The CEO’s New Baby

Chapter 9

If anyone would have talked to her ten years ago and would have asked her where she saw herself that day, she would have probably imagined everything but that. She had always lived a normal life and had imagined the best for herself, but never, not in her wildest dreams, would she have expected to actually be able to open her own business. Even after preparing for months, she still couldn’t get used to the fact. But she had to because starting that morning, the business would become official.

Taking in a deep breath, she tried to get rid of the surreal feeling in the pit of her stomach and clear her head. She needed to finish getting ready if she hoped to make it in time to her own opening. Nodding, she grabbed the comb once again and continued styling her hair, giving extra attention to the strands framing her face.

Her look wasn’t extra all together. It was composed of simple yet classy things that caught life whenever Kayla wore them. The pink loose dress and red stilettos simply outlined her body and made her look classy and chic.

Adding to it all, she made sure to wear the necklace her daughter got her for Mother’s Day and the pair of earrings she had received from Ryan the Christmas before. She tried adding as much meaning into her outfit as possible. Even if no one would notice, she wanted everyone to know that if it hadn’t been for her family, she would have never been there. She owed each and every one of them a part of her soul because if it weren’t for them, she would have withered and died a long time ago.

Sighing, she ran a hand through the strand that she had just curled and undid the strands, creating a smooth curl that matched all the others that were already cascading down her back. Her look was coming all together.

Suddenly, a knock came on the door just as she was curling the last strand of hair. Without even sparing the door a glance, she welcomed whoever it was inside. Slowly, Ryan first peeked through the door before he slipped his entire body in.

He had been at work that morning trying to finish off the documents that needed to be signed before the opening. Kayla had no idea when he managed to do all that. Wake up, go to work, and come back, all that in just a couple of hours. Somehow, she felt guilty for that, the tight time surely had been stressful. But she promised herself she would make it up to him later.

“Well, someone looks dashing today.” She winked as she approached him, her hands resting on his chest before she rose on her toes to kiss him.

“Look who is talking. You look absolutely magnificent.” She had hoped he would say that, she had put a bit of thought into that outfit. She had meant to show the baby bump, but she had hoped she would do that in a decent and classy kind of way. And apparently, she had succeeded.

“Why, thank you!” Her arms were around his neck by now, her legs crossed as she kissed him.

“You know, I would stay here the entire morning, but unfortunately, Peter just announced me that some paparazzi landed on our bakery’s front door. And we will need to be there sooner to arrange for the opening.”

“Paparazzi?”

“Yeah, someone must have told them. They have been waiting there since morning. I doubt they will go away.”

“But we didn’t plan for that! We aren’t ready for that kind of opening.” Having an opening with cameras meant putting in double the effort she had already invested. It took way more than some colored balloons and matching ribbons.

“Kayla, relax. The bakery looks great, you look great. Everything and everyone is prepared for that kind for opening.” Ryan had this gift where he could get anyone to believe what he had to say. He could be telling you the sky is red and you would just sit there and nod like an idiot. That was partially what was happening to Kayla. Despite the fact that she did not believe a world he said, she couldn’t deny him.

It wasn’t his fault those men found out nor was it his fault that he was famous enough to unconsciously affect her business. So, instead of crying, she would just su*k it in and go with it.

“Okay, fine. I guess you are right,” she sighed. Ryan couldn’t be happier that the news he had just shared with her did not ruin her mood all together. He had been worried about that ever since he found out.

“Okay, great, now let’s go. Your mother told me they are all ready and waiting for you.”

When Kayla had imagined her opening, she had foreseen something small, not too chaotic. She assumed that not that many people would actually be interested in the opening of a small bakery down the street. They had even sent some invitations a day before, not leaving people much time to prepare. She had hoped that her husband’s fame wouldn’t interfere with the potential success of her new business. Of course, all those assumptions had been wrong.

Instead of having a few people to greet, she found herself standing in front of a crowd of photographers, waiting for everyone to gather so she could cut the red ribbon in front of the two glass doors.

The flashing of the cameras blinded her and made her feel a bit anxious and insecure. With all the pictures being taken, she started wondering if she had indeed made the right choice when it came to the decorations. From the corner of her eye, she could see Ryan talking to Peter; they seemed to be discussing something pretty important. But what?

Had it not been for her mother who was holding her, Kayla doubted she would have been able to stand on her legs. Ryan joined them.

“Okay, dear, I guess everyone we invited is here. I think it’s time we get this over with.” Ryan glanced at the crowd as he whispered those things to her, his blue eyes gazing through the crowd of familiar faces.