Cherreads

Chapter 20 - Celia

Celia walked into the office. Her long, silver-dyed hair flowed down to her waist, complementing her light blue eyes and pale complexion.

She had a striking figure—her white button-up shirt hugged her chest, and her black skirt outlined her slim waist and curvy hips. Black stockings ran up to her mid-thighs, with a choker-style garter adding a unique touch.

"Good morning, boss," she greeted sweetly as she stepped inside.

"Morning, Celia," Roy replied with a brief glance.

She placed a file neatly on his desk. Roy flipped it open and started reviewing the contents.

After a moment, Celia asked in a soft voice, "Boss, are you feeling okay today?"

Roy raised his eyes with a calm expression and gave a slight nod. "Why? Do I look like I wrestled a ghost last night?"

Celia chuckled lightly. "Not exactly. You just look a bit pale… like someone drained your batteries."

Roy smiled remembering the last night and good morning blowjob first thing in the morning and leaned back slightly.

"I may have overdone it with some intense strategy drills last night. Nothing serious—just feeling a bit worn out."

Celia raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. What kind of "strategy drills" could leave someone that exhausted?

Switching gears, she continued, "I contacted MNT Capital. They said the sooner we schedule a meeting, the better. So I set it for next week based on your availability."

"Excellent," Roy nodded approvingly. "What do you know about them?"

"They're a relatively new player," Celia said. "Started about three or four years ago and have quickly gained traction in the northern and eastern markets. They've built strong ties and a reputation for being sharp but fair. Companies that tried shady deals with them? Crumbled."

"Sounds like my kind of people," Roy mused with interest.

She added, "Their CEO is a woman, and the executive I spoke with is her daughter. She'll be attending the meeting as well."

Roy tapped his pen thoughtfully. "So they reached out first. That says something. If we play this right, it could open some big doors for us."

They spent the next hour going over plans and prepping documents until lunchtime rolled around.

Roy decided to grab a bite at the café on the top floor of their building. As they walked toward the elevator, Celia said with a smile, "Would you mind if I joined you for lunch today?"

"Not at all," Roy replied casually. "Better company than spreadsheets."

He had known Celia for quite some time. Their dynamic was relaxed but professional. She was sharp, organized, and always a step ahead. With a degree in management and a keen business sense, she had become one of Roy's most valuable team members.

The top-floor café had large glass windows that offered a view of the city skyline. The noon sun lit up the space, casting soft light over the modern, quiet dining area. Roy and Celia sat by the window, each with a tray in front of them—Roy had a steak sandwich with fries, while Celia chose a light salad and fruit bowl.

"I see you're eating like a warrior after battle," Celia said, eyeing Roy's plate with a grin.

Roy smirked. "Strategy drills burn more energy than you'd think. Gotta refuel."

Celia chuckled and took a bite of her apple slice. "Right. That, or you're just avoiding vegetables like a five-year-old."

Roy pointed a fry at her. "Hey, I'm a grown man. I've earned the right to dodge broccoli."

She smiled, resting her chin lightly on her hand as she watched him for a second too long. Then she quickly looked away, stirring her salad as if it suddenly needed her full attention.

Roy didn't notice. He was sipping his coffee and scanning something on his phone.

Celia's smile faded slightly. She liked these moments—quiet, easy, and warm—but they always left her heart feeling a little heavy. Roy was married. Not that he ever talked about it much. But still, it was enough to remind her of the line she couldn't cross.

She cleared her throat. "By the way, I updated the investor pitch deck. I added a few slides about the upcoming market trends—might help with MNT Capital."

"Smart thinking," Roy said. "That's why I keep you around, Celia. You make me look like I actually know what I'm doing."

Celia laughed. "Is that my secret role? Chief of Covering Up Boss's Chaos?"

"Exactly," Roy replied, raising his coffee cup like a toast. "To my secret weapon."

Celia clinked her juice glass against his playfully. "Cheers to that."

She wished she could say more. She wanted to tell him how much she admired him—not just as a boss, but as a person. His drive, his patience, even his dumb fry jokes. But what good would that do? He had someone waiting at home. And she had a job to do.

So instead, she smiled. Bright, professional, and just a little too perfect.

"Let's get you back to the office before your inbox starts a rebellion," she said, standing up with her tray.

Roy stood too. "Thanks for lunch, Celia. Always good to have someone who doesn't make business talk feel like a boardroom."

"Anytime, boss," she said softly.

As they stepped into the elevator, Celia quietly stole one more glance at him.

Just being near you is enough, she thought.

Then the elevator doors closed.

Celia sat at her desk, quietly going through documents. Outside, the sky had turned a soft orange—another day almost done.

As she typed, her mind drifted back to the past.

She wasn't always in an office like this. She came from a small home, raised by a single mother who worked long hours just to keep the lights on. Celia had a younger sister too—bright and full of dreams, but always needing care.

Back then, life was hard.

Celia worked part-time jobs, studied late into the night, and somehow still managed to help at home. She got her degree—not because someone opened doors for her, but because she forced those doors open through effort alone.

But when she went out into the real world, hoping to build a career, reality hit her like a wall.

"Sorry, we're not hiring right now."

"Not enough experience."

Or worse…

Some men hinted that she could get the job—if she gave them something else in return. They didn't say it directly, but their eyes and smiles said enough.

Celia never gave in.

She just worked harder, sending out resumes, taking short gigs, doing freelance work—anything to keep going.

Then came Roy.

He was just starting his company back then—no fancy office, no team, just a vision and a laptop.

When he met her during a small contract job, he saw something in her others didn't.

"I need you," he said simply. "You're smart, sharp, and better than half the people I've interviewed. Those other companies didn't see it—but I do. Someday, they'll regret not recognizing your value."

Those words stayed with her.

Roy didn't treat her like she had to prove herself every second. He trusted her, gave her real work, and always respected her for her mind, not her looks.

That was the first time someone saw her, not just her appearance or background.

Since then, Celia had poured everything into helping Roy's company grow—because he believed in her when no one else did.

Now, sitting in this modern office, in clean clothes, with her sister in college and her mother finally resting more at home… Celia smiled softly.

She had made it. Not because she got lucky. But because she never gave up. And because one person gave her a real chance.

Roy.

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