For eight months I had learnt how to take care of my side of the business and that's what gets me through my anxiety. I get stronger everyday and I enjoy watching my son hit all the correct things in school, in his performance in his daily training and his personality. Adam has conquer a lot in the past few months to see the smile beam from his face, is a drastic change from the anxious little boy he was when he started. He has come out of himself a little at school and has started playing soccer during his intervals.
I gaze around at my family who I had separated myself from for such a long time and when I have these moments where I am grateful to be apart once again. My father had started taking Adam with him, Sebastian and Lucas when they visited the locations. My son would accompany his grandfather and uncles when they visited all the businesses cause he got to experience it too. My father believes that it will strengthen his knowledge, his understanding of manual labor and help him get through the motions one day at a time. Everyday I speak to my son and ask him about his day, how he is feeling, what did he learn, if anything happened, anything he would like to share and most times something has happened. Now with Adam joining the family business, his talks are even longer. His excitement is obvious and his interest in the day to day running of each location has peaked as well. He started learning all the names of people he met in the management team, people who needed to speak with my father or brothers, he was enjoying the different locations with something new for him to look at, watch get fix or replace. His studying hour would consist of his weekly trips he gets to go along too.
Today I sit beside my brothers as we start our Annual General Meeting with the entire company today. As I sat there I got to observed the atmosphere as this will be the first time I have faced the employees. "Today's meeting we are going to start with the pink elephant in the room,' Raniera started off as his eyes slid in my direction "and we are sure that her mere presences has got you all wondering who she is and what planet did she land from," Raniera joked which caused a few chuckles "We know you may have come across her over the last couple of months and nothing was announced or spoken on, everyone was just left wondering. So I would like to introduce Our Sister Akarana King," Raniera step back as I stood up and waved before siting back down. "She has just returned from overseas where she has been based these past few years and I would like you all to give her a warm welcome. She has just caught up to speed with the production that you all have been working on tirelessly these past few months and I thank you all for your dedication and support as a whole. So as a welcome home treat for my sister we have put on a spread for everyone today, so please help yourselves," Raniera announced as he quickly blessed our food and then everyone started mingling and talking. Some approached me as I moved around the room trying to remember names and faces as they all joked and laughed that I finally sat back in my chair and picked at all the varieties my brothers had chosen when Olivia sauntered in and made her way to my side "How's your day" she spoke giving me her full attention "It's good I can't wait to finish this day and have a few cold glasses after leaving here," I spoke when I saw her green eyes contemplating that I got curious, "What are you planning?," I asked intrigued "I was thinking we should go out for a few hours, God knows I need it," she spoke as my face lit up at her suggestion "It has been years since I've had been anywhere, Amanda will accompany us," I said as she clapped and replied, "A hell yess, what about we leave now, it's pretty much end of the day," she suggested that I nodded and stood "We are gonna head off will see yous tomorrow," I spoke to Quinn when Ranieras eyes snapped to us and frowned at Olivia whose face was beaming "What are you two up too?," he asked as he continued to stare at Olivia who was smirking at a frowning Raniera "We are having a girls night out and you can't come," she spoke matter of factly that Ranieras face turned deadly at her nonchalant attitude towards him "Who is gonna stop me from following?," he asked all sure of himself "We will see," she smirked as Amanda walked in the room signalling us "Liv you will pay for your comment," he said as as closed the gap between them and spoke directly to her and her face lost it's color "Catch us in a couple of hours," I spoke as I dragged her out the room.
