THE CEO AND ME!

"Are you happy??"

Her question took me off guard. It was not something I was expecting her to ask at all.

I thought of having her judgemental views or maybe mock me for my poor condition.

But then Pauline...she was always so different. I looked up at her and smiled.

"I love him."

I hoped she understood it all. And by the looks, she did. She smiled back at me.

Who could relate more with me than her??

She too loved a man, not of her class and struggled to make a place for herself in it.

"I m glad. At least you ended up being with the man you love...and that is all that matters."

Pauline elaborate. I could not agree more with her.

And suddenly it started to rain again. July rain could never stop even on a sunny day.

"And here it rains again...why don't you come with me to visit our farm till the rain stops??? Daniel would be so happy to see you...and our gardener could pluck some fresh fruits and vegetables for you in the meantime. "

Her offer seemed tempting but I intended to decline. I had no time to mingle and hang with people like I used to do.

"I will drive you back home...please do not decline..."

She pressed, holding onto my hands. I opened my mouth to say otherwise but her black Mercedes stood parked in front of us and she stepped forward, opening the door for me.

It would be rude to decline her then so I went in. Plus, it was raining too so there was no way I could go shopping right then.

Spending that time, making acquaintances with the people of the town seemed reasonable.

On the way, I dropped a text to my husband saying I was off to visit the Andersons.

I felt bleak seeing the phone screen on not receiving any texts back from him. He had not even seen them because they were not marked blue.

What was he doing?? I thought

"We are here."

Pauline said and I slipped my phone back into my jeans pocket to look outside. The place was huge.

The Mercedes drove in between the paddy fields. The workers were still working in the rain.

I had no idea that the Anderson's were involved in the crop business too. To the west of the field, there were spots reserved for cultivating fruits and vegetables.

The tomatoes, pumpkins and chillies were blooming along with cauliflower, cabbage and so many varieties of spinach.

I was in awe watching it because I had never been to a crop field. It was just so muddy and green.

"The view is relaxing, isn't it??"

Pauline implored and I could not help but agree with her. Maybe that was why the old couple decided to settle here, away from the city.

We got out of the car and headed towards the big mansion, spread around the vast plot of land.

"Honey?? Look who I walked in to.."

Pauline called out to her husband who was sitting on the veranda, reading the newspaper.

We both stepped upon it. Mr Anderson looked old, his hairs were gone and his face all wrinkled.

Pauline looked so much younger than him. It only confirmed their age difference but then their love surpassed it all.

And maybe, that was why they were still together while so many had been either divorced or felt out of love in the past years...yet they were going so strong.

"Tinsley??? You mean the daughter of Rutherford??"

Mr Anderson fixed his specs to look at me clearly. I smiled at the old man, not knowing what to say to that...yes or no?

"Yes, my love. She is a Randall now. "

"What?? They married her already??"

Mr Anderson freaked out and I looked at Pauline. She did tell me how her husband was suffering from a shortage of memories. He forgot most of the things.

"She married the man she loved."

Pauline's answer was sweet and simple. Mr Anderson frowned.

"I have not heard any Randall. Make me remember if we have any acquaintance with them, my dear?"

It was obvious the Randall name would not be heard by this upper-class society. It was Kian's maiden name.

"We know them by Wilson...Valeria Wilson's nephew. She married Kian Wilson, now Randall, my love. "

Pauline explained to her husband, very patiently and it appeared, Mr Anderson came to recognise Kian.

"Did someone mention about Kian Wilson??"

A manly voice, with a faint British accent, questioned and we all tilted her head in the direction from where it originated and my eyes widened on seeing the man behind the voice.

"Nathan??? What a pleasant surprise!!! You were to land in the evening..."

Pauline excitedly exclaimed and hugged her nephew. Nathan embraced her back, even though his eyes were still on me and I could not part mines from his.

"I forgot to tell you, honey. He arrived as soon as you left for the shop."

Mr Anderson added. Pauline stood beside her old husband, letting go of Nathan. He walked up to my side.

"Nathan, you remember, Tinsley??"

"How could I ever forget?? "

Nathan chuckled on my way. Pauline and Mr Anderson watched us make acquaintance.

"Now that the entire state is talking about her and Kian."

My face dropped as soon as I heard that. Pauline narrowed her eyes on him, shutting him up.

"So do you love him or it's another contract??"

"Nathan, where are your decency??"

Pauline scolded him to which he gave deaf ears. It aggravated me so much, remembering our first encounter back when we were teens.

He always so looked down upon me. Back then too he judged me and still to this date, he was doing the same.

"This time, luckily, I ended up marrying for love. "

I smirked at him and he did back. He was about to say more but then Pauline invited us all inside over a cup of tea and chit chat.

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