He's taking over the CEO position. Last night at dinner he told me that the paperwork was done and on Friday, he'll officially be joining as Chief Executive Officer. I think for the first time around him I smiled genuinely. Because he's so deserving of it and I am so happy that he's getting something he's been looking forward to since years, according to what my mother told me.

"I'm thinking a party would be nice, Friday night?" He asked me last night and I immediately agreed.

Because it definitely called for celebration. Mrs. George was just as excited at the mention of party. She told me they already had a caterer that they usually hired for parties, so I just had to approve of the menu. The catering company did all the work of arranging things from the scratch so I just told Mrs. George to overlook everything.

"Have you picked out a dress for tomorrow?" My mother asks me on the call as I'm pouring myself a glass of orange juice.

I went for a run today in the evening because I really needed some physical activity to keep me going. I used to go for evening walks but I think I should step it up a little. There's a bead of sweat on my eyebrow while my hair are up in a high ponytail.

"No, but I can FaceTime you tonight and you can help?" I offer.

"I already knew the answer. What about the black long dress you have? You haven't worn that once since you got it." She scolds and I roll my eyes.

"Yes, Mum. But it's back at home, remember? I still haven't got a lot of my stuff."

"Jeremy can drop it tomorrow morning, it's not an issue. I'll ask him to carry the rest of the boxes too." She says and I sip on the juice.

"Yes, sounds good. Hair up or down?" I ask as I make my way to the stairs to head up to my room to take a shower so that I can have dinner in comfort.

"Down, always down."

We talk for another five minutes as I reach my room and finish the orange juice. I really want to wear sweatpants to dinner but I know that won't go well at the dining table with Chloe making one remark or the other. So I pull out a pair of white leggings and black tunic.

I pull over my sweaty t-shirt and throw it in the laundry basket before collecting a towel and opening the door to the bathroom to start the shower. Just a second later the other door shoots open and I freeze in my track.

His emerald eyes meet mine in surprise and I open my mouth to speak but just stare at him. He's wearing a blue shirt, the few top buttons unbuttoned enough to give a peek of his chest and he's wearing gray slack pants. He must've just come back from the office. When our eyes meet again I notice that his eyes are raking over my body, making me realise that I'm standing in tights and sports bra, topless!

"I-um, was just going to take a shower." I speak up, my fingers fumbling with the towel as I try so hard to not stare at his chest.

"Yeah, so was I." He breathes, his eyes finally coming up to my face.

"You can go first." I say, turning around to leave the bathroom because I'm way too embarrassed and I'm sure my cheeks are heated enough to turn into a tomato.

"It's okay. You were here first. I'll leave you to it." He mumbles, making me face him and his eyes seem to be caught upon my torso. "Just don't use all the hot water."

I nod, my fingers shaking a little as he moves out and I lock the door behind him before keeping my forehead against it, breathing out a relieved breath.

That was... awkward.

I quickly take a shower, making sure to not use the hot water before drying myself. I want to tell him it's vacant for him to use so I just knock on the door that connects to his bedroom, holding onto the towel around my body like my life depends upon it.

"Yeah?" He calls out.

"I'm done. Just thought I'll let you know." I speak over the door before getting out. I throw my dirty clothes in the basket before changing into the clean ones.

After running a hand through my hair, I let them air-dry before I make my way downstairs to help set the dinner table. It's just a routine that I've formed now.

Mrs. George smiles at me and Shanley gives me a hand as we set the table. Just as I'm about done, James joins us, his hair damp and he's wearing a dark blue jeans and a black button down. He's been growing his beard over the last week, and I can't say that it doesn't suit him because it really does.

"Hale will be joining us tonight." He tells me and I look up at him, surprised that he didn't mention it before but move to set the silverware for one more person.

Just on cue there's a doorbell and Shanley moves to open it. Hale trolls to the dining table with two pizza boxes in his hand.

"I got us pizza." He grins as he sets it on the table before moving to give me a bear hug which doesn't surprise me anymore because I've realised that's just his way of greeting, "Why didn't I see you around the office today?"

"Because I had to make arrangements for tomorrow." I tell him, pulling away with a smile on my face.

"You know you should act your age sometimes." He pinches my cheeks only to make me swat his hand away.

"Hale. Behave now." I hear the annoying voice of Chloe from behind us.

She moves to give him a hug with a smile and I turn to James who seems to be observing everything silently with a glint in his eyes that I can never seem to read.

"I got us pizza." He tells Mrs. George as she brings out a huge rice bowl.