Once we were both showered and dressed, I spoke to my parents about our night out and to text it to Raniera in a few hours to give us time to enjoy ourselves as we headed to one of our locations with a great bar and restaurant. Also my two younger brothers were working tonight here and that is why I chose that exact location based on that sole purpose. Arriving at the restaurant, we entered through the main doors and saw we had a full house, both sides were full.of.patrons as I headed straight down our corridor to where we have reserved just for us, in amongst the patrons yet still enough space for our family to unwind after a hard day. Upon our arrival I rang Lucas and informed him of my presence tonight along with Olivia and Amanda. As soon as we sat down my baby brother Sebastian walked in with some drinks, as he place them in the middle of the table, before giving me a raised eyebrow, "So what did you do to our big brother?," he teased as he kissed my cheek, "Nothing major, he mad cause Olivia came out with me and he doesn't know where we are," I shrugged casually at him while sipping my drink, "He's picking us up tonight," he said matter of fact, "I know," I smirked at my baby brother, as I gave him a bright smile, then order us some food. As I chatted with Olivia I got to know her better, how many siblings she had, where she grew up, her parents and how she choose to work for Raniera who gave her a chance to work her dream job and how difficult it was to adapt to Raniera way of working. How she managed to put herself through college while working full time and doing online classes at the same time to support herself and her family. How she worked hard to get where she is today and that she has proved a stepping stone for her siblings, giving them each the chance to go to college and earn a degree to better themselves in life. She has three sisters who are all in college and her baby brother who is on his last year of highschool. I sat stunned and interested in how she juggles home life while working her long hours that I was fascinated in her determination to strive for a better life for her entire family. As the food arrived and was placed down in front of us, I explained what the dishes were and what they like and why as the spread Infront of us is to earn a spot as the special for a month. "Do you have a partner Raana?," Olivia asked and I tensed at her question before deciding to answer it "Not at this moment, I had escaped my abusive ex partner, with my son and came home," I answered both her and Amanda's eyes grew wide, "So how are you coping," Amanda asked as her face wore a grown "I'm a lot better now, as all my brothers take turns accompany me when I am out of the house and Amanda you helped me build my confidence to not let myself feel vulnerable ever again. I built my strength up, then my son's and then our mentality because that animal nearly killed me and I stayed for the sake of my son. Thinking that he loves our son more them himself, how wrong I was and how I was losing my battle with life. I rung my brothers and fled, flying home with my son which was the best thing I could have ever done for us and here I am." I explained as I demolish my glass while staring at them both who were silently taking in my story. "That's why your door is not accessible through the main hallway only through the conjoined lounge area," Olivia spoke "It's always locked and my family said to keep the door to the lounge unlocked as we are the only ones who access it, I did for my safety and my piece of mind," I added as Amanda also nodded her head. While we each got to know one another it was the best feeling I have ever had in nearly nine years, I was absolutely relaxed, having a girls night out and just enjoying my time, when the door to our room opened and in strolled Raniera, "Are you ladies ready to leave?," he asked as he sat down next to Olivia, "After the pizza," Olivia spoke as she ate her food, "Priorities," Raniera joked as he stared at an oblivious Olivia like food was life, "We had fun, and I am so relaxed right now I don't know how you gonna get us out of here," I laughed as I stared at my big brother while I was happy right at this moment. "Eat the damn pizza so when can go," he said as he stared at me exasperated while patiently watching Olivia eat her pizza when I laughed and help eat the rest of our pizza and drink the rest of alcohol before leaving with Raniera and the two younger brothers.
