DEXTONS -

"We have a deal Mr Anderson" Mr Smith announced while I replied back in my void professional tone, that floored all my business partners but cruelty was what made me get where I am today.

One wrong decision made by me affects the life of all the employees who work for me, if I expect the best from them then I should be able to repay back just the same, it's a give and takes relation which works two ways.

"The deal is on Mr Smith, I will be sending you a presentation by the end of this week about the project stating all my ideas" Mr Smith hummed " That's perfectly fine, Mr Anderson . Also please don't expect an answer back from me until next week because I will be taking a break from business and go on a vacation with my family, hope that works?"

"works" I agreed.

With that, the meeting on the video call ended.

Exhausting.

Mr Smith has been a part of my business since the very start of it and so he gets away by being a little unprofessional here and there.

Completing seven projects all together was very difficult.

I closed my eyes and relaxed for a moment, it has been a long day and I haven't slept at all last night.

Settling my mind back, I opened my eyes and scanned my table before calling my Personal Assistant, ordering a coffee for myself, a strong one.

Black.

The project I have been working on for months has to be done by tonight, it was almost finished the reason it took me so long to complete it was that it was time for summer break and a lot of employees were on a vacation increasing the workload on others but I am not complaining.

This project was important, very important.

It was after all, going to be one of the most luxurious hotels in the states with one of a kind architecture and the best onboard staff.

Most of the people working in my company are married and settled with families to take care of therefore I allow all my employees additional holidays, fifteen days to be exact, to enjoy time with their family and loved ones.

I have a good execution team; we normally never face any problems because everything is planned.

To my father, his family was always his first priority and I do not want my employees to stay away from their loved ones.

Moments later by door opens and incomes my current Personal Assistant Lisa with a frown on her face, "How much more coffee are you going to need, now? You have had almost five cups since morning" I smile at her. She's always looking out for me. Lisa is about to retire and is looking for someone to replace her because she wants to spend some time with her grandchildren.

It's funny how she treats me like a kid, I do not necessarily have good relations with my employees simply because I never talk to them. I provide them with all I can but that is it.

"I am perfectly okay Lisa, just a little tired but only three hours are left after that I will be going home for a peaceful five-hour sleep, new project tomorrow," I said while Lisa just shook her head and then looked up at me

"People see your success Dexton, but they don't see the amount of time and hard work you put in for every single project, take care of yourself."

With that Lisa walks out of the office.

No one understood, I don't expect anyone to. I enjoy my work but I am not really a workaholic by choice, it's the loneliness at home, the silent nights and the empty house that taunt me and force me to work to get over this feeling,

This feeling of being left alone.

After almost four hours my work was done,

Finally, took longer than expected.

I pulled open the drawer to the right side of my desk and suddenly a photo flew out of the drawer, bending down I picked up the photo, there she was the person whom I hate the most yet can't help but love at the same time my ex-wife – Cassidy Valentine. She is the reason behind my pain but will I admit it?

No!

She doesn't matter anymore though; I have left her behind, why?

She cheated on me; I guess love is never enough in a relationship. Until today no one knows the reason behind our divorce not even her.

Call me a coward, but it's difficult to even think about confronting her. It just knocks the breath out of my body.

Not every story has a happy ending.

I looked back at the picture it was taken on our wedding picture. In the picture, Cassidy was looking ahead while I was staring at her....lovingly. Seems like it doesn't matter anymore, but I still see this picture every morning to satisfy myself I try to hate her so that I don't have to think about loving her.

It's difficult how you hate the person you love the most.

There was a knock on the door "Come in" I said and Lisa came in, what a surprise! She actually knocked, she had the biggest smile on her face

"I have some good news, Dexton," she said and I hummed feeling very exhausted

"What is it, Lisa?"I questioned

"Now Dexton, I am not getting any younger, remember you told me I can retire as soon as I find a replacement for me? Well, I have found the perfect person" Lisa said with excitement laced in her voice.

"Here is the file with all the information about the person I choose to replace myself with, Dexton," she said stretching her hand to give me the file

"It's okay Lisa, I don't need to check the file, I know you would have found the best for me,"I said as Lisa smiled and gave me a nod.

"Thank you, your new secretary will be joining from tomorrow I will train her and let her know everything she needs to,"Lisa said

"Perfect, also please ask the human resource department to send me reports of the project they have been working on for Mr Shawn."

Lisa nodded "I will get that done, why don't you go back home now? I'm leaving too!" that Lisa left the cabin.

Seems like I have to make adjustments for the new person to join in at work, but whoever it is should know that adjusting with me is going to be difficult, I am a hard person to deal with.

I got everything ready and headed out of the building, just when my diver came I saw Lisa's husband who was here to pick her up like usual.

They reminded me of mum and dad.

Happy and joyful.

I got into my car, a Rolls Royce Wraith in white, as the driver drove back to my penthouse, about 20 minutes away from here. Taking out my phone I called mom "hi hon, you are coming over this weekend right?'' was the first thing my mom asked.

I smiled, for the first time in the entire day.

"Yes mom, I will" I promised

"You better, it's been three months since I've seen you. If you don't come I'll feed your part of dinner to the max" I chuckled, thinking of our dog- Max.

It felt good; to know that at least a few people still cared.

Actually cared.

Not cheated.