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I pick up the phone, dialing Amara's extension. When she answers, I can hear the concern in her voice. "Grayson, what's wrong? You sound upset."
I take a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "Amara, I just got a call and an email from Sophia. She's trying to spread lies about your past, to damage your reputation and our relationship."
There's a moment of silence on the other end of the line, followed by a shaky intake of breath. "Grayson, I... I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry."
I shake my head, even though she can't see me. "You have nothing to apologize for. I know that whatever Sophia is saying, it's not true. I trust you, and I believe in you."
I can hear the relief in her voice, the gratitude and affection that shines through her words. "Thank you, Grayson. That means more to me than you know."
I sigh, leaning back in my chair. "But we need to be prepared, Amara. Sophia won't stop until she gets bored or does serious damage. And with her track record, I'm afraid it's going to be the latter."
There's a pause on the other end of the line, followed by a soft, humorless chuckle. "Sounds like a crazy-ex situation?"
I feel a wry smile tugging at my lips. "Don't even get me started. Between Sophia and my mother, I feel like I'm constantly fighting a losing battle."
Amara's voice is gentle, understanding. "Your mother too? I'm so sorry. I had no idea you were dealing with so much."
I close my eyes, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. "It's not your fault. I've been dealing with my mother's expectations and disapproval my entire life. And Sophia... well, let's just say she's never been one to take rejection well."
"I can only imagine," Amara murmurs, her voice filled with sympathy. "But Grayson, you don't have to face this alone. I'm here for you, no matter what."
I feel a surge of warmth and affection wash over me, a sense of gratitude and relief that I'm not in this fight alone. "I know, I can't tell you how much that means to me. But I fear the worst is yet to come."
"We're a team, sir," she says, her voice firm and resolute. "And together, we can handle anything that comes our way. Even manipulative exes and overbearing mothers."
I chuckle, feeling some of the tension and stress drain out of my body. "You're right. It’s stupid. We got this."
"Of course, sir" she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice. "Now, what do you say we take a break from all this drama and focus on something a little more positive?"
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"
"Well," she says, her voice taking on a playful, mischievous tone. "I was thinking we could start planning that weekend getaway you mentioned. You know, the one where we leave all our troubles behind and just focus on each other?"
I grin, feeling a thrill of excitement and anticipation run through me. "I like the way you think. Let's do it. Let's plan the most amazing, unforgettable weekend of our lives."
As we say our goodbyes and hang up the phone, I feel a renewed sense of hope and optimism wash over me. Yes, Sophia and my mother may try to tear us down, to destroy the happiness we've found together. But they only succeed if we let them.
10
AMARA
As I step out of the sleek black car that Grayson had sent to pick me up, I feel like a princess transported into a world of unimaginable luxury and beauty. The private jet gleams in the sunlight, its sleek lines and polished exterior showing my boss and man’s wealth and power.
"Amara, welcome to your weekend getaway," Grayson says, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he takes my hand and helps me board the plane. “You earned this. We earned this.”
"Grayson, this is... it's incredible," I breathe, my eyes wide with wonder. "I can't believe you did all this for me."
He smiles, his hand reaching out to clasp mine. He’s nothing like the office version I’m used to seeing, all business and no play. Now light shines in those steel gray eyes of his, showing me that deep down, he’s able to relax when he wants to. "You deserve it. You deserve the world, and I want to be the one to give it to you."
I can hardly contain my joy and gratitude as I settle into the plush leather seats, marveling at the opulent surroundings. Crystal glasses, silk pillows, and a fully stocked bar - it's like something out of a movie, a fantasy come to life.
As the plane takes off, soaring high above the clouds, I can't help but feel a sense of giddy anticipation. Grayson has been tight-lipped about our destination, wanting to keep it a surprise until the very last moment.
But as we fly further and further from the city, I start to get a sense of where we might be headed. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean stretch out below us, dotted with lush green islands and pristine white beaches.
And then, just when I think the view can't get any more spectacular, the pilot's voice comes over the intercom. "Mr. Winthrop, Ms. Jeffries, welcome to St. Barts. We'll be landing at the private airstrip in just a few minutes."
I gasp, my heart racing with excitement. St. Barts - the playground of the rich and famous, a paradise of sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters. I've only ever dreamed of visiting a place like this, never imagining that I would one day have the chance to experience it for myself.
