<spanng="EN">Analise’s POV


    <spanng="EN">We only worked together for five more minutes before I finally begged off, iming exhaustion. My head was full of doubts. Did Charlie just get caught up in the moment? What got him carried away? It really seemed like he was into me. Much more than the regr flirting he did when he would tease me by winking at me.


    <spanng="EN">Who am I kidding? To me, Charlie was much hotter than Roger and Holden.


    <spanng="EN">I managed to hold it together until our photos were done. I tried not to get even more worked up than I already was. I tried to calm myself down as I faced the camera, wrapping my arms around his neck to show off my ring. I tried to ignore the minty smell of his breath as I smiled at the camera, waiting to be excused.


    <spanng="EN">Am I feeling like this just because I’m lonely? Do I want to feel desired so badly that I’m willing to kiss anyone?


    <spanng="EN">I’m disappointed in myself. Technically, I’m his boss. I don’t want to be used of sexual harassment, but he kissed me. It’s obvious who instigated the kiss. Did I respond, yes, but I don’t know anyone else who wouldn’t have in that moment. I tried to remain calm, but as soon as we were cleared, I took off. Like a pack of dogs were after me. Charlie didn’t notice me fleeing at first, but Drew did. He tried to call me back. I knew why; they were supposed to stay with me at all times. But I’m inside my ownpany. I’m safe here.


    <spanng="EN">Once I locked myself in my office, I texted them both that as soon as Gwen paid them, they were done for the day. I won’t be leaving thepany today. I was just going to take it easy and rest. Then I texted Gwen the same thing. I just wanted to be alone. I haven’t been alone for a while, not since before the auction. I just needed a break. I plugged in my phone to charge and turned the volume down. I cleaned my face and took a shower, making sure not to get my hair wet.


    <spanng="EN">My head was starting to really pound, and my mind was all over the ce. I needed to rx. I couldn’t help but reach down and rub my clit. It was begging for attention and was a great stress reliever. This wasn’t the first time I’ve done this. But it was the first time that I’ve done it because I was so worked up by a man that I needed the release. Usually, it was because I was just stressed out. I shuddered as my released came easy, too easy, with Charlie’s name on my lips.


    <spanng="EN">How am I ever going to face him again? I felt humiliated. Like Gwen had paid him off to do what he did. How could he possibly find me attractive enough to kiss? Not one, but two men have already deemed me unworthy of them, so how could he be interested? Just like Tiffany and Gretchen always said that no man will ever want me. He’s only known me for two days. How could he possibly be interested in someone like me? If he was, it’s only because he knew that I was a Caldwell.


    <spanng="EN">I dried off and turned off the light. It wasn’t even five p.m., but I was exhausted. Iy down on my sofa and allowed my tears to fall. I’m not stupid. What other reason could there be? I needed to nip this in the bud. It can’t go any further. I won’t allow myself to even dream about it. What purpose would it serve anyway? I thought we had a moment, but I know I’m overthinking it.


    <spanng="EN">I wish I could say that I had fallen into a dreamless sleep. But nightmares gued me all night long. Tiffany and Gretchen wereughing at me for falling for it again. Mocking me for even thinking that someone could care for me. My past insecurities came back to me at full st. Totally destroying my newfound confidence. My tears soaked my pillow, and I was up at four a.m. I had stubbornly tried to sleep, but finally just gave up. I looked terrible. I had dark circles under my eyes fromck of sleep. I was pale, likely because my head hurt so badly.


    <spanng="EN">I took some pain medication and made out my to–do list. I needed to make some changes. I hated even writing down that I needed to keep Drew and change Charlie out with Jon, but I couldn’t face him again. I could feel my face burning now at the thought of it. I needed to have a serious talk with Gwen this morning. I felt my eyes burn with tears at the thought of having to let Charlie go. But right now, I just couldn’t afford any scandals. Not until Ie clean about who I am.


    <spanng="EN">Maybe after the reveal, I’ll be able to face him again. That gives me about a week and a half to get over my embarrassment. But I have a feeling it won’t be enough. My head hurts too much for this. I would start making the calls as soon as the businesses opened this morning.


    <spanng="EN">I called the therapist Rodney referred me to and made an appointment. It’s obvious afterst night, the bullying they put me through wasn’t just going to go away. I also needed to deal with mytest embarrassment, as well as what Roger had put me through.


    <spanng="EN">I made the initial appointment for tomorrow. I really didn’t want to deal with anyone today. I put my towel fromst night at the bottom of my door, so Gwen wouldn’t see the light was on and know I was here. I had a life, kind of. Maybe not a great one at the moment, but I’ve been focusing on my happiness. I then called the securitypany and advised them that I wasn’t going anywhere today, and no one was needed. As soon as they confirmed my request, I decided to officially make the change.


