Chapter One Hundred and seventeen

Damien's POV;

Ariana was out like a light by the time we got home. As usual, I carried her into the house.

"Hey mum." I said as she walked towards us.

"Hey sweetie, seemed like you had lots of fun today."

"Is it that obvious?" I asked in amusement.

"You're smiling and you have cotton candy in your hair, what other pointer is there?" She deadpanned. She sighed and gave me a watery smile.

"You look so happy."

"I have my wife with me, of course I'm happy." I raised the sleeping beauty up a little bit and puffed at the weight. I chuckled and she joined in.

"I'm glad you're."

"See you guys later and for goodness sake, Damien use the lift!" She exclaimed.

I chuckled deeply. Of course the lift had always been there but I preferred climbing the stairs for the sake of exercise. Ariana probably thought it wasn't functional so she always used the stairs with me while everyone else used it whenever they wanted to come up to see me. Lazy people.

"See you later mom."

I got into the lift and waited for it to ascend. When I got out, I walked the short distance from there to the hallway and turned to the right. I managed to twist the knob and enter before carefully placing her on her bed.

I would have taken her to our room but knowing how erratic Ariana could, I decided it was best I let her sleep in her comfort zone and let her come to me when she wanted to. I took off her shoes and left her to sleep after dropping a parting kiss on her forehead.

I stretched my limbs, yawning in exhaustion. I was tired after such a long day and I had to resume work at the office the next day. I had to sleep early so I could be fully pumped for the next day.

***

"Some crepes for you, and waffles if you may. Would you like your coffee with some extra cream?" Ma Rosa was doting over me a lot more than usual.

I was having breakfast at the table with everyone for the first time in weeks.

"I don't see you giving me special treatment like this on a normal day." I commented, picking up my special customized mug that was a recovery gift from Amy first thing this morning.

"Well today isn't a normal day." Mom spoke up.

"And why is that?"

They all stared at me like I had grown two heads. I was confused, same as Ariana.

"I told you all he'll forget." Fiona piped up, biting into her sandwich.

"Forget what?" I asked once again, trying to not mask how confused I truly was.

"It's our birthday silly!" Amy exclaimed looking bewildered.

"Oh my goodness!" Ariana exclaimed with her eyes wide open. She had an apologetic look in her eyes. Either she had no idea or she forgot just like me.

"Happy birthday babe." Ariana came to my side and gave me a hug from behind my chair.

"Er, thank you." I managed a reply.

This was awkward for me because for the last sixteen years, I despised my birthday because of everything that happened on that inauspicious day years ago.

That was my past and I had it all sorted out, but, because I was not used to having my birthday being a thing anymore, it felt odd for me.

The wishes poured in and I absentmindedly replied to them.

"Thank you guys, all of you." I looked at the time.

"I better get going, I'm running late for work."

"But, you're the boss." Amy pointed out.

"More reason why I should live by example. See you later birthday girl." I gave her a mock salute. Amy loves birthdays and I can bet she's going clubbing tonight for this reason.

"Bye babe." Ariana quipped as I walked past her. I turned back and did the needful.

"Oh get a room you two!" Fiona faked a gag.

I chuckled and placed one last kiss on her lips before leaving.

"Morning boss."

"Morning Miguel. All set?" I asked walking briskly.

"Yes sir."

We found ourselves outside and in no time I was off to my office.

"Hey Drew, you in the office already?"

"Yes, good morning sir."

"What's my schedule like today?"

"Pretty tight sir. You have lots of meetings piled up since your unfortunate absence. As a matter of fact, you have one in about thirty minutes and another one in two hours. Both, very important and cannot be cancelled sir." He recounted.

"Expansionists?" I asked knowingly.

"Revolutionary ones, sir."

I hummed unable to hide my surprise.

"Now that's a strong way to describe them. Send me their details, I'm on my way to the office as we speak."

"Right away boss. See you soon sir."

"Yeah." I hung up and checked the details of the meetings and what they entailed.

"Schneider?" I called out the name tagged with my second meeting, Drew had termed revolutionary.

This name looked oddly familiar but I could not place my finger on it. I shrugged. It could be anyone and if Drew had such to say about such a person then it most probably was worth it. I just had to see for myself though.

By the time I got to the office building, Drew was standing in front waiting for me.

"Let's go through this entrance sir." He said gesturing to the large revolving glass doors.

"Why? You know I prefer going through the private parking lot and elevator that leads directly to my office."

"Yes sir but the staff would like to welcome you."

"Don't I have a meeting," I glanced at my watch. "in a few minutes?" I questioned him.

"It isn't going to take long, I promise."

I pinched the bridge of my nose and groaned.

"This better be quick." I said to him. He nodded and ushered me in.

The massive applause that awaited me on the other side of the door was unlike anything I had seen.

All the staff were present, crowding the lobby which I never knew was large enough to take the numerous employees I had at a go.

"Welcome back sir!" They collectively yelled and I took an involuntary step backwards.

"And, happy birthday!!!"

Confetti rained on me and a large banner was displayed with my name and photo on it as well as my age.

"Wow." I breathed out trying to get over my surprise.

"Thank you all so much. This was er, very thoughtful of you. I deeply appreciate your efforts to make me feel so special on this day. Thanks once again." I made a short genuine speech still feeling overwhelmed by the love I was receiving from my staff whom I thought hated me for being so strict.

"For this kind gesture, you all can take half the day off. No one should be found working at past 1pm." I announced.

The screams and hollers of jubilation soon filled my ears and I had to find a way out of there with Drew and the guards guiding me through the massive crowd.

"Happy birthday boss and welcome back to work." Drew grinned up at me as we got into the private elevator.

"Thanks Drew. You've been doing a pretty good job handling things in my absence." I commended his efforts.

"Thanks boss." He gave me a toothy grin.

****

Meeting number one was done and over with, I had the second one coming in any minute.

"Come in!" I hollered when a slow knock came through.

Whoever was on the other end twisted the knob and the sound of clicking heels filled the room as well as the scent of some choking designer perfume.

Long creamy legs catwalked towards my table, and looking up, I saw a form fitting dark red dress holding on tightly to the slightly bulging curves that belonged to the strawberry blonde, amber cat eyed woman with little plump lips that were raised in a smile.

"Cheryl Schneider?" I asked not believing my eyes.

"The one and only." She smirked.

"Whoa," I sighed, too stunned to speak.

"Wouldn't you offer your guest a seat Mr Kingston?" She asked with light sarcasm in her tone.

"Forgive my manners, have a seat please." I gestured at the one of the seats opposite my table.

"Wow Cheryl, it's been-"

"Ten years." She cut my sentence short with a tight lipped smile.

"So long, was what I wanted to say, I didn't realize you were counting." I retorted.

"Haha, Damien." She deadpanned then shook her head dismissively.

"Anyways I'm here to discuss business with you. My father-"

"Still a daddy's girl huh?" I returned the favor.

"Don't even start, Damien." She gritted out.

"Fine, go on." I raised my hands in mock surrender.

She went on to pitch her ideas and I listened with rapt attention. The expansion idea was brilliant and everything seemed to be well thought of, there was hardly any cracks in the plan. This was going to be difficult to turn down but working with Cheryl was going to be an even more difficult task.

I could only dismiss her with an excuse to have a discussion with my team before taking any step further.

This had better end well.