"Well, Mr. Thomas you can have that for your slumber. At dinner we eat healthy." She reprimands him which only makes me laugh at little.

"Thanks, Mrs. George." I tell her before all of us move to take our seats.

Hale sits by Chloe's side and just as James takes a seat by my side, his best friend speaks up, "You both have damp hair."

His observation doesn't make sense to me but only makes me scowl at him while James glares at him, "Hale. You need to shut up."

"Oh, c'mon. It was just a comment. I didn't imply anything." He laughs and the realisation suddenly hits me and my cheeks heat up for the second time in less than an hour.

Chloe clears her throat as she looks between her brother and I, probably assuming the worst as well because she narrows her eyes at me. But I avoid it as I fill up my plate.

"Where's Carrack tonight?" I ask James.

"Out with colleagues." He shrugs and I nod, passing him the bowl.

"Are we seriously not having pizza?" Hale pouts and I shake my head.

I swear he acts like a teenager at times. He's that carefree, but his company is actually super refreshing. He's two years older than James, which makes him twenty seven. And he looks his age, except for when he opens his mouth.

"You can have it with beer later." James tells him and he happily nods.

The conversation on the dinner table mostly revolves around tomorrow's party. I can tell even some part of James is excited for it by the way he brings it up. Carrack and him would be going to office in the morning for some official paperwork and then will be home for the rest of the day.

After having dinner, I move to clear my plates and Hale gives me a weird look but doesn't comment on it.

"Lillian." Mrs. George calls out and I turn to look at her, "The caterer was asking for the flavour of the cake. We never finalised it." She tells me and I nod, because it totally slipped my mind.

"I'll just ask Hale and let you know? Give me five minutes."

She nods in response and I move out of the kitchen because I don't trust Chloe telling me the truth. She'll probably tell me something to embarrass myself. When I come out both her and James are nowhere to be seen and Hale is making his way behind the stairs to backyard door.

"Hey!" I call out and he stops, turning to look at me.

"What's up?"

"What's his favourite flavour? You know, I need to finalise it for the cake."

He snorts, "I don't think he's a big fan of cake. Whatever you want to order is fine."

I frown at him, "Who doesn't like cake?"

"Your husband." Hale winks at me and I shake my head, amusedly.

"Thanks for the help." I roll my eyes before turning around only to see James a few steps away.

I know I could've just asked him but I thought cake would be a nice touch to the party to congratulate him. I bought him a gift though, from my savings, whatever best I could get him. I just hope he doesn't throw it in my face because I know he can easily afford anything he wants but I wanted to get him something still.

He's staring between his best friend and I, his jaw tightened, making me frown but I don't speak to him as I move to speak to Mrs. George. I tell her to get it three layered with one chocolate, one vanilla and one butterscotch.

I am aware that James and Hale are in the backyard probably having beers and having pizza, so I make my way upstairs to the room. After what seems like half an hour, there's a knock on the door.

I move to unlock the door and James is standing on the other side with his hands in his jeans pocket, "Hey, can I?" He motions towards the room and I step aside to let him in.

"Did Hale leave already?"

He shakes his head, "He's in the theatre room, insisting that you join us for the movie, that way he can get to know you better."

I can't help but smile at that. At least someone in his life wants to know about me, "You can tell him I slept?"

"You don't want to join?" He frowns, confusing me as well because I thought he wouldn't want me to join in the first place.

"What are you guys planning to watch?" I ask, moving around the room to put my phone on charging.

"It's his pick. I'm afraid he'll want to watch some dog movie. You can definitely fight him on it." He suggests and I laugh, shaking my head.

"That's okay."

He seems to be staring at me, "Dad wanted to know if you want to join tomorrow for official paperwork? It's not a big deal since we're already having a party but he wanted it to be your choice."

"Do you want me to be there?" I ask, because something tells me that it should be his choice than mine, "You can tell him I said no if that's what you want."

"It's really your choice. It's just signature and a small tea with board of directors who will be joining the party." He shrugs and I like that I'm being given a choice instead of being told what to do.

"I'll leave with you in the morning, if you don't mind?" I ask and he looks surprised by my answer then nods.

"Yes, okay. Are you coming for the movie?"

I shake my head, "I have an assignment to turn in tomorrow afternoon and I'm already missing the day so I'm just going to catch up on that." He nods at my answer and is about to turn around when I speak up, "You have a theatre room?"

"Yeah, we have a theatre room. Haven't you explored the left wing yet?" He asks and I shake my head because I didn't know it existed. "I'll show it you some time then. Goodnight Mrs. Clark."

