Love lies and a billionaire’s secret

CHAPTER FIFTY–FIVE–WHEN THE PAST RETURNS TO HAUNT

Nia sighed. “My best friend just lost her job unexpectedly. She’s in a really bad place, and I need to be there for her.”

Mr. Harlow’s voice softened. “Say no more. Take care of your friend. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Grateful for his understanding, Nia thanked him and hung up. She quickly packed a bag with comfort. essentials – ice cream, tissues, Maria’s favorite snacks – and headed out.

When Maria opened her apartment door, her eyes were red and puffy, her hair a disheveled mess. Wordlessly, Nia pulled her into a tight hug. Maria crumpled against her, fresh tears soaking Nia’s shoulder.

“Come on,” Nia said gently, guiding Maria back inside. “Let’s get comfy.”

Soon, they were both in pajamas, curled up on Maria’s worn couch. Nia had put on an old episode of ” Friends, the familiar banter a soothing background noise. As they spooned ice cream straight from the container, Nia coaxed Maria into talking about what had happened.

“I just feel so… worthless,” Maria admitted, her voice small. “Like I’m not good enough.”

Nia’s heart ached for her friend. I know that feeling all too well,” she said softly. “After I got out of prison, I thought my life was over. That I’d never be anything more than an ex–con.”

Maria looked up, surprise flitting across her face. They rarely spoke about Nia’s time in prison. “How did you get past that?”

Nia was quiet for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “It wasn’t easy,” she finally said. “There were days I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror. But I had to keep reminding myself that my past doesn’t define me. That I’m more than my mistakes.”

“But this wasn’t even my mistake,” Maria protested. “I was a good employee. I did everything right.”

“Exactly,” Nia nodded. “This isn’t a reflection on you, Maria. It’s just a crappy situation. But it’s temporary. You’re smart, hardworking, and talented. This is just a setback, not the end of the road.”

As the afternoon wore on, their conversation deepened. They reminisced about their childhood dreams – Maria had wanted to be a famous chef, while Nia had dreamed of becoming a writer.

I

“Remember that horrible story i wrote in sixth grade?” Nia laughed. “The one about the magical talking

cat?

Maria giggled, the sound a welcome change from her earlier tears. “Oh god, yes! Didn’t you make me dress up as the cat for your class presentation?”

They dissolved into laughter, the shared memory lightening the mood. As their giggles subsided, Maria’s expression turned thoughtful.

‘Do you ever wonder what our lives would be like if things had gone differently?” she asked softly. “If we’d

stuck to those dreams?”

Nia considered this. “Sometimes,” she admitted. “But then I think about all we’ve been through, all we’ve learned. Maybe we’re exactly where we need to be to become who we’re meant to be.“.

Maria nodded slowly. “Maybe you’re right. I just… I hope there’s still time to figure it out.

“There’s always time,” Nia assured her, squeezing her hand. “And you don’t have to figure it out alone.”

As evening approached, Nia convinced Maria to take a shower while she ordered dinner. Once they’d

THE WHEN THE PAST HEET

eaten, Nia pulled out her laptop.

“Okay,” she said, her tone businesslike. “Let’s update your resume.”

Maria groaned. “Do we have to do this now?”

“No time like the present,” Nia insisted. “The sooner we get your applications out there, the sooner you’ll find a new job.

For the next few hours, they worked on polishing Maria’s resume and crafting cover letters. Nia helped her friend set up job alerts and submit applications to several promising positions.

As Nia prepared to leave, she turned to Maria with a serious expression. “I want you to promise me something.”

Maria looked wary. “What?”

“I want you to see a therapist,” Nia said gently. “Just to have someone professional to talk to during this transition. I’ll even go with you to the first session if you want.”

Maria hesitated, then nodded. “Okay. I promise.”

The friends hugged tightly. Nia pouring all her love and support into the embrace. As she left Maria’s apartment, she felt a mixture of concern for her friend and hope for the future.

A few days later, Nia found herself seated next to Leon at the first planning meeting for a new charity committee. The committee, formed by Leon but separate from Colossius Tech, was headed by Reve Thompson, a respected figure from one of Manhattan’s underserved communities.

“Thank you all for volunteering your time,” Reverend Thompson began, his deep voice resonating through the small conference room. “As you know, our goal is to raise funds for after–school programs in our neighborhood. The centerpiece of our fundraising efforts will be a silent auction at next month’s gala.”

As the reverend outlined the event, Nia found herself hyper–aware of Leon’s presence beside her. His cologne, a subtle mix of sandalwood and citrus, teased her senses. She forced herself to focus on Reverend Thompson’s words.

“We’ll need two volunteers to coordinate the silent auction,” the reverend was saying. “Any takers?”

Before Nia could think better of it, her hand shot up. To her surprise, Leon’s hand rose at the same moment. Their eyes met, a spark of something unidentifiable passing between them.

Reverend Thompson beamed. “Excellent! Nia and Leon, you’ll be in charge of sourcing auction items and organizing the bidding process. I trust you two can work well together?”

Nia nodded, her cheeks warming slightly. “Of course, Reverend. We’ll do our best.”

As the meeting concluded, Leon turned to Nia. “Shall we set up a time to start planning?”

His proximity sent a shiver down her spine. “Sure,” she managed. “How about tomorrow evening, after work?”

Leon’s lips quirked into a small smile. “It’s a date.”

The next evening found Nia in Leon’s spacious office, surrounded by research materials and auction catalogs. They had been working for hours, the sky outside darkening as the city lights began to twinkle.

“What about this?” Nia asked, holding up a brochure. “A weekend getaway at a luxury eco–resort. It’s sustainable, which aligns with our values, and it’s bound to attract high bids.”

Leon leaned in to look, his shoulder brushing against hers. “Excellent find, Nia. Add it to the list.”

As they worked, Nia couldn’t help but be impressed by Leon’s dedication to the cause. His usual reserved.

demeanor had given way to genuine enthusiasm as they brainstormed ideas.