Falling in Love : I love you, Today and Forever

"Oh my God!!" Ivy heard whispers of exclamation from around her as soon as her father entered the conference room to start the meeting. This was what exactly she had wanted and things were progressing in the way she and her father had envisioned.

People were gossipers. By word of mouth, soon, the entire world would know about her father's return and it would not be long before the snakes came out of their hiding place to attack them. But this time, they were prepared and ready to retaliate and Ivy folded her hands, her eyes burning in confidence when she thought about the upcoming war.

"Hello, everyone." Oliver stood straight and reeked of power, gaining everyone's attention on him. "From some of your expressions, you might have already recognized me. I am Oliver West and I am the Vice President of News4U."

Before, there were only small whispers in the room. But as soon as Oliver introduced himself, the murmurs become loud and chaotic.

Oliver waited for a minute for the room to turn silent before started speaking again. "I know some of you must be beyond surprised to see me here. But it is what it is." He shrugged lightly as though he was not at all bothered by the questioning gazes the people around him were giving him. f𝐫ℯe𝘸𝙚𝑏n𝑜ѵ𝒆l. 𝐜𝚘𝓶

"I called you all here to appreciate your work in my absence. Good job, everyone. I will be starting over from today and I expect the same enthusiasm from all of you. Please don't allow my sudden appearance to hinder your work. Otherwise, I will be very downcast." Oliver lowered his head and patted his chest and his words managed to erupt giggles and smiles from his audience.

"We might be facing a storm soon and I hope you will prepare yourself for what is about to come." Oliver turned serious all of a sudden and some of the people sat up straight when they heard his warning.

While some of the newbies did not understand what he was referring to, the older and experienced ones, who had been in the industry for a long time and knew a thing or two, had an inkling as to what he was referring to.

From the type of news they were broadcasting since the last few weeks, it was apparent that they were about to be hit with danger and they had long prepared themselves for it.

"If any of you wishes to leave the agency, we will not stop you from doing so. You may leave and we will accept your decision wholeheartedly." Oliver finally stated the reason why he had held the meeting and waited for a few seconds to see if anyone had any opinions.

However, all he got in return was silence. No one spoke a word but he could see clouds of confusion hovering over most of the people and he let out a helpless smile.

"Some of you must be wondering what I am speaking about. Let me clarify and clear the confusion." Oliver let out a sigh and pursed his lips. "My colleagues and I were the ones who uncovered the organ trafficking crimes happening in some of the hospitals here and we tried to find the person behind the racket. And this was what led to me being absent from the world for three years. What do you all think will happen when the news of my return will reach the man who had tried to silence me before?"

Now, the people realized what he was speaking about previously and they opened their eyes wide in disbelief.

"As I said previously, my return has put me in danger already and I do not wish to drag you all into the mess. If you wish to leave right now, you are free to do so. Nobody will stop you."

Minutes passed but there was no reaction from anyone.

Oliver was pleasantly surprised when no one stood up to leave the place even after ten minutes had passed. His eyes widened in admiration for his colleagues and he nodded lightly.

"Well, I am astounded by your decision, I'll not lie. But I am also glad that I have colleagues like you around me. Thank you, everyone." The sincerity in his tone touched many people and they beamed in delight.

"I think we should get back to work. We still have a lot to do. Have a good day everyone."

Oliver left the room, followed by Ivy and her friends. On the way, Max and the others returned to their work places, leaving Ivy and Oliver to themselves.

"Dad, what do you think will happen now?" She enquired as she closed the door after entering her father's office.

Joshua, who had been playing a game on his phone, raised his head when he heard her and sat up straight, waiting for some fresh and juicy gossip. His expression only made Ivy roll her eyes in dismay.

"Don't you have any work to do? You are here whiling your time away." She rebuked, not at all impressed by his actions.

"I'll leave in a while. Don't worry, Ivy. I will not hog your time, at least not today." The last few words were barely a whisper and Ivy did not hear them. But Oliver did and he gave Joshua a profound look, making the young man to fidget in his seat in uneasiness.

"Whatever. Dad, what do we do now?"

"Now, we will wait for prey to take the bait," Oliver replied and switched on his laptop.

"Do you really think we have a spook here, Dad?"

"We cannot ignore the possibility. We have been publishing news of Jared's crimes for quite some time now. I am sure there is someone from his side to keep an eye on us." Oliver's eyes flashed as he stared hard at his laptop but he recovered himself before the couple could notice it.

"Dad, just be careful. We do not know when we might fall in danger, again."

"Yes, Ivy. I know. Don't you have work to do? Why are you wasting your time?"

It was Joshua's turn to smile and he folded his hands as he raised his brows at her mischievously.

"You, young lady, cannot slack off just because you are my daughter. I do not allow privileges here." Oliver chided gently and Ivy huffed in return.

"Fine, fine, I'm leaving. Have a good day." Ivy opened the door to walk out as she mumbled loudly, "It is not at all pleasant to have my father as my Boss. He is so bossy."