The CEO’ s second choice novel Chapter 48

　　Elena

　　I flop face down on my bed.

　　Today was my first day at Exeter, and I just about burnt thousands of calories due to my anxiety and nerves. I do not know if being anxious burns calories, but it burns something all right. My brain, for one. Anabelle is in a different league to me altogether, her classes are intense English Lit, like I would not cope in her position. But since she’s a literature prodigy, its chump change to her.

　　At least one person had the courage to come and talk to me. His name was Isaac McGowan, and he was such a refreshing sight! Yes, he was from the MacGowan clan of Scotland and disgustingly well off, but he did not feel the need to suck up to me or try to impress me with his stories or wealth. I suppose it helps a lot that he was flat out gay. Ah, I am a homosexual magnet and I love it!

　　“Rough day?” The amused voice of my husband came as he walked over to me and all I did was groan like a llama. He laughs and turns me over. “I swallowed more than I could chew,” I say while I felt sorry for myself and only realising afterwards that I had said that saying completely wrong when Sebastian burst out laughing. I groan again and grab a pillow to hide my face, but he pulls it away. “I can’t even English properly,” I say, fighting to keep the pillow on my face, but he pulls it away in one swift move and gets on top of me.

　　“Oh, my love, it was only your first day and I’m sure it was overwhelming, but don’t allow it to discourage you. Find your niche and go with it, but don’t give up.” He says and kisses my forehead. “Come, Ilse has made your favourite supper. I asked her to set a table in the conservatory so you can tell me about your day.” He says and pulls me out of the room, and I reluctantly follow him.

　　After Spencer and Mirabelle’s passing, things have been pushed onto us so I have had to deal with starting uni and Dumont appointments. I have essentially become the Dumont matriarch and it scared me more than I wanted to let on. With Sebastian taking over his father’s position as the worldwide Dumont Enterprises CEO, I barely see him either, so him being home now was actually a surprise in itself.

　　He also took the time to spend a meal with me in my favourite spot, and it made me extremely happy. I look up at him as we walk and smile, moving closer to him. “I’ve missed you,” I say and feel his arm snake around my waist, then he kisses my forehead. “As I have missed you, my love.” He says with a smile and I realise we have reached the conservatory.

　　When we walk over to the set table, I notice the effort that went into the planning of this supper. Sebastian pulls out a chair for me and I sit down, then he walks around and takes his place opposite me. He regards me with a warm smile before Ilse brings out our meal, and it was indeed my favourite! The whole 3 courses were all my favourite dishes, including the palette cleanser and wine. We chat about my day and even though I am droning on and on, he still has that smile on his face. The one that I fell in love with.