Chapter 11 I was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the building in front of me . I suddenly recalled my first day of work at this company , and now its been three years since . I still cant fully grasp that Ive been here for so long . Ana ! I quickly turned to the caller and saw Elena rushing towards me . Why did you come in ? Sir Ares is already gone . He didnt leave any work for you , she informed me right away . I frowned and entered the main entrance of the Aragon Estate building with lena . What do you mean ? I asked her in surprise . She seemed equally bewildered . Didnt he tell you ? The board has an out of town trip today and hes with Sir Ares and Don Damien , she replied , surprising me . I didnt respond because I didnt know what to say . Ares never mentioned this to me . I just talked to him on the phone earlier , but he didnt say anything . It couldnt be true . Is she playing a joke on me ? Really ? Why didnt he tell me ? I asked as we waited for the elevator to open Elena just shrugged. I dont know . Im not his girlfriend . You know , youre really lucky . Just imagine , your boyfriend is our boss , she said excitedly , irritating me . Im lucky for him because hes a good person , not because of his status , Elena I quickly defended , and she laughed . Im just kidding . I know that . Youre my best friend , after all . I have a question for you , she continued , and I looked at her . I noticed that she was acting weird , but I decided to let it go . She seemed to be hiding something from me and was struggling to tell me . What is it ? Do you want to get married ? I mean , were not young anymore . I know youre still focused on supporting your family, but you know … do you have any plans for marriage ? She asked , looking very eager to hear my answer . I frowned as I contemplated Elenas question . Sometimes dealing with her randomness was challenging . I often found it hard to have meaningful conversations with her . However , regarding her question , I do want to get married to the person I love , of course . Who wouldnt ? I want to marry Ares . Hes the only man I can see myself spending the rest of my life with , and I know he feels the same about me . But on the other hand , Im not sure if Im ready . I still have so much to achieve and prove to myself . Thats quite a random question , Elena . You go upstairs first . Ill just call Sir Ares , I deflected . She quickly turned to me with a pout , making me chuckle . Youre such a buzzkill . See you later . Ive got something important to tell you she said as she bid me goodbye and hurried out when the elevator doors opened . I followed her with my gaze until she disappeared from my sight . As the elevator closed again , I picked up my phone still ringing when he answered . Yes , babe ? He greeted me on the other line , and I automatically smiled . Where are you ? I asked , leaning against the elevator frame . Next , I heard him swearing on the other line . quickly called Ares . It was Oh , damn ! Im sorry . I forgot to mention earlier that Im on an out of town trip . Im sorry , baby … he apologized softly , pleading in his tone , making me smile even more , especially at the sound of his deep voice . Never gets old , Its okay, Ares . Elena already informed me , but Im planning to stay here at the office . I have a lot to catch up on- No , no . You should go home . I dont want you staying at the office without me You know how I feel about that , he interjected , catching me off guard . Chapter 11 Even to this day , he still struggles with this issue . Its been a few months since that incident happened , but he cant seem to let it go . This man is really something else . Its fine , Ares . Ill stay in your office for now , I insisted and stepped out of the elevator when it opened . I headed straight to the pantry when I felt hunger gnawing at me . I hadnt had breakfast before leaving home earlier due to the rush . Also , mama was in a bad mood , so I wasnt sure if Id have much of an appetite at home . Ares sighed on the other line , seemingly patient again . Just do as I ask , Anastacia . Go home and wait for me . Lets discuss things once get back . Dont you dare disobey me , he warned me , making me swallow any retort . I wasnt really winning with this guy . Fine , Sir Ares Constantine . See you soon . Please be safe , I conceded , finding a seat on a sofa nearby . Next , I heard a slight grin in his voice . Ill see you soon . Take care . I love you , Ana , he said seriously , and a smile involuntarily spread across my face . The butterflies in my stomach were starting to flutter again , and my heartbeat quickened . Things havent changed much . Its been two years since I officially accepted his love , but his demeanor towards me is still as it was from the beginning . Im gradually falling deeper into him , and I dont know how to convey it . I fear that if I do , he might change . But then again , I doubt it . Ares is a good man . From the moment I met him , his kindness was evident , much like his father , Don Damien , the owner of the Aragon Group of Companies . Their family stands among the wealthiest and most successful businessmen in the country , with ventures ranging from hotels , casinos , resorts , and malls . Ares serves as the CEO of Aragon Estate , which focuses on managing casinos and resorts . So when he told me one day that he wanted to date me , I was stunned . Initially unsure of his intentions , I felt like he might just be messing with me . But my skepticism disappeared when he introduced me to his parents and expressed his deep love for me . After my conversation with Ares , I decided to meet up with Elena outside the building . As much as I wanted to stay at the office , I also refrained from doing so , knowing Ares might catch wind of it and come home because of that . Got any plans for later ? Elena asked while we waited for a taxi . Just heading home . Why ? Whats up ? I inquired . My attention momentarily shifted as I received a text from my older brother , Matthew . Matthew Lend me some money ཟ་ ཟ་ འ་ བཟོ་ I stared at it for a moment before replying and then turned to Elena . It was then that I noticed she had also glanced at my phone , so I placed it back in my bag . The audacity of your brother is truly something else . Hes the eldest and still asking you for money , she remarked . I just shook my head . You know the situation . Maybe he needs it to find a job , I responded , turning my attention back to the road . Hes still job hunting ? Your family really is different . Youre fortunate in your love life but less fortunate in your family , she said seriously , so I patted her arm . Im still fortunate because I still have a family , I replied briefly , and she simply stared at me . Before she could say more , a taxi pulled up in front of us , and I bid her goodbye . Ill text you later . Take care , she said before parting ways , and I nodded . As soon as the car started moving , my phone rang again with another text , still from my older brother . Matthew Just hand it to mom when you get home I winced as I read that . I chose not to respond and simply looked out the window . Thats when I noticed the gloomy sky , hinting at an upcoming rain . I felt even heavier as memories of that incident resurfaced amidst the heavy rain . I miss you so much , papa … I whispered to myself as the rain poured down . Chapter 11 I reached home in about an hour . The quiet ambiance enveloped me as I headed straight to my room . After changing into comfortable clothes , I went out to look for Mama or Agatha . In the backyard , I spotted Mama chatting with some of her friends . When I saw what they were up to , I felt a wave of fatigue and let out a sigh . I was about to head back to my room when I ran into Agatha , just coming out of her room . When did they start playing ? I asked her , but she didnt even look at me . Agatha , I called her name again , thinking she hadnt heard me . She glanced at me for a moment , then turned away once more . Let her be , Ana . You always object like that . Its annoying , she replied firmly I pursed my lips , ready to say something , but she entered her room and nearly closed the door . I bit my lower lip and sighed heavily . Gambling is not a hobby … Later that afternoon , I was taken aback by a series of phone rings . I quickly picked up and answered when I saw Elenas name . Hello … Ana ! Ive been trying to call you ! Its Ares ! Elena shouted on the other line . I felt a sudden rush of energy due to her words and tone . She seemed confused and scared , so I immediately got up . What … why ? What happened ? Where are you ? I bombarded her with questions , my heart starting to tremble . Im outside your house ! she continued . I could still hear her gasping , so I hurriedly left the room . Elena , why ? Whats going on ? Ares … had an accident on his way home . Ive been trying to call you ! My heart seemed to stop for a moment when I heard that . Without another thought , I ran out of the house as tears streamed down my face . In "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" by CrushReel, a heartfelt romance unfolds between a woman and the president she has long admired since youth. Overcoming insecurities about her appearance, she finds herself working closely with him as his assistant, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. 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