I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away

A hug, in Terrence Sterling’s view, certainly didn’t mean much.

His primary concern was who had taken the photo and sent it to him. The intent behind the photograph was clear. Initially, Terrence thought about calling Meredith to ask about it but decided against it, considering she was pregnant and he didn’t want to upset her.

Instead, Terrence tore up the photo and threw it in the trash, then resumed his work as if nothing had happened. The phone rang; it was his grandmother: “Terry, could you bring Charlotte and have dinner with us tonight? I really miss Charlotte.”

She seemed to miss Charlotte more than Terry himself. Without hesitation, he agreed, “Of course.”

“Then come early,” Grandma Sterling responded cheerfully.

Meredith, meanwhile, had arrived at Justin’s law office. When she mentioned she was there to see Justin, a colleague pointed her to his office.

“Justin’s office is right ahead.”

“Thank you,” Meredith smiled and walked toward the office. Justin, who now had his own office, was meeting with a client. Meredith waited outside rather than interrupt.

Inside, Justin saw Meredith and couldn’t bear to make her wait. He quickly wrapped up with his client: “I’ve got your situation covered. Go ahead, and I’ll handle your case.”

“Thank you, Justin,” the client said gratefully, relying entirely on him.

Justin then gestured for a colleague to escort the client out and approached Meredith, “What brings you here suddenly? Come on in.”

Meredith entered and glanced around the office, impressed. “You’re doing well for yourself, Justin. Now you really look like a proper lawyer.”

Justin poured water for Meredith, feeling somewhat guilty. “That’s all thanks to your help, Meredith. I’ve realized that connections often outweigh effort. Without opportunities, everything equals zero. I truly appreciate the chance you and Terrence Sterling gave me.”

“It’s your own ability that we believed in,” Meredith reassured him and asked, “How have you been? How are your parents?”

“My dad has adapted well here, he goes for walks and meets new friends daily. My mom’s doing great too, busy with Gemma’s school runs and has made some friends nearby. My brother’s health is as usual.”

Justin smiled, “Everything’s going well, Meredith, thanks to you.”

Meredith saw happiness on Justin’s face; he was content with his life. Talking about his parents, he seemed satisfied.

“Do you like your life now?” Meredith inquired.

“It’s good,” Justin smiled. “Coming home to a family waiting, a hot meal ready; I’m quite content with my life now.”

His improved income made life easier, allowing him to support his family without the strain he had faced before.

Justin’s words made Meredith hesitate about revealing the truth about Mr. Thatcher selling his children. Justin was content with his life, and exposing the truth could shatter his happiness. Perhaps, Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher had repented; after all, Justin was their biological son, and they likely still harbored some affection for him.

Justin noticed Meredith’s contemplation and asked, “Meredith, is there something you came to discuss with me today?”

“Yes, there is,” Meredith replied, diverting from her initial intention. “My cheese fondue restaurant is opening on the 15th next month. I’d love for you to come over.”

Ultimately, Meredith chose not to reveal the dark past just yet, deciding to observe Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher’s behavior further before potentially wounding Justin with the truth.

“I’ll definitely be there,” Justin responded warmly. “Congratulations, Meredith! You always wanted to open a cheese fondue restaurant, and now you’ve made it happen.”

“It feels almost like a dream, but it’s wonderful,” Meredith smiled, feeling hopeful for the future. “I hope we both continue to thrive. I won’t keep you from your work any longer; I should get going.”

“Alright,” Justin stood to see her out. “Meredith, about the money you lent me, I’ll pay it back as soon as I can.”

Meredith did not want to hurt his pride by dismissing the debt, so she simply said, “No rush.”Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

Planning to take a taxi home, Meredith received a call from Terrence Sterling. He was coming to pick her up so they could go to Ravenwood together. She texted him the address and waited by the roadside.

As Meredith stood waiting, the complexities of the situation weighed on her. She was relieved to have avoided a potentially painful conversation with Justin for now, but the truth about his family lingered ominously in the back of her mind, a dark cloud on the horizon of their renewed friendship.