The surrogate boss next door.

to ensure her boss wasn't in sight. As she waited, her mom snu

?" her mom whispere

ed me!" Emily exclai

ing from?" her mom asked, s

t now," Emily replied h

Emily go. Then, she walked into the ha

essa greeted wi

ng, Ma," Al

ed, expecting an introdu

ex," he

like your room," Miss

l that bad,"

ee to call if you need any

lex said, quickly end

essa said, returnin

*****

now, right? I can't believe this is happening to

or, that makes you guys neighbo

't say 'neighbors.' I

en what are you? Ne

. "Anything b

nder the same roof as her boss. "Ugh, I hate my

s events. Sharing a roof with Emily would be disastro

entered, noticing Alex's

king. "Did you research th

ed look. "You know, like the owners background, family history, stu

. Ethan raised an eyebrow, sensing d

odded "Inform me if you change your mind.

****

ew project. Alex flipped through the files, his expression unreadable. Emily gla

ing Alex would approve. His response was mixed – a nod

Alex asked, h

Emily replied, st

to you. Let's wrap up for toda

at Alex truly thought. His ambig

hed, concerne

nxious. You know how Sir Alex can be. I h

ing smile. "You did gre

mily's thoughts lingered on Al

****

woman, Diana, walked in with a captivating smile. Alex's stern expre

she introduced, e

er, his expres

ignore a lady?" Diana asked,

e to barge into someone's off

ed. "You stood me up

ow. "You must be the

interesting. Are yo

red with files, halti

nners..." Emi

demeanor transforming. "Darli

able as Alex approached he

ng on?" Emi

I've missed you," Alex said

his was the closest Al

ssed her. "Would you excuse

a scornful glance

t Diana left. His demeanor re

quested," Emily said softl

leave. I'll get back t

ogy or explanation were shatter

rvousness evident. He brush

ed, recalling the incident and h

me?" Alex chided himsel

*****

f. She rushed to her desk, focusing on work to calm her racing

Sarah approached, conc

eplied quickly, av

d. "Ooh, OK," she said, sen

lly glancing at Emily, worried. She k

******

polished

s. Focused on her work, she heard footsteps approaching. L

What are you doing?" Al

e work, then I'll l

hy I'm here," Alex said

Emily muttered

asked, notici

Emily repli

ow we're neighbors?" Al

perplexed. "I.

ever mind. Probably the w

ked away, leaving

such a jerk," Emily whis

xhausted. In the kitchen,she

Emily said, fo

k, dear?" he

replied, eyeing

the food?"

new tenant. He seems unse

How is that your business,

ily's sharp tone. Emily grab

the dishes, and heade

*****

the doorbell. The door swung open, and Alex wal

Alex r

dinner?" Mrs

y," Alex s

a lunch box. "Here you

nsation – being cared for and love

ssa said. "And feel free to visit o

" Alex r

. Good night," Mrs. Te

d the box and served himself dinner

and visited her daughter Emily's room. "Mind if

e in," Emi

e Emily on the bed.

m good,"

again, "Is someth

'm good," E

always here for you when you need

usband, who left her for another woman. She discovered her pregnancy a

" Emily said as her mom l

on the new tenant?

ross! Why would I crush on my bo

hat? Your boss is the tenan

n't necessary,

n giving you a hard time is now our

d, "Please don

I'll put in good words for him; this is

, sensing her mom

for me or my arrogan

th. Get to bed, baby.

Don't try anyth

se left Emily wonde