But nothing feels like enough. Clara deserves more than just words and empty promises.

As I round the corner onto Park Avenue, I spot a small park nestled between towering buildings, a pocket of greenery in the heart of the city. Families gather on benches, sharing laughter and stories while children play in the modest playground. An older couple sits close together on a blanket, their hands intertwined as they watch the world go by.

"Connection," I realize, coming to a stop near the park's entrance. "That's what Clara needs. She's been hurt by the past, and she needs a way to move forward." And maybe, I think, feeling a spark of hope ignite within me, I can be the one to help her find it.

"Hey, buddy!" A sudden shout interrupts my thoughts, and I turn to see a young man jogging toward me, a golden retriever puppy bounding happily at his heels. "Watch out for Max – he's still learning to keep to his side of the sidewalk."

"Ah, no problem," I assure him, stepping back as the puppy weaves around my legs, tail wagging furiously. As I watch the pair continue down the street, an idea begins to form.

21

CLARA

The cold wind bites at my cheeks as I walk quickly to Jessica's apartment, feeling the hurt and mistrust towards Alexander weighing heavily on my heart. My mind races, trying to decipher his intentions and our future together. With each step, I try to shake off the uncertainty that shrouds me, but it clings to me like a stubborn fog.

I reach Jessica's door and give a soft knock, feeling my hands tremble slightly. The door swings open, revealing my little sister's bright eyes and her warm smile, which contrasts sharply with the chilling air outside.

The door to Jessica's apartment swings open, revealing her wide-eyed expression and a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Clara! What are you doing here? Come in, come in."

"Thanks, Jess," I mumble as I step inside, my heart heavy with the burden of what I've discovered.

"Is everything okay? You look really upset."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself before I speak. "I found out something...about Dad and Alexander's father. It's not good, Jess."

"Sit down and tell me," she suggests, gesturing to the cozy blue couch in her living room. We sit beside each other, and I can feel her tense up as she braces herself for whatever news I have to share.

"Remember how Dad lost his company?" I ask, swallowing hard against the knot forming in my throat.

"Of course. It broke him, Clara," Jessica murmurs, her eyes filled with sadness.

"Turns out it wasn't just bad luck or poor management," I say, my voice trembling. "Alexander's father orchestrated the whole thing. He sabotaged Dad's company, took it from him, and left him with nothing."

"What?!" Jessica gasps, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. "How did you find this out?"

"I found proof," I explain, my hands gripping the fabric of my skirt tightly. "That's why Dad turned to alcohol. He was drowning in shame and despair, all because of what that man did to him."

"Clara, I'm so sorry. This must be so hard for you," Jessica says, reaching over to squeeze my hand reassuringly.

"Jess, I'm furious!" I exclaim, my emotions bubbling over like a pot left on the stove too long. "That man destroyed our father and ruined his life. And now I'm working for his son, who's just as much of an arrogant billionaire as his dad!"

"Clara, you need to calm down," Jessica says softly, her dark eyes filled with empathy. "I know this is devastating news, but getting angry won't change anything."

"Easy for you to say," I snap, immediately regretting my harsh tone. "Sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

"Hey, it's okay," she reassures me, rubbing my back gently. "But you have to remember that Alexander isn't his father. He might not even be aware of what happened between them."

"Maybe," I concede, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. "But how can I continue working for him, knowing what his family did to ours?"

"Take it one step at a time," Jessica advises, her voice steady and calming. "Talk to Alexander about it. See what he has to say."

"Talking..." I echo, chewing on my lower lip. "We’re not really talking right now, no matter how hard he tries to push it.” My voice is laced with anger as I stare at the ground.

"Wait, back up a second," Jessica interrupts my racing thoughts, her brow furrowed. "You and Alexander... Do you have feelings for each other?"

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