Contract Marriage; Fated Love

Chapter 103

Noah proceeded to narrate the details to his friend.

“Alright then. Whatever happens, happens. I hope Emily takes it well.”

“I hope so too.”

Noah got home that day and told Emily what happened at work. He ended with,

“Grace Shields is to work with me as my assistant for the deep harbor project.”

“Okay,” Emily said quietly and that was it. The topic was never raised between them again. Noah however strongly believed she wasn't entirely comfortable with it but there was nothing they both could do. He promised himself never to let Grace come between his marriage.

“Two months and we will be done with the project. Hopefully, I'll never have a cause to work with her in the future,” he said to himself.

“Aunty Yanxi!” Liam called out and ran to her. Gu Yanxi had paid them a visit that morning.

“How are you my dear?”

“I'm fine, thank you aunty. And you?”

“I'm fine too. Hello brother!”

Noah and Liam were on their way out when she came. They were going to play and practice some sports before she came in.

“Nelly, how do you do?” Noah asked, embracing his sister. He insisted on calling her Nelly, which was the name his late mother had always wanted to give her daughter. Gu Yanxi spun around and said,

“Can't you see for yourself? I'm obviously fine!”

“I can see that Aidan is doing a great job on you, sis.”

“Yes! I'll forever love my man! I can't wait to tie the knot brother!” Noah laughed.

“Don't worry. Very soon, you will and you will have him all to yourself. We will see you when we return. Emily is inside.”

“Bye Aunty Yanxi!” Liam waved and off he went with his father.

“Oops! Busy miss butterfly designs!” Gu Yanxi greeted noisily as she entered the house. As expected, Emily was crouched behind her reading table, drafting a new design.

“Look who we have here! Girl you are glowing!”

“Oh my goodness! You can say that again! I'm glowing. Oh my gosh! Did someone hear that!” Gu Yanxi laughed.

“Stop being a child. I must say, this man is doing well. When will you both settle down?”

“Very soon. I believe he will do that soon,” she answered. Her eyes fell on the design before her, which Emily was working on before she entered.

“Wow! This is so lovely. Emily, you design the best outfits!”

“Thanks a lot. Well, permit me to brag, this isn't even the best of them!”

Both ladies laughed.

“I trust you! Madam the madam! The one and only butterfly designs! Can I see them please?”

“Sure.”

Emily took her tablet and showed the designs to Gu Yanxi.

“My goodness! This is so lovely! Once the outfits are ready, call me immediately. I'll model the clothes for you. Deal?”

“I will. Promise.”

“Do you know that if I wear this to go and see Aidan, he will never take his eyes off me? The fact that you are the most celebrated designer is merited and can't be disputed! I'm so proud of you, my friend and sister!”

“Thanks a lot,” Emily smiled.

“Let me see more of the designs please. They are lovely.”

Monday morning

Grace Shields took out a well ironed cooperate outfit from her wardrobe and put it on. She had carefully selected this outfit with the help of her friend, Aria. She looked every inch a very serious and dedicated employee.

“Good luck dearie. Show them you are the best. Let them know what you are made of. Break a leg!” Aria wished her well.

“Thank you so much,” she responded and smiled to herself. As she stepped out of the house and shut the door behind her, she reminded herself that she was going to do her best to get back what is rightfully hers, Noah Harper.

“Let the new episode unfold.”

Noah on his own part arrived at work early that morning. It was the first day for the new project and he needed to tidy a few things before the meeting began. As he got to his office floor, he looked at the office beside his. He had instructed his secretary to get some cleaners to clean and get it ready for his assistant. The office was set now and soon to be occupied by his new assistant. He shook his head and continued on his way to his office.

He was engrossed with his work when a light knock on the door drew his attention. The door opened and his new assistant walked in. He discreetly assessed her dressing and was impressed by what he saw. She wore a professional looking knit top with a decent V- neck line and a tailored pair of trousers. Her black pair of loafers, a simple silver necklace and her light make-up helped to further portray the fact that she was here solely for work purposes. Noah liked that already.

“Good morning, Miss Shields,” he greeted, carefully avoiding every form of familiarity. However, Grace wasn't buying that.

“Morning Noah. You can simply call me Grace.”

“I prefer to address you as Miss Shields and will like to be called Mr Harper or president Harper, which ever one you prefer. I believe my secretary has given you the official code of conduct.”

“Yes, he has.”

“Alright. Welcome to the team, Miss Shields,” Noah said and stretched his hands for a handshake.

“Thank you, Mr Harper.”

Work began in earnest. Series of meetings were attended and Grace and Noah spent more time with the other team members than all by themselves. This pleased Noah to no small measure because he too was looking for various ways to steer clear of her path. He believed she might have ulterior motives and didn't want any problems of any sort.

After some time, roles were delegated to the team members which means that Noah and his assistant, Grace would have to work closely now, and not with the team members. They spent longer time together, brainstorming on the project and arranging a few things as was expected of them. Grace respected the boundaries that Noah had set and he was pleased with that. Just when he believed that she was in his company only for work purposes and began to relax, Grace proved otherwise and struck!