Sweet Surprise

The ride back to the office was silent.

I kept glancing at Mr. Lavigne, trying to gauge his mood. His brows were furrowed tightly, a deep crease forming between them. He looked… angry. No, more than that—worried, like something was deeply troubling him.

I wanted to ask who that man was—the one we met earlier—but my throat felt dry and tight, as if the words were stuck. I couldn't bring myself to speak.

When we pulled into the parking lot, I immediately spotted Marco standing near the entrance. His arms were crossed and his face was drawn into a sharp scowl—as though he'd been waiting for us.

Was he really waiting for us?

But why?

As Mr. Lavigne and I walked toward the entrance, I kept my eyes fixed on Marco. His eyes were burning with something—anger, frustration, maybe both. He didn't even blink as we approached.

When we reached him, Mr. Lavigne paused and leaned in slightly, murmuring something I couldn't hear. Whatever it was, Marco didn't respond. His jaw was clenched. Mr. Lavigne turned to me.

"You go ahead," he said in a calm but firm voice.

Ah. So it was Mr. Lavigne Marco had been waiting for… But still—why the hostility?

Inside, something immediately caught my eye.

A tall glass vase now sat atop my desk. It was filled with fresh peonies—delicate pink and warm yellow blossoms, their soft petals gently ruffling in the air-conditioned breeze. The colors were calming and sweet, arranged artfully with tiny sprigs of baby's breath in between.

Nestled among the flowers was a white card. I picked it up.

"Congratulations on your first day." – Mom

A small smile crept onto my face. I pressed the card against my chest, as if hugging it. It felt like home. Even in this big, unfamiliar building.

"Thank you, Mom," I whispered to myself.

I settled into my chair and reached for my phone, which I had left behind earlier so it wouldn't distract me during the meeting. Two unread messages lit up the screen. Both from Max.

Oh no. I completely forgot about Max.

I hadn't called or updated her. She was going to be thrilled when she found out Dad had finally allowed me to intern at the company.

I opened her messages, a mixture of excitement and guilt rising in my chest.

"Hey girl! Are you busy? Call me.""Hey?!"

I smiled at her persistence and quickly hit the call button.

"Hiiii!" I sang out in a high, cheerful tone.

"Hey!" she replied, almost accusingly. "You're too busy now, huh? Forgot about me already?"

I laughed. "Sorry! You won't believe this… Dad finally gave me permission to intern at his company. I'm officially working—and I'm in the city!"

She didn't say anything for a couple of seconds. Maybe she was in shock.

"OH. MY. GOD!" she shrieked. "Girl, we HAVE to meet. Tonight? I'll come pick you up!"

Tonight? Already?

"Uhm…" I hesitated. "I have to ask permission first."

I could practically hear her rolling her eyes on the other end. I chuckled softly at the thought.

"Hmm. Fine. But update me ASAP, okay? I gotta go. Love ya!"

She hung up before I could even respond.

I took a deep breath.

The idea of asking Dad for permission was already making me nervous. But I had to do it. I missed Max, and we had a lot to catch up on.

I stood and grabbed my phone. Mr. Lavigne hadn't returned yet—he'd probably call me if he needed anything. For now, it was the perfect chance to talk to Dad.

I made my way upstairs to his office.

Lara, his assistant, greeted me with her usual friendly smile.

I smiled back, nerves creeping in. "Is Dad busy with someone inside?"

"Nope. Do you need something?" she asked.

"Yeah… I just need to talk to him about something."

She nodded and disappeared into the office to let him know I was there.

While waiting, I glanced at her desk. It was spotless, neatly organized with a white picture frame. In the photo, she was smiling beside a man—he looked somewhat familiar. Those blue eyes… they reminded me of Marco. Maybe it was her husband?

Before I could dwell on it, Lara reappeared and opened the office door.

"You can go in now," she said warmly.

I nodded and smiled in thanks before stepping inside.

Dad's office was stunning.

Spacious and elegant, the room had tall windows that let in soft daylight. The furniture was a mix of dark wood and modern steel—clean, polished, and commanding. On one side was a long shelf filled with framed family photos—me, Marco, Mom. The kind that weren't just for show. I had a feeling he looked at them every day.

I made my way to the couch across from his large desk and sat down. He was already waiting in his sleek leather chair.

"Dad," I began.

He tilted his head slightly, curious.

"Can I go out with Max later? After work?" I asked quickly, bracing myself for a no.

He paused just long enough to make me squirm. Then he answered.

"Take Kenny with you."

I stood up, shocked—and thrilled.

Wait… that's it? No lecture? No bargaining?

It was so unlike him.

Maybe… he really had changed. Maybe my breakdown from last time actually reached him.

Without thinking, I walked over to him and wrapped him in a hug.

"Thank you, Dad," I whispered.

"Be home by 10," he added, pointing a firm finger at me—more of a warning than a request.

I smiled and nodded eagerly.

Tonight… I was finally going out. With permission.

And I couldn't wait.