At BET
"The new CEO is an handsome young man, he looks so dashing", an employee said. "Yes. He's an upright man too. I heard Anita would be deprived of her salary for five months. She played some tricks and tried to get rid of Joan. She's lucky to have been pardoned by the chairman", another employee said. "It's because Anita is hardworking and reliable, that's why she was pardoned", Kate said with dissatisfied look. "What did you say? You're merely Anita's tool, that's why you side with her. Do you know who pleaded for her? it's Joan, she did", an employee said. "If it weren't for Joan, Anita would have been fired already. Joan has such a big heart", another employee said. "We nearly mistook a chicken for a phoenix. I'm glad I sided with Joan", Dave said loudly. "You're such a betrayer Dave. Anita is good to us, but you're here badmouthing her behind her back. You even called her a chicken!", Kate said angrily. The employees laughed at her and continued their gossip. "I heard the chairman's going to marry Joan. Too bad she's an orphan, she led a poor life before she met Fred. I heard it's even Fred that groomed her into a better person", an employee said. "Don't say that, Joan is a capable woman. She's already a director here before she met Fred. I heard she's even the one that rescued Fred from the accident", Dave said. "I think Dave is right. Joan is already doing well before she met Fred. But I feel she seduced him with her looks and ability", another employee said. Betty passed by, and the people stop gossiping. "That's Joan's person", an employee whispered. Clara, an employee, approached Betty and talked to her. "What's going on with your boss and the ceo?", she asked. "Why don't you ask Miss Joan yourself?", she queried her. She turned to the people there and reprimanded them. "You're here gossiping during work hours. Since you have enough time and sufficient energy, why don't you channel it to the right place", she scolded them and left. "Such a bad temper! Joan already taught her to be arrogant!", Dave said and left.
Maggie went on a date with Richard and had a nice time with him. "I wished I met you earlier", he said. "I think we met at the right time though", Maggie answered. "When you're facing north, indeed you cannot see south. Sometimes, the right person is beside you, but you fail to see it because of the image depicted on your mind. You want her to appear in a particular way, and end up missing out. I'm glad I didn't miss out on you Maggie", Richard said looking into her eyes. "Wow! I never expected you to be so novel!", Maggie commented. "I'm being honest right now, please be mine", Richard confessed to Maggie. She hugged him affectionately and said, "Joan's book didn't go to waste, the book she gave me was really helpful. She also hoped I find my Mr Right soon and it turned out to be you. I love you Richard!". Richard hugged her warmly and touched her hair gently.
Joan stayed with Fred in his place cuddling him when the doorbell rang. "Did you order something?", she asked him. "No I didn't. I'll get the door", Fred replied and went to open the door. It was Mitchell. She greeted them and sat on the chair looking pale. "What happened to you?", Fred asked. "I heard about what mum did to you and dad. I feel terribly sorry about it and apologize to you sincerely", Mitchell answered. "Thanks for getting a competent lawyer to help me reduce her sentence. I feel ashamed", she added. Joan got up and sat beside Mitchell. "What happened isn't your fault. You're a very nice person, I hope you don't get weighed down by this", Joan said. "Thank you sister in law", she replied. "You're still my very good sister. What mum did doesn't change our relationship. I'll support you in every way I can", Fred said. "Joan held to one of your unfinished painting during the fire outbreak. I'll return it to you", he added. Fred got the painting and gave it to Mitchell. She thanked them and left.
Joan sighed and said, "Mitchell is so pitiful, she's deeply affected by what happened". "She's a strong girl. I hope she overcomes this and rise in the peak of her career again", Fred answered. "By the way, when do you intend to tell me you're the owner of the bookstore we visited sometime ago?", Fred asked. "Wow! you found out already. It's indeed mine, I planned to tell you later. I'm sorry about that", she replied. "How do you intend to apologize ma'am?", he asked staring at her. Joan kissed him on the lips and asked, "is it enough?". Fred pulled her close and kissed her affectionately. "I think it's enough now", he said. Joan pinched him and looked away, while he drew her back.
Fred held a wedding with Joan. Mr Benard was present with Mitchell and Jane. Josh was also present. Maggie was present with Richard, while Annie came with her boyfriend, Clinton. Tracy also came with Alfred. The employees attended their wedding with important people across the city. A lot of people graced their wedding, with important people from the group. The media was present, and everyone came with gifts.
"Today is your stepson's wedding", a warder said to Mrs Benard in the cell. "He's getting married, he took over the company, I lost everything", she said sadly to herself in the prison and wept.
"Congrats on getting married, Fred. I'm glad you married the right woman", Jane said to Fred. "Thanks! I hope you meet the right man soon", Fred replied and left. He went to meet Joan and said, "you're officially the CEO's woman. Yet, it feels so unreal, I'm so delighted". They stayed in their hotel at night and talked about their life together. "I can't wait to resume work on Monday", Joan said. "What do you say! It's our wedding night, you're still talking about work. I already planned our honeymoon and booked two weeks leave for you. No turning back", Fred said. Joan laughed and said, "I can't believe I'm indeed the first to get married among my friends. You made me change my perspective about love when I met you. I hope we live a happy and new life together".
A year later
"C'mon Peter, your dad would be home soon", Joan said petting her child. "He looks so much like his dad", the nanny said. Joan smiled while Fred returned not long after, together with his dad. "Grandpa is here", Mr Benard said and carried his grandson. "He's so cute and lovely. His nose is like his mother's but he takes so much after his dad", he said. Fred embraced his wife and played with his son. "I'm glad you finally gave me a grandson I've been hoping for", Mr Benard said. "Mitchell is reopening her gallery next month", he added. "Wow! It's really nice she's regained her feet", Joan said happily. "Mitchell would get to see her little nephew too", Fred added. "Yea, she's been abroad for a year. It's a good thing she's coming home", Mr Benard said. The family talked for a while before Mr Benard returned to his residence.