Becoming strangers again (Lily and Ryan) novel Chapter 150

RYAN

Work had slowed down considerably at the office, and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to head home early and surprise Lily and the boys. I imagined walking through the front door unnoticed, catching them off guard—it seemed like the best way to spend the weekend, and maybe even the entire week, reconnecting with my family. I hadn’t realized how much I needed that time with them until the idea formed in my head.

Just as I was wrapping up for the day, the door to my office creaked open. Harsha, my secretary, entered, followed by a woman who looked vaguely familiar. I couldn’t place her face, but I had the distinct feeling I’d seen her before. As I closed my laptop, I gave Harsha my full attention, a silent cue that I was ready for whatever she had to say.

“What do you need?” I asked, my tone making it clear I wanted an introduction to the woman standing beside her.

Harsha, knowing me well enough after all these years, didn’t need the direct question. She gestured to the young woman beside her. “This is your new secretary, Mr. Williams.”

Ah, that’s when it hit me. Harsha had recently gotten married—last month, if I recalled correctly. She’d submitted her resignation shortly after the wedding because she planned to move to join her husband, and it had completely slipped my mind that her last day was approaching.

I studied the woman, and then it clicked—she’d been one of the candidates from the interviews last month. Her file had been among the finalists, though I hadn’t paid much attention beyond that.

Rubbing my fingers against my eyes, I stifled a sigh. “I suppose a month is up already.”

Harsha nodded, offering a small smile. “Yes, sir. The company’s been training her for the past month, and she’s performed exceptionally well.”

I didn’t say anything for a moment, my mind lingering on the fact that Harsha was leaving. She’d been by my side for years, and her efficiency, her calm demeanor, and her sharpness were going to be sorely missed. “I hate to see you go,” I said, my voice tinged with genuine regret. I glanced over at the new hire but didn’t engage her yet. “Is there any chance I can convince you to stay for another month, at least until things settle down with my father’s death and Maya’s situation?”

Harsha gave me an apologetic smile, shaking her head. “I’ve already been away from my husband for a month. I think that’s enough time apart for newlyweds, don’t you?”

I sighed, acknowledging that I couldn’t be selfish. Who was I to keep her from her family? “Your gratuity will be processed shortly, and I’ve also sent a personal bonus to your account as a small token of appreciation for your years of hard work and dedication.”

Her eyes widened in surprise, and her face lit up with genuine gratitude. “Thank you so much, sir. I really appreciate it.”

I gave her a nod, finally shifting my attention to the woman standing next to her. “What’s your name?” I asked, addressing the new secretary for the first time.

“Ms. Kerry Palmer,” she said, standing a little straighter, clearly trying to impress.

“Ms. Palmer,” I echoed, observing her. “I assume Harsha has been guiding you through your training, and you’ve learned a lot from her?”

Palmer glanced nervously at Harsha, who didn’t acknowledge her. “Yes, sir,” she replied, her voice tense. “I promise not to let you down.”

I blinked, unimpressed. “That wasn’t the question, Ms. Palmer. It only needed a simple yes or no answer.”

She licked her lips, flustered, and nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Suppressing a groan and hoping for some patience, I shot a quick look at Harsha, who leaned in and whispered to Palmer, “Always use your words.”

Palmer’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, sir,” she blurted out. “I get nervous, and when that happens, I tend to forget things.”

“You ramble too,” I pointed out, reaching for my laptop and reopening it. “It’s fine to make mistakes, Ms. Palmer, but repeated mistakes are unacceptable.”

She nodded quickly, then corrected herself. “Yes, sir.”

“You two may leave,” I said dismissively. “I’ll call if I need anything.”