    <spanng="EN">“Is there any way that I can add Jon Wolfe to the team?” I asked.


    <spanng="EN">“Charlie had already notified us that you wanted Jon added,” she replied.


    <spanng="EN">“Um, I was just going to stay with two, Drew, and Jon, for the time being. I will add Charlie backter,” I quickly replied. I knew I needed to just get it out before I chickened out. I didn’t want to rece him; I already missed him. That means I had no choice but to rece him.


    <spanng="EN">“I can’t do that, Ms. Wade. It’s set in the system. Only one of the owners can change it. Charlie and Drew are set as your team. Is there a problem?” she asked.


    <spanng="EN">I don’t want to get him in trouble, but I’m going to be the one in trouble if I don’t make sure I guard my heart. I can’t be deceived a third time. Haven’t I been humiliated enough? I’m an intelligent woman. I can’t keep falling for men who don’t care for me or find me attractive. But I can’t think of a reason to ditch him.


    <spanng="EN">I let out a sigh and said, “There’s no problem. I will need an escort at ten tomorrow morning.”


    <spanng="EN">“I’ve got it noted. Have a good day,” she replied before hanging up.


    <spanng="EN">How can I possibly have a good day? I have to face him tomorrow, whether I want to or not. I’m just going to have to keep it strictly professional. I won’t let him flirt, and I won’t be catching his gaze in the mirror anymore. I will just look out my window and mind my own business. I’m sure after he touched me yesterday, he is no longer interested in me. I already acted like things were fine in front of him for the pictures. I will get past this, just like I’ve gotten past everything else, one day at a time.


    <spanng="EN">I spent the day hiding out in my office. I only answered the door for security twice. Once to get brunch, and once to get a small pizza for dinner. My nerves were frayed, but I actually got a lot done today. Two nes and a bracelet were created, along with two dresses. I don’t know why I was so creative, but things went very smoothly today.


    <spanng="EN">I showered and took my medicine before I went to bed. I was praying that the medicine and theck of sleep. would knock me out, and I wouldn’t suffer the nightmares again. I finally checked my phone and ignored the texts from Holden, Charlie, and Drew. I also ignored the texts from Emily and Gwen. I needed more time. If I answered Emily, Gwen would be upset. I didn’t want to hear Charlie make excuses for why he decided to kiss me. If I have to. I will call and speak to one of the owners to get my security detail changed.


    <spanng="EN">Thankfully, my sleep was much better. I felt better getting dressed as I pulled out a blush pink silk shirt and a pair of ivory pants. I paired the gold belt Emily got me with some nude heels. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes looked sad, but the rest of my face looked fine. No more dark circles, after some light makeup. I put on some mascara, and this time, I used the nude lipstick. I pulled my hair back into a loose ponytail, passing over the spot where I was injured. I was ready ten minutes early. But I waited until ten to exit the building.


    <spanng="EN">They were already there, and Drew got out with a smile. I smiled back, but he noticed it wasn’t my regr smile. He opened my door, but didn’t ask what was up.


    <spanng="EN">That didn’t stop Charlie, “You okay?” he asked.


    <spanng="EN">“I’m fine. I just haven’t been sleeping well, and still have a headache,” I replied. I gave them the address where we were going, and then stared out my window as we headed there.


    <spanng="EN">“Do you want us to stop and get coffee?” Charlie asked.


    <spanng="EN">“No, I’m fine, thanks,” I replied.


    <spanng="EN">I didn’t nce at him. I didn’t want to meet his eyes. I certainly didn’t want him to wink at me again. I felt tears pricking my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I thought of Joyce and how she was going to react when she found out who I was. That helped, but I was now worried about crying in front of my therapist. I ugly. cried, and I’m barely holding it together right now. I’m just d the foundation will cover my blotchy red face; well, I hope it will. But I knew I needed to do this. I’m struggling enough already.


    <spanng="EN">Charlie parked, but didn’t shut the SUV off or unlock the doors like he normally did. I just stared out the window. Nothing could possess me to meet his gaze in the mirror. He finally sighed and said, “Drew.” The next second, the locks disengaged, and Drew threw his door open as Charlie locked the doors back.


    <spanng="EN">“Wait,” I called out, but Drew just shut the door and walked to the hood of the vehicle. I kept my eyes on Drew, but calmly said, “Charlie, you can’t keep me prisoner. I have an appointment in fifteen minutes.”


    <spanng="EN">“Look at me, Ana, Charlie stated. I just shook my head and stared out of the SUV. “Ana, either you look at me, or we’ll just stay locked up in here together until you do.”