"Goodnight Mr. Clark."

The morning comes and goes in such a rush that I don't even catch my breath. James and I kept up the perfect appearance in front of everyone. The board directors were just bunch of arrogant males and females who congratulated him after he signed the paperwork. We were in the office only for a couple of hours but all the smiling made my cheeks hurt, but it was just a trailer for the party tonight.

When we made it back home, Mrs. George told me that Jeremy had dropped by my dress and some boxes that she had moved to my room. I think she was my favourite person in this house and I was extremely grateful for her.

The gift I got for James was lying on the side table, wrapped nicely, making me sigh as I looked at it. I had already taken a much needed nap and shower and had to start getting ready. However I decided to give him the gift first because I didn't want to give it in front of everyone.

I pick up the box before getting out of the bedroom and making my way next door as I knock on it. I've never before knocked on his door so it was natural to feel a little nervous. When there isn't an answer for a few seconds, I start wondering if he could possibly be sleeping. Just as I'm about to walk away the door opens. He's in black sweatpants and a navy blue t-shirt.

"Hey." He looks surprised to see me and I smile at him.

"I just got you a little something. It's not much, but I just wanted to congratulate you. I know it's probably of no use, or just a stupid gift but I didn't know what else to get." I stop when I realise that I'm rambling and he looks a little amused by my verbal vomit.

"Can I?" He motions towards the box in my hand and I nod before giving it to him, "Do you want me to open it right now?"

I shake my head, my cheeks flushed because the last thing I want is his plain reaction to it so I just shake my head before moving towards my bedroom to get ready. The dress my mother sent over was the one I got myself last year because it just looked so pretty that I couldn't resist buying it for myself.

It's nothing extraordinary, just a plain black dress with a low v cut neck and noodle straps going at the middle of the back. There's a separation on upper waist, below which the dress flows freely with a slit on my right leg, starting from the mid-thigh. Since it's so plain black, I pick out a rose gold waist belt to go with it.

I decide on straightening my hair with soft curls at the end, to give them a natural wavy look and do a light nude-shade make up before changing into the dress and fixing the belt. I wear big rose-gold thick hoops along with the dress and black heels.

There's a knock on the door and I don't collect my phone since I really don't need it for the rest of the night. I open the door to find James standing in a suit that's the darkest shade of gray and it's a complete three piece with a white shirt underneath. He's not wearing a tie which is actually a different look for him and three top buttons are undone. He looks breathtaking.

I notice that while I took my sweet time staring at him, he did the same, but then he notices me looking at his face so he clears his throat, "Are you ready? Mrs. George said that some of the guests have already arrived."

I nod, "Yes, yes."

He steps away to let me step forward and I feel the usual nerves clawing at me as I cannot seem to look away from him. How is it that his dark blonde hair unkempt look even better? He offers me his arm when we reach the stairs and I immediately keep my hand around his forearm as we descend the stairs.

When we reach the bottom floor, I didn't expect so many people to already be here. All the chandeliers are lit up, making the living room look more like a party hall with no trace of couches at all. There are round tables set up in the entire floor and I can see how mansion can be used so nicely for party gatherings. Even backyard is open with tables out there.

"James!" I hear Carrack's voice. We both turn towards him and he already has a drink in his hand, "I'm so proud of you, son!"

James smiles at him, "Thanks, Dad. Where's Chloe?"

I've learned to keep my expressions neutral whenever she's mentioned. It's as if she can hear us talking as she appears with a wine glass in her hand, "Jim!" She exclaims before hugging him and I let his arm go, "Oh my god, I'm so happy. You did it!"

"Thanks Chloe." He kisses her forehead and she moves to hug Carrack.

"It's just such a happy day." She smiles at them and I feel like I'm intruding in a family moment but James's hand comes to hold mine and I blink up at him.

"It is, little sister. Enjoy now. I'm going to go meet others." He tells them before taking the lead to move us around the room.

In the next hour almost everyone starts coming as the party starts picking up with music getting a little louder as the chatter becomes noisier. We meet the people on the board from this morning again and they all congratulate him.

When we approach a group of people, James lets go of my hand and I almost frown until he sets it around my waist. I notice that my family enters just then and I immediately catch my mother's eye. They make their way towards us and I notice Amy amongst the group we just approached.

"James, congratulations! If there's anyone who deserves this, it's you." Amy tells him, giving him a genuine smile before stepping forward to hug him and he lets her, hugging her back with his free arm but she reaches forward and places a kiss on his cheek, making me close my eyes as I start feeling pissed again.

