Chapter 11

"What?" Michael said, confused.

Jane's jaw dropped. 'I didn't think she'd say that' she thought, looking directly Alice from behind. Michael stood in front of her, still processing the words.

'What did I just say' the thought was on replay on Alice's mind. unable to believe the words came out of her mouth, as she directed her gaze straight at the floor, eyes wide and cheeks flushed.

Suddenly they all turned towards the door, someone was knocking. It was one of the office staff, she stood beside the door.

"Uhm." The air in the room was so tense she could barely keep her words. "Uhm… sorry to interrupt… but Mr. Pearson said I should tell Mr. Cooper that he wants to see him in his office"

She ran out immediately after passing her message. Michael turned back to face Alice, knowing he had to give her a reply before he left.

Michael always resorted to actions whenever words would fail him, and in this moment, they were completely gone.

He lunged forward, placing both his palms on Alices cheeks; she was shocked, as he pointed her face towards his.

Swiftly, he moved in. she followed his rhythm, closing her eyes, giving herself to his motions. His lips met hers as they kissed passionately.

Jane stood as a spectator, watching the man she loves kiss her best friend right in front of her. Her feelings were in a flurry, not knowing whether she should be happy for Alice, be angry at Michael, or be sad altogether.

Michael pulled away from her slowly, as they both opened their eyes. Dropping his hands to meet hers, he held her, looking at her and only her, he said.

"I love you too."

He then turned, releasing his grasp over hands, he rushed for the door as she stood like a statue, watching leave through the door.

The moment he left, both Jane and Alice dropped to their seats. Alice was staring into space, still lost in the moment, wondering how this happened.

Jane looked fixatedly at Alice. "I didn't know you felt that way about him."

"I don't…" Alice said, snapping back to reality. "I didn't… I… I don't know."

"How can't you know? You just kissed him" Jane said.

"I didn't want to. I didn't like him at first, but know, I don't know why my heart is racing."

Jane, speechless at Alice's words, sat in complete silence, unsure of what to do next as she was sinking into her mind. Alice on the other hand stood up to leave.

"I'm sorry Miss Parson, but can I have the rest of the day off?" Alice asked.

"Of course, of course." Jane said, snapping back. "I can handle thing from here."

"Thank you." Alice said as she left.

Once she was out of Jane's office, Alice's confused expression flipped straight into anger. She was heading to the elevator.

"How dare he kiss me." She whispered to herself. Walking down the hall.

"I don't even like him, I'm in love with Hector. She continued, looking confused again. "So why is my heart still beating like this." She Said as she reached the elevator.

She shook her head, attempting to deny her feeling as the elevator doors opened up and she got in.

Michael was on his way to see Hector Pearson, Janes father. Walking through the corridor with a big smile on his face, his heart dancing with joy.

He arrived at the office and knocked. "Come in." a confident voice said and Michael entered, standing beside the door.

"Good day, sir." Michael greeted.

Hector Pearson, a neat, distinguishing looking older man, was sitting at his desk with a newspaper covering his face. He appeared to be in his fifties, but had a healthy physique.

He was too busy reading an article on the stock market to reply Michael. After a short pause, he peaked over the paper to see Michael still waiting by the door.

"Ah, sorry, don't mind my manners." He said, folding and putting the newspaper aside. "Come, come, have a seat." He gestured to a couch by the side of his desk.

Hector's office was much different from Jane's, it was smaller, and didn't have that nice of a view compared to his daughters.

Michael approached, then sat down on the couch, he seemed disappointed by the office, given hectors his name is on the building.

"Sorry again to keep you waiting, I was reading a rather interesting piece." Hector apologized again.

"No problem, sir."

"Very good." The older man said. "So, let's get down to business then."

"Alright." Michael sat up straight to listen.

"Firstly, I would like to commend you for what you've done for the company the past couple of days." He said looking straight at Michael. "As well as saving the life of my daughter."

Michael smiled. "Just doing my job sir."

"And a wonderful job you've done. Which is why, as a reward, I'm inviting you to the gala I'm throwing this weekend.

"Wow, thank you sir." Michael replied with a smile on his face.

"It's nothing really, you're the one, on the other hand who deserves praise, with all the hard work you put in." Hector said. "And secondly, if there's anything you need or would like to know you can always ask me." He continued.

"Okay sir."

"I know it was Sharon who recruited you, so I understand your fondness for her, but just know you can count on me."

Michael looked at the man with interest. It seemed to him like hector was trying to get him on his side, so he decided to dig.

"I do have a couple of questions though." Michael said.

"Alright shoot." Hector replied

"This one is more personal than company related, but will Alice be attending the party this weekend?" Michael asked.

The question seemed to bring out a stir in Hector, as his eyes flared up for a second.

"Of course, she'll most likely attend, seeing as she's Jane's assistant and closest friend. Why do you ask?"

"Well, it's just that she and I have some unfinished business." Michael replied, smiling.

Michael's answer, seemed to have completely upset Hector, as he got up immediately, looking furiously at Michael.