Chapter 28 28 Chapter 28 - Sleepless Questions Morris's POVO Insomnia claimed me as I paced my apartment floor all night, thoughts racing through my mind. By five AM, I surrendered to the need for physical release and headed down to the building's gym. For sixty straight minutes, I battered the punching bag, each strike carrying my frustration. Seven o'clock found me already at my desk, earlier than anyone else. I decided to make that carly morning productive by calling Dylan Harris. I knew the man was an carly riser, always at his desk before dawn. Our conversation was productive - I outlined our situation and mentioned that contacting him had been Monica's recommendation. His voice immediately brightened at her name. Monica? Now that's a sharp mind. Her insights were invaluable during our previous collaboration. She has a knack for finding evidence others miss." Just as we wrapped up the call, a message from Monica lit up my phone screen. She needed to come in late, explaining her son's babysitter hadn't arrived yet and her boy couldn't attend daycare. I messaged back instantly: "Monica, take the day off. Stay with your son." Her response came quickly: "Not necessary, sir. His fever has broken. The babysitter is fully qualified and completely reliable. She'll contact me immediately if anything changes." I smiled at her response - her dedication to both motherhood and professionalism was remarkable. The door opened as Paula walked in, a familiar smile crossing her face when she saw me. "What brings you here so early, kid?" she asked, using the nickname she'd never abandoned despite Darren and I being grown men. "Sleep eluded me. Figured I'd make use of the quiet hours." "You look exhausted," she observed, studying me with maternal concern. "The company situation?" "Partly. But I'm confident we'll contain the damage. Monica's suggestion about contacting Harris was brilliant. We're meeting tomorrow. He speaks highly of her." "No surprise there. That woman has something special about her." "She certainly does. She's... captivating" The word slipped out before I could stop it. "What about you? Why are your here at dawn?" "Coordinating the lower floor evacuation. But don't change the subject - what else kept you awake?" 1/4 < 28 Chapter 28- Sleepless Questions I hesitated, knowing Paula wouldn't relent until I confessed. "Paula, why didn't you tell me Monica has a son?" "Because that wasn't my information to share." Her eyes narrowed. "Is that what's bothering you?" "Don't play innocent, Paula. You know me too well. Monica has... affected me." "I'd say considerably more than 'affected, Morris. But why is her having a child problematic?" "It's not problematic," I clarified honestly. "It just... unsettled me." "Wait until you properly meet the boy." "I already did, yesterday." I recounted the previous day's events, including the doctor mistaking me for the father. Paula laughed heartily at that part. "He's remarkably articulate and friendly for his age. Something about him reminds me of you as a child," she commented, which stirred an odd sense of familiarity I couldn't place. "He was quite drowsy yesterday. The doctor explained it was the fever and medication his nanny had administered." "So you didn't notice his eyes?" "What about them? If they resemble his mother's, they must be striking." Her question piqued my curiosity. "They are indeed," she replied cryptically, clearly withholding something. "Paula, tell me about the boy's father." "I know everything, but that's Monica's story to tell. If she wants you to know, she'll tell you herself." What was this mystery? Was the father some dangerous individual? This unexplained curiosity was consuming me, and I couldn't understand why I cared so deeply. Darren burst through the door next, radiating his usual morning energy. "Well, well! My two favorite people here so early! How's everyone doing?" He planted a kiss on Paula's hair. "Your friend here is sleep-deprived," Paula reported. "Morris, we'll handle the company crisis. Relax." "I know we will, Darren." "Then what kept you up? Miss Monica perhaps?" His teasing tone was unmistakable. 11:33 "Right on target!" Paula chimed in, smiling. "Enough, both of you," I warned as they giggled like teenagers. "She has a son." Darren's eyebrows shot up, and I repeated yesterday's events, with Paula nodding along. Darren's expression turned serious +305 "And that's a problem because...? You've never been the type to judge single mothers. Don't tell me you're starting with Monica." "Of course not. Having a child only makes her more remarkable. Raising a child alone takes incredible strength - I've watched Paula do it with her daughters." "Then what exactly is bothering you?" Darren pressed genuinely confused. "I wish I knew. It just is." A gentle knock interrupted us as Monica entered. "Good morning everyone. Morris, I've just arrived. Thank you for understanding about this morning." "No need to thank me. How's Austin doing?" "Much better, thankfully. Children bounce back quickly." Her smile was genuine but tired. "Monica, you've been hiding a little man from us! I need to meet him - I'm an outstanding uncle!" Darren declared enthusiastically. "I'm sure you are," she laughed. "When he's feeling better, perhaps you all could come for lunch at my place. Just promise not to teach him your habits of whistling at women!" "I make no guarantees!" Darren winked, ever incorrigible. "Monica, remember you're not alone anymore. You have friends here - count on us for anything." Her eyes glistened slightly as she thanked him. Before everyone dispersed, I briefed them about my conversation with Harris, mentioning his fondness for Monica, which brightened her expression. I confirmed we'd work from my house Saturday and told Monica she needn't attend. "Absolutely not, Morris. I've never compromised my professional responsibilities, which hasn't prevented me from being an excellent mother. I've arranged everything with the sitter, and Natalie will be home tomorrow too. My son will be perfectly fine, and I will be working." Her tone left no room for argument. My admiration for her grew even stronger. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.