The choices we make [Completed]

Chapter 20 - If only we met earlier

Chapter 20 - If only we met earlier

It was always hard to get back to work after a vacation, Olena thought to herself as she drove to her office.

She had a hard time convincing herself to get up that morning. Even Robert, who was an early riser, got up late so they were all scrambling to get ready.

Levi was especially cranky as he was still feeling tired after their long drive back from the beach yesterday.

When she arrived in the office, everybody was already there and greeted her as she walked by.

"Good morning, Olena," Cathy, the receptionist, welcomed her. "I saw your photos over the weekend. Levi's so big already!"

She was surprised for a moment then she remembered that Robert had uploaded a few photos and tagged her.

"Oh... Yeah, he's growing up so fast. He's not a baby anymore," Olena replied with a smile.

"Wait a few more years and he won't even let you hug or kiss him in public," Cathy told her with a laugh.

"I know, I'm dreading that day already," Olena laughed softly then waved as she walked away.

The rest of the staff greeted her cheerfully as she passed their desks. At least they seem to have enjoyed their holiday.

Next time they decide to go on a road trip, Olena decided they should have to allot more than 3 days, otherwise most of the time will just be spent driving back and forth.

When she was younger, she could even do overnight trips and go straight to the office the same morning she got back to the city.

But the years were getting to her, she realized. Plus it wasn't easy, having to care for an energetic kid who hates being confined to a car seat for hours.

She stopped by her team's work area but Axel was not in yet.

"He filed a leave for today. I think he'll be back tomorrow," Rachel told her, noticing her glance at Axel's desk.

"Oh, and Mr. Sanders was looking for you earlier," Rachel continued. "He said to tell you to come by his office when you get in."

Olena nodded her thanks then hurried to her office. Looks like it's going to be a full week.

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Patrick closed the last folder on his table and gave a huge sigh of relief.

That was the last of the contracts he had to finish and he was in the clear, at least for the next two weeks.

He was leaving in a couple of days but he would not be going to the office anymore tomorrow. He wanted to relax at home before his flight, he needed to pack his luggage too.

Stretching his tired shoulders, Patrick looked around the room for a last minute check.

He had gone over all the ongoing projects with their directors and had discussed administrative and operational concerns with his department heads.

He was ready to go.

"Don't tell me you're hesitating."