Waking the next day I could not remember what the hell I drank but it was awesome. Turning to my side with barely an eye opened to see two nurofen and a bottle of water next to my bed. Feeling grateful I took them both, while drinking the entire bottle, as I laid back down and was out like a light. The next time I awoke I seen another two more nurofen and another water bottle and noticed the sun was going down, as I gratefully took them both and finished the water and went and had a hot shower, changed into something warm and comfy before going in search of my son and my family. Upon entering the kitchen that is where everyone was sitting down to eat, "Māmā your up," Adam said as he headed straight to me, "Yes baby I wasn't feeling to good, so thank you for letting me rest," I said as I joined the table, "How was your night?, my mother asked as she stared across from me, "It was good, I needed that and I am paying for it now," I laughed lightly, "Yous did pretty well, considering it was just you and Olivia," Sebastian spoke as Lucas made the food while Sebastian made the drinks and brought them to us, "Those drinks went well with the food and every course matched the cocktails you paired with them," I spoke to Sebastian "All the food was stunning I voted my favorites," I addressed Lucas who had yet to cast the vote of being put as the special for the month, "Have you heard from Olivia today?," I asked Raniera who shook his head "I am assuming she is hungover like you," he smirked I nodded my head "Probably for the best, Ile do it myself," I said as I finished of my meal before drinking the orange juice, "I am glad you had a good time. Has anyone seen Quinn it's been a few days since I have heard from him?," my father asked as I looked up at him, "What about you Raniera?," my mother asked as he looked up looking at them both "He's busy he be home in a few days,' he spoke that had my father nodding his head I just stared at my brother, cause it was unusual that one went alone I stared at my oldest brother with a frown, as I stared at him openly I knew that they would protect us with their lives and knew when it comes up I will seize the moment, I smiled to myself leaning back in my chair and turned to Adam who was explaining his new project that he is working
on, "what ideas have you come up with?," I asked my son as he turned to face me and spoke of three ideas when both my brothers butted in saying those were their ideas so all three could speak their opinion and it seemed that both his youngest uncle's were against his idea and reasons behind their opinions and we all understood the reasons and had to look at other options.
This was very eventful for my family and for my son well fare. To ensure someone I trusted with my most prized possession was what I feel guilty for. Due to love I put my faith in love and lost the most valuable item to me and my son grew up with an unstable begining that hopefully didn't tarnish my son's future. As his confidence and strength grows every day with my own I feel more powerful to ensure his safety into the future. I work hard at everything in life to give my son the privilege I took for granted to ensure his positive outlook on life. I will do everything I can to help him forgive my past mistakes to continue his journey through life and just being able to see him smile, laugh and cry is what I thank my family for.
Today i had planned a day out with my two younger Brothers and Adam to go do something new. Trying one thing new every few months with my brothers has been great. Depending on what type of activity it is and the safest option for everyone included. So it was an hour drive but it was worth it to just talk all the way there, the scenery was all new to me and Adam we were soaking it in like we had never seen it before, I was absolutely captivated by what I was taking in. it has been so many years since I've been home and this is like my first road trip years and I can't describe the feeling that bubbles up in me and few tears escape as I stare out the window silently remembering my childhood vacation that my family always did as a King Family Tradition. Adam hand covered mine giving me his silent support, that helped the tears flow. I just soak the entire drive their looking out the window, with Adam tucked up against me taking it all in too.
Once arriving to our destination Amanda handed our tickets to us as we all entered taking in the entire place it was huge, the place was spacious and freezing so we had to go and hire us some gear before we all froze in the doorway. Once we were all geared up we got out on the snow and try both snowboarding and ski. Both were not easy you had to be able to keep your balance and you posture both in line with each other. Adam got it faster then I did and he was going in circles and was enjoying the entire day that he looked like a carefree kid playing in the snow that I went and switched back on the snow board since it was easier for me to move around and I found myself going on circles like my son was both happy as rain.
Enjoying the day on the snow we headed home as the rest of the family would be all home and preparing for dinner by now. "Oh mama that was awesome," Adam spoke as we headed out of the carpark, "Yes it so was baby," I replied to my son as I was exhausted and out of shaped that I lied my seat back to rest cause I was not built for the snow when I fell asleep on the way home.
Raniera pov:
"Did you find what you were looking for?," I asked my brother on facetime with Noah Lucas who had yet to board their flight home since my family were starting to notice Quinn's presence missing especially my sister who had asked a few times after the fourth day when he had not returned. She had asked continuously until I promised her he would be home soon and know that my Bestfriend Noah was a control freak and when it came to Akarana and Adam he had gone a little overboard that why they couldn't come back on schedule because Lucas had lost his temper and put the cockroach in the hospital and we're finally able to return. "Yes, we are about to board so Ile see yous soon," Quinn answered as he disconnected the call I smiled and got up and left my office.
