AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Exie tilts her head and says sarcastically, “Because we can. I don’t work for you and run my own family business. The woman you have been head over heels for since high school is my best friend, and you need her because no one, and I mean no one, will put up with your work attitude.”
Kalum rolls his eyes and shakes his head, brushing off whatever Exie says. The part that gets me is the part that he doesn’t acknowledge what we shared last night. Like it was a dream and what we shared never took place. Finally giving in to each other. His next words don’t calm my raging soul that screams inside of me like a warning.
“I did what anyone would have done in that situation. It was wrong and if you ever ask someone to go with you to a business dinner and those people treat them like they are a piece of meat and embarrass you, you would have done the same thing I did for a friend. It was wrong, and he deserved it.”
A friend? That is how he sees me? A friend? I grip the hand of the fridge and close it more forcefully than I should have when I put back the creamer for my coffee. No one notices except Exie, and the look she gives me tells me she understands my doubts about Kalum and his true intentions.
Regret instantly floods my veins, mixed with guilt. Regret for giving in to Kalum and sleeping with him when I should have known better and guilt for feelings I should not be having for someone from my past that was friends with my husband. My eyes sting because of the shame I’m feeling. How could I have been so stupid to think I meant anything more to Kalum than any other woman he has been with. There is no way Kalum will ever see me as more than a friend. It was fear that I felt deep inside, and I should have listened to it, and now I need to stick to the plan I had more than ever.
Save money and start my life on my own terms. I probably will not be able to give Lane Jr. the material things his father could provide until he is of age and he can inherit everything his father left him, but where I grew up and how my parents raised me taught me one thing, and that was love. It is the most important thing that will matter. Fancy things are nice, but love is priceless. There is no money that can amount to the love of a mother that would sacrifice everything for their child and that is what I vow to give to Lane Jr. My love and support.
Chapter 18
Kalum
It has been two weeks since that night with Aura. I have been avoiding her because I don’t know what to say or how to act. She has been distant ever since that day Janine scolded me about what happened with the dinner. That asshole has backed off, but I’m more nervous about what I’m about to do. A step I’m about to take with my parents. Something monumental that has to take place for my sanity, or everything I have sacrificed would have been for nothing. My ultimate sacrifice was… her. I had to let her go because of them.
The door to my office opens and Janine strolls in. “Your parents are in the conference room with the…” She clears her throat. “Colorful bears, and the screen is on with the rest of the board members. I wanted to ask…”
“What, Janine?” I ask impatiently.
I lean back in my office chair, looking at her with her short hair and impeccable suit as she stands there with her hands clasped together and I’m sporting a grin.
“Bears, sir? Why would you have ten bears, one seated in every chair and two envelopes?”
“You will understand because you are coming with me to share the news.”
“What news?”
I get up from the chair and straighten my suit jacket. “You will see. Everything has a purpose, and they will soon understand mine.”
“Whatever,” she mutters, shaking her head, waiting for me to head out of my office.
We enter the boardroom, and my father is the first one to call out. “Kalum. What is the meaning of this meeting? And why are you still keeping these bears? If I have to look at these bears a second longer—”
I raise my hand to stop him from rambling on. “You will see. Please.” I wave to the other two vacant seats at the table so they can take a seat and I can explain the purpose for calling this meeting with the board.
“Have a seat, Mother.” I nod in her direction. “Father.” I nod in his direction.
Once they are seated, I unmute the screen where all the board members are in attendance to give them the news of an upcoming decision before it is released to the press.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am ready to begin this meeting so we can make our announcement.”
“Yes,” they all say in unison.
I look at both of my parents while I hold both envelopes made out in their names.
“I have called this meeting because of an important decision that has been made by all board members regarding both of your futures with the company. You have been active members and founders of this organization but as silent holders, we have come to the conclusion that you are no longer needed as active members.”
“What is the meaning of this, Kalum? Have you lost your mind?” my mother says, her face red with rage.
“Actually. I haven’t lost my mind. You see, I have sacrificed my life for this company, and the other board members agree. I have quadrupled what both of you have generated in profits as the current CEO of this company, and apparently, I have the majority share joined with the rest of the board members. We outvote you. We have come to the decision that you will no longer be on the board of this company, and I am prepared to give you your remaining share, plus a bonus. You have more than enough put away for the rest of your lives and this will not affect you financially.”
“What is the point of this, Kalum? You cannot take the company away from us. We built it!” My father roars.
My voice is hard and laced with steel. “Like I said, I am freeing you of any obligation from the St. Claire conglomerate. Both of you are no longer needed.”
I slide the white envelopes across the table. They both open them and my mother is the first to look like she will faint. She places her hand on her chest and blurts. “One hundred thousand dollars! Are you out of your mind?”
