Chapter 8 8 Chapter 8 - The Blue Dress Monica's POV T "You hung up on Morris Lorenzo?" Natalie's jaw dropped as we sat in the food court of Paradise Port Mall. "And you're still employed? That's unbelievable!" I stabbed at my salad, trying to ignore the anxiety still bubbling in my stomach. "Trust me, I'm as shocked as you are. According to Paula, I passed some kind of test." My son Austin, oblivious to my workplace drama, happily munched on his chicken nuggets while coloring a picture of a dinosaur. Every few bites, he'd hold up his masterpiece for my approval, his smile melting away any residual stress from the day. "Speaking of your terrifying boss," Natalie said, leaning forward conspiratorially, "there's something you should know about Morris Lorenzo." "What now? Does he cat his assistants for breakfast?" I asked, only half-joking. Natalie shook her head, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "He's young, Monica. Like, really young. Maybe thirty or thirty-one? And from what I've heard, he's absolutely gorgeous." I nearly choked on my water. "Young? I was picturing some grumpy old man with gray hair and reading glasses! Why didn't you tell me this before?" "Would it have made a difference?" Natalic raised an eyebrow. "Besides, I wasn't sure until I confirmed it with Jasper. His company did some contract work for Lorenzo Group last year." The realization that my tyrannical boss was a young man completely shifted my mental image. I had been picturing a seasoned executive with decades of experience-not someone barely older than me. TAK "Great," I muttered. "So he's not just difficult, he's probably some entitled trust fund baby who inherited daddy's company." "Actually, from what Jasper said, he took over after his parents died in an accident. And he's supposedly brilliant-he tripled the company's value in just three years after taking over." I felt a twinge of guilt for my hasty judgment, but it quickly dissolved when I remembered how rudely he'd spoken to me. Brilliant or not, nothing excused bad manners. "Well, I'll find out soon enough what I'm dealing with, I sighed. "Paula says he'll be back from his business trip tomorrow." Natalie's eyes suddenly lit up. "Tomorrow? Then we need to get you ready! You can't meet the CEO looking like-" she gestured vaguely at my outfit, a simple black skirt and white blouse I'd worn for years at my old job. "Like what?" I challenged. 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.