I was walking past Olivia office when I stopped taking her in with her back to me as her fingers flew over the keyboard typing away as she focused on her task when I knocked on her door, "Let's call it a night," I spoke as I leaned against her door casually staring at her while I took in her perfect bun that had slowly started unraveling with her brown locks slowly coming out, her white button shirt was untucked and top three buttons undone and I just took her in. I have known Olivia since we were in college, she always held education above all else. Came out with her roommates occasionally, was apart of the track team, volleyball team and baseball team that girl was dedicated to achieving nothing but the best. Then a four years ago dad handed the reins to me and she had applied to be his personal assistant and instead became mine. She has been perfect in her role, absolutely above standard as always. I had been single since she started and she had started something we both weren't aware of happening and now it is too late as I walked towards her and placed my hands on either side of her body trapping her in my arms as I felt her body freeze "This is sexual harassment Rainera," her beautiful voice floated around me but I was not going to step back anymore and lent forward capturing her mouth as soon as she fully faced me. My heart pounded in my chest and in my ears that I couldn't hear anything as I devour her on the spot. Wrapping my arms around her I lifted her, sliding her on her desk and placed myself in between her legs as she responded to me like a volcano had erupted and took my mouth just as roughly that I could feel my control slipping faster as my hand roamed her body and my brain wanted her right here right now as I found my hands tangled in her hair trying to imprint her into my memory when a loud knock sounded behind us breaking the spell and having us both frown at the intruder only to be met with Quinn and Noah staring at us "Who would of thought you finally snapped," Quinn spoke as he took in our current positions smiling at Olivia whose face was bright red "Get lost," I groaned as I took her flushed face in, her eyes were shining brightly and small smile on her face that I lifted my hands to stroke her cheek, "Come on let's go," I said gently stepping back a few steps while still holding her "She isn't gonna run away from you Rainera," Noah spoke as he types furiously on his phone "She might, she's been threatening to quit for weeks," Quinn added as he turned leaving with Noah chuckling as they left, when my head automatically snapped in her direction with a frown, only too see her beautiful face smiling at me with an innocent look, "You are My Woman, always have been and now I picked up my balls and I am gonna prove that I deserve you," I spoke gently as I pulled her against me and held her as close as I could get. Her face brightened even more and she nodded "Okay,"as she hugged me back before dragging me out of the office where Quinn and Noah were waiting as we all made our way to the downstairs carpark. "Will you have dinner with me?," I asked Olivia as I had not let go of her since leaving her office, "Sounds nice," she murmured but didn't elaborate so I waited for everyone to exit and turned towards her car "Is that a yes?," I pressed as we strolled towards her car and saw her eyes slide to mine "Yes," she breathed and my smile lit up my face "Ile pick you up in an hour," I said I placed her in the car before returning to my car who had both my brother and my Bestfriend in the car watching us like they're at the movies. "I can't believe you finally did it," Noah spoke first as Quinn was too stunned that he was gaping like a fish with a shit eating grin on his face. "She agreed to go to dinner so I need you both out of my car as soon as we reach home, can't give her time to talk herself out of it," I spoke as I travelled behind her and out of the carpark. "So we're you both aware that the cockroach wrote a letter to Raana as well as signing ours?," Noah asked "She had locked herself in her room when I had arrived and Amanda was worried as well as your mother," he spoke when we hit the highway "So has she spoken about it?," Quinn asked as he turned to look at Noah then at me that I was stunned to hear that, "How bad was the letter?," I asked as I raced home without causing any accidents "He obviously needed the hospital stay but maybe leaving him breathless will be better," Noah said venomously, that I shot a look at Quinn who had a dark look on his face that I didn't have enough time to carrying on that thought as the we entered into the King Estate and pulling up to the front door I left my car parked where it was and headed straight towards my floor of the house, leaving both men stunned into silence as I did what I said I was gonna do and strode in the door with out stopping since I needed a shower I headed for that first. I didn't want to give us both time for the talk ourselves out of it and just remained looking forward. I had showered, changed and headed downstairs when I turned into the family room my mother was in there catching up with Quinn,