Don't let her ruin your night, Lil.

I keep repeating that mantra to myself as she steps away and James eyes flicker to me for a moment. I get distracted when I see Hale and he steps forward to hug both of us together. This man!

"I think I might cry from the happiness." He says parting away from us with a huge grin on his face, "Ah, boy. You know you deserve it."

"Thanks man." James nods at him with a smile.

My family approaches us and both my parents turn to my husband, "Congratulations, James." My father tells him.

"So proud, son!" My mother looks at him as if he's actually her son.

That cues both Jeremy and I to give each other a look as he gives me a tight hug, "Oh, I've missed you little sister even though I saw you last week."

I roll my eyes as I turn towards Hale, "This is my brother Jeremy, and these are my parents." I tell him and he shakes my father's hands, "This is Hale Thomas, CHRO at Clark Enterprise and James's friend."

"It's nice to meet you guys." Hale smiles at them and I look up at James who seems to be lost in his own thoughts.

All of them break out in a conversation while I let my eyes roam around the crowd. Everyone seems to be having a good time with drinks floating around and food being served.

"It looks good, yeah?" James says, breaking me out of my thoughts as he follows my gaze.

I give him a small smile, "Yeah, yeah it does."

Mrs. George approaches me just then, a smile on her face as she turns to James, "Congratulations, Sir."

"Thank you, Mrs. George." He smiles at her so genuinely it warms my heart.

"Should I bring out the cake?" She asks and I nod, "Set up in the centre?"

I nod again and James turns to me, "Cake?" He arches an eyebrow.

"Hale told me you didn't like it, but cake is always good for celebrations." I shrug and he smiles at me.

He really smiles at me. He has never ever in these past few months smiled at me but now his lips are stretched into this beautiful grin that meets his eyes that it almost knocks me over. He's looks so gorgeous that I have to scold myself to look away.

When the cake is set on the table in the centre, James and I, along with Hale, my family, and Carrack and Chloe surround the table. Amy is there too, but I don't let her presence bother me. There are photographers whom I hadn't noticed until now.

Hale starts clicking his champagne glass as he catches everyone's attention, "So I'm still a little butthurt that I didn't get to do a toast at their wedding so I'm going to do it right now."

I can't help the laugh that leaves me and James rolls his eyes at his best friend but there's a smile playing on his lips.

"James, I've known you since you were eighteen. You haven't changed as a person, but only grown more into who you are, more confident, more yourself. I'm sure everyone here knows how worthy you are of holding this position because I sure as hell know it. You've done us all so proud."

His words leave me in awe as I stare at him with emotions swirling inside me. James has no idea how lucky he is to have people who look upto him and love him the way they do.

"Thanks, man." He smiles at him.

"Okay now let's get to the cake." Carrack laughs.

It's white layered on the top but I know insides are three layered. I step back a little to let James have his moment as he picks up the knife and cuts into it and everyone immediately starts clapping while Hale pops upon a champagne bottle, almost getting to my dress and I send him a dead look to which he shrugs.

It's when I look at James's hand cutting the cake that I notice his t-shirt's cufflinks. He's wearing the gift I gave him. I can't believe he's wearing the gift I gave him. It wasn't much, just personalised white gold cufflinks with JC embraced in them along with a small diamond in both of them. I got it customised for his initials and I didn't think he would like it, let alone use it.

The feeling leaves me so overwhelmed that I don't know how to process these emotions. I just stare at him as he takes a piece of cake and turns to Carrack and then to me. I'm taken aback with his actions even more as I bite into the cake.

He looks so incredibly happy with a smile on his face when his meet mine. My lips stretch into a grin almost contagiously but then my breath hitches when he leans down and places a peck on my cheeks, his lips lingering for a second on my skin before parting away, leaving me utterly shocked.

I think he doesn't realises his actions because he continues to talk to everyone as he moves among people and I step back from the crowd a little, thankful not to be noticed.

I need air. Or at least need to be alone for a second. I don't like how he seems to have an affect on me, it can't end good for me because of how caught up he remains with himself. I know he's my husband, but not in a conventional way for crying out loud.

Silently, I make my way around the floor to one of the bathrooms in the back. I tuck my hair behind my air as I reach it and just as I'm about to close the door behind me, a hand reaches in between to me from doing it.

I immediately frown as I turn to ask the person if they need it more urgently but a cold shiver runs through me when I notice who it is.

Richard Lucas. He's wearing that creepy smirk on his face as his eyes rake down my body, "I've been trying to get your attention all night. So glad we're finally alone."