Page 31 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

I crash into my seat, pressing my hands to my face to keep from crying. Even with this mess, I don’t wish to end things with Lance; but the logical thing will be to keep a good distance between us. He won’t accept that. The door from Lance’s office opens, and he enters my office. Seeing him, a sense of calm and stability comes over me.

“Have you been crying?” he asks worriedly, coming to sit on the desk in front of me. I shake my head. “Your eyes are red.”

“It’s just a bit irritating, though I wish I could cry and make everything okay.”

“No need for tears. I’ll make this right. The heads of department are already gathered. We’ll leave when you’re ready to face them.” He caresses my cheeks, while speaking in a soothing voice.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready.”

“I’ve seen you in action, Chasmin. You can do this. I’ll be there with you.” We lock gazes and stare into each other’s eyes for a long moment. I nod, rising from my seat.

“We should do this before I lose my last nerve.”

We hold hands, leaving my office. Passing employees see us and stop where they are, staring openly. Lance barks at them, and they continue to where they are headed. I still feel their judging eyes.

We reach the conference room and take a pause. I take a steadying breath. “I’m ready,” I tell him. He opens the door and I step into the spacious conference room. All the chairs around the circular glass table are filled with several heads of departments. They all turn in their seats, resting their sights on me. The pressure suddenly seems too much to take. Lance’s arm goes around my shoulders, and he caresses my arm. Having him beside me makes it easier, although I see the judgment in their eyes rise. There’s nothing I can do about that.

There are two free seats. Lance and I take them. When he begins to speak, he commands the room naturally. “I’m sure you all know why I called you here. Rumors have been spreading in the company for a while now, and recent news have confirmed them. Unfortunately, the reaction from you all and those in your departments have been less than favorable. I want to address this today. We must foster an atmosphere of cooperation and unity in this company, and today we must achieve it.” He pauses, taking in the expressions of all of them. Some have indifferent expressions, some look deep in thought, while most have sour looks on their faces, Walter Shaw especially.

“Chasmin?”

I look at Lance and squeeze his hand before rising to my feet. “First of all, I want to acknowledge that Lance and I have been in a relationship for a while. I acknowledge that this coming out through tabloids has created a bad impression. It must be addressed. I know you all have solutions and critiques on how we should handle this, but we can’t go to them. Lance and I have developed a strong and deep connection over the past month. We considered everything that might have ended our relationship before this moment, but we have sailed through. I hope to get you support rather than your scorn through this period. I’ve been with this company for three years and have grown to see it as a family.” I stare at each face, seeing a look of understanding on their faces. “I hope we keep it that way. Thanks.”

I sit down, breathing slowly to calm my racing heart. I expect them to start voicing their objections or open hate. None of that comes from any one of them. I comfort myself with a small smile. “I guess we all are in agreement. That’s good. When you return to your departments, I expect you to keep your employees in line. You may leave.” At the end of Lance’s words, they file out of the room one at a time.

When they’re all gone, I leave my seat to go sit on Lance’s thighs. “Thanks, Lance. This feels like a bigger achievement than it should.”

In the wake of this incident, I want to take time off and go on a family vacation with Eric and you. It’ll be a great way to stay out of the public eye for a while.” He holds my hand, stroking it.

I hold my breath looking into his piercing gaze. He wants me to tag along. It should be for him and Eric together. “You don’t have to bring me. This time is for you and Eric. It’ll be best if I stayed back and took care of things...” I stop talking, seeing as he is looking at me with amusement and a faint smile on his lips.

“It has been decided; you’re coming with me. There’s no need to say no. Eric would appreciate your presence – most especially me. I’m beginning to show bad character, where I can’t do without your presence.” He rises, pulling me up with him. I stand in front of him, and he wraps my hands around him. I breathe in his cologne, feeling his broad back. I have no urge to refuse. It’ll be a great time. Any time around Lance is time well spent. “So, don’t think you can run away from me, Chasmin.”

“Never. I don’t think so.” I rest my head on his chest, swaying gently on my feet.

We leave the conference room to return to work. Lance leaves me to go see his brother. Although I’m alone now, I don’t feel as helpless as I had before. I keep my head high, walking back to my office.

It’s a weekend, and time to leave for the vacation. Lance is getting his stuff ready. I go check up on Eric in his room. I enter, seeing the nanny move about the room with a toy of his in hand, playing with him. She stops when she sees me.

She’s a young woman with brown hair and dark eyes. From her smile and charisma, she looks amiable and gentle. I have no cause to be worried about her presence in Eric’s life. “Paula, thank you. I need a moment with Eric. Also, take his bags out.”

“Yes, ma’am. Take your toy Eric.” She hands Eric his toy, then bends and pinches his cheeks. He blushes, waving her hand away and presses his face into his toy. Paula leaves him alone and takes the bag out of the room.

I sit at the edge of Eric’s bed, smiling at him. He gives me a beaming smile in return and comes to sit beside me. “Hi, Chasmin.”

“How are you, Eric? Are you excited for this vacation?” I open my palm, and he places his small hand in mind. My smile deepens. Eric is so pure that I can see why anyone would fall in love with him. It baffles me why Claudette isn’t more protective.

“I am excited, but I don’t know how Dad will react?” He bends his head, his smile falling.

“Why do you think so? Your Dad adores you. He wants nothing more than to spend more time with you. That’s why we’re going on this vacation.” I pull him up to sit on my thighs. My heart clenches with worry. I won’t allow for any resentment to foster between them if I can help it.

“Really?” he asks with bright eyes that are rapidly filling with hope.

“Yes, I won’t lie about this to you. He has been busy, but he hasn’t stopped thinking about you.” When my voice drops, Lance steps into the room in his suit trousers and a white cotton turtleneck.

He smiles at both of us, heading to us. I can’t help the feelings that well up in my chest, looking at him come closer. It feels like standing under the sun and being kissed softly with the wind in my hair. “You both look to be having fun without me…”

Eric cuts Lance off with a squeal of delight, “Daddy!” He opens his arms for a hug. Lance chuckles and lifts him into his embrace. Eric wraps his arms around his neck, smiling softly.

---