Chapter 18 - A Worried Secretary

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"Here's my report, sir." I handed him the folder before simply looking at his face. I know that he doesn't always smile but he's not like this before, he looked so down. It's probably because of what happened last night.

"Thank you," he shortly said before signing some papers on his table.

I just stood in front of his desk, thinking of what I can do to cheer him up. "Do you want a slice of blueberry cake, sir?" I asked him. Maybe his favorite cake could make him bring back his smile.

"I'm not hungry, Liv." He stayed focused on what he's reading, or more like he's ignoring me.

"Coffee? Do you want coffee?" I smiled when he finally looked at me.

"I just finished my coffee ten minutes ago." Oh, right. Bad idea. He might be thinking that I wanted him to palpitate.

He looked at me like he wanted to say 'Why are you still standing there?'.

"But do you want- "

"Liv, I'm fine. You can go back to your cabin now." He cut me off. I feel like my presence is annoying him a bit so he's right, I must leave. He's not in a good mood and I shouldn't be adding things that would stress him.

"If you need anything, just call me, sir." He nodded so I went out of his office. I glanced at the tinted door before walking but I bumped into Mr. Whitmore. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Whitmore."

"No, it's fine." I was still thinking of Mr. Parker when I didn't realize that I was standing in his way. "Liv, are you okay?" He raised a brow. "You look bothered about something. Did something happen with your boss?"

"Nothing, Mr. Whitmore. I'm just worried about Mr. Parker because he doesn't look like himself lately. I thought maybe because of what happened last night when his parents went to the event… "

He sighed like he already knew what I was talking about. "It didn't end well with his mom, isn't it?" I simply nodded at him before I pursed my lips.

I still couldn't believe that his mom would say those things to him. I mean, he's a dedicated and a hardworking person. He deserves to feel that someone is proud of him, especially his mom. Did he do something that made her look at him differently?

"It happens all the time. But no matter what, Deckard still wants to fix the mess between him and his mom. To be honest, I've seen worse," Mr. Whitmore said. He really does know a lot about his cousin. I'm happy that someone like him looks after Mr. Parker.

"But, what could be the reason?" I asked.

"It's a long story."

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"Ever since I worked for Mr. Whitmore, I already saw how your boss is being treated by his mom. All of us still don't know the whole story behind it, except the two of them, of course. It's a private matter, I guess."

Me and Alice are having our dinner together in a simple restaurant located just across from the hotel. When Mr. Zach and I talked yesterday, my curiosity began to get deeper. I really wanted to talk to him but I assume he might think that I'm invading his privacy.

"It's been two days and his mood hasn't changed since that night. I wish I could do anything to lighten up his mood," I said before taking a sip of my strawberry milkshake.

She looked suspiciously at me with furrowed eyebrows. "You're not having a thing for him, aren't you?"

My eyes widened when she said that. "Of course not!"

She laughed a bit. "Okay, okay relax. I was just asking."

"I'm just worried. Everyone around Mr. Parker has the right to be worried about him. Plus, he treats me well, he treats people well. That's why I feel bad for him."

When I first met Mr. Parker, I thought he was the type of person who has all the fortune that a man could have. A mansion-like house, a hotel to run, infinite money, uncountable properties, expensive cars, and of course, a happy family. But now, I believe that a person who has luxury like him has his own problems and weaknesses too.

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On Thursday, we traveled to New Jersey to check the land where another Parker Hotel will be built in the next few months. It's just me, Mr. Parker, and the architect. The architect went to talk to the engineers and carpenters while he and I are walking towards the place we visited the last time we went here.

"You really like the view up here, don't you, Sir?" I asked. I was standing next to him while holding my bag with two hands. I don't wonder why he likes it in here. It's full of fresh air you could use to breathe and relax.

"This is where I escape from reality." He looked straight at the beach while his hands or deep in his pockets.

"Reality?" I glanced at him and I saw his eyes, they were sad. I'm not used to this mood of him. He's such a happy guy.

"The reality is I know that my mother will never accept me as his own son ever again after what I've done."

I stayed quiet for seconds, not knowing what to say. If my mom was still alive, no matter how many big mistakes I make, she'll never make me feel like I'm unforgivable.

"I don't know the issue between you and your mom but I want you to remember that if you think she doesn't care about you anymore, there's a lot of people who love you and care for you. Like," I sighed before continuing. "Mr. Whitmore and… me."

Our eyes met when he heard me say all those things. "I c-care for you, if," I awkwardly looked away. "that's what you're curious about."

He took a deep breath before returning his sight to the beach. "I lost my sister thirteen years ago."

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