Annabeth POV
Grover and Juniper were having an engagement party, and I'm invited. I promised Juniper that I would attend despite my busy work schedule. I had spent all day in meetings about the Amazonian expansion project.
Essentially, after Olympus used the evidence against Titan Industries, our competitors lost their power and fortitude. The Olympus Magnate wanted to completely cripple the Titans, but the vote went against it. Instead, we only used the evidence to terminate the illegal affairs of the Titans. Some of the good Titans managed to keep their companies.
Calypso took over her father's imports business. The illegal affairs stopped, but the legal trading company continued to operate.
Percy and I are so grateful for her help, and she would become an excellent businesswoman.
I sighed while staring at the dress in my backseat. My driver was taking me to a neighborhood enclosed in our city. It was one of the best communities in the city. Percy didn't want to buy a house outside of the city. He didn't want to disrupt our lives too much.
Yup, you heard me right.
Seaweed Brain bought a new house. Because of his rising book sales, he can easily afford a new home in the city. His family no longer has to live in a small two-bedroom apartment. I helped pick the home.
My company designed the homes in the neighborhood, so I knew that they were the best houses possible. He happily accepted my designs and bought a house here.
I smiled while gazing at Percy waiting on the sidewalk.
He was wearing khakis, a white shirt, and a navy blazer. His hair was combed, which transformed his attractiveness into handsomeness. His sea-green eyes glistened while his gaze locked onto mine through the window.
"Wise Girl, you didn't change yet," Percy complained. He came to my side of the car and opened the door for me.
The fresh breeze ruffled my hair while I greeted my boyfriend with a kiss. His home was located on a cul-de-sac, and the fresh lawns were reflecting sunlight well. It was a beautiful day, and the engaged couple chose a perfect date for a party.
They were hosting the party at Percy's home. It was a fairly large house, and he had a decent backyard with a big lawn and a pool. For Percy, a pool was a necessity.
Before I could walk to his house, Percy wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Seaweed Brain, I'm already running late," I replied.
Percy's face nuzzled against my neck. His breath washed down my skin and sent goosebumps over my arms. I felt so safe and warm in his arms. I acted on impulse and pushed Percy against my car. I leaned forward and kissed him passionately.
He immediately kissed back with a smile.
"I love you, Wise Girl," he whispered after pulling back. I stared into his eyes. They held so much love in them, and I couldn't help but think how lucky I am.
Percy didn't care about my wealth or status. Many guys target successful women, and it's unethical. However, Percy would love me no matter what. Even if I got fired from my company and was dirt-poor, he wouldn't care. Besides, Percy is successful on his own. I admired that quality. He became a successful, best-selling author without anyone's influence. Percy would always love me.
And, I knew that I love him too. I just haven't told him yet.
For a second, Percy paused and searched my face. He was waiting for me to say the three words that he wanted to hear for several months now. They were the best months of my life. They made me realize that I'd be happy and loved as long as I'm with Percy.
Finally, Percy sighed and smiled.
"Let's go inside, Wise Girl. We're going to be late for the party. Everyone's here already," Percy said while pulling me to the house. He was holding my hand and my dress in both hands.
"I still have to change and freshen up, Seaweed Brain."
We walked into the hallway. Hard-wood flooring and cream walls stretched forward. A small living room was next to us, followed by a dining room. The hallway led towards the kitchen and massive family room. Many of our friends were there.
They cheered at our arrival. Percy laughed while joining the party. I walked upstairs and entered Percy's bedroom. I spend a lot of time here. It's my second home.
Percy's room is messy, but I don't mind as much anymore.
He had five bedrooms, so you can imagine the size of the house. It wasn't necessarily a mansion, but it was a big house. His family members have their own rooms, and there were two rooms just for guests. Furthermore, Percy's office is located downstairs. That's where he does his writing. It's his creative space, and it's a whole world of its own.
I quickly changed and walked out of Percy's room.
I ran into Tyson and Estelle on my way downstairs. This is a family party, and many kids were there.
"Hey, guys, how are you doing?" I asked with a smile.
Estelle giggled while giving me a tight hug. My silky red dress scrunched against my legs, but I didn't mind. Stella gives the best hugs.
"We're doing great. The party is so much fun, and I made a new friend," Tyson said. He had a dreamy look in his 13-year-old eyes.
"Ooh, what's her name?" I asked slyly.
"You're so smart. You knew it was a girl," Tyson blushed. "Her name is Ella, and she's so pretty with her red hair and brown eyes."
I chuckled while patting Tyson's shoulder. Young love is so pure. He'd learn soon enough that relationships also take a lot of effort. Love is a powerful force, but it only has power if you're willing to fight for it like Percy and I did.
Regardless, Tyson's innocence was endearing.
He has been through so much with his cancer diagnosis. We were all so glad that he went into remission. He conquered death at such a young age. Now, he's reaping the rewards by living in a wonderful home and meeting amazing people.
Tyson and Estelle continued into their rooms to get some games while I went to the party. My friends were having a lot of fun, and I joined them.
Grover and Juniper looked so happy.
Every time they looked at each other and smiled, my eyes wandered to Percy. Of course, he would already be looking at me.
I think a lot about my relationship because that's how much it matters. I don't want to have a fling because I know that Percy is my end goal. Building something permanent takes work, and I'm willing to work and fight to build something permanent with Percy.
I want to build a refuge in his arms and a family in our home.
I want us to make a perfect balance.
...
Poseidon and Athena pretty much hate me and Percy. No surprise there. Of course, Poseidon has no power over Percy, but Athena is still my CEO. While she's gotten accustomed to me and Percy as a couple, she still gets angry from time to time.
I didn't care though. She can do whatever she wants. I've learned that my mother's approval isn't something I need. I'm happy with how I'm living my life.
However, today, she gave me three more projects to do.
Athena is in London, so she couldn't handle the projects in the United States. As such, she gave me the three hotel projects to work on. My team is working hard on the designs, but there's a lot of pressure to get it done.
I was working rampantly, and I haven't had a break all day.
It was in times like these when I missed Percy as my assistant. Since we were a couple, I could never go back to that situation. Regardless, I miss his designer coffee and built-in breaks into my schedule. He knew how to take care of me without compromising my work.
Suddenly, a knock reverberated through the room. I sighed before letting my personal assistant into my office.
I was still too busy reading the new hotel contracts.
"Hello, Ms. Chase, I have your coffee," a familiar voice rang out.
My gaze snapped up to my boyfriend's face. Percy was smiling brightly while walking over with a cappuccino. "What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I missed you. You canceled three of our dates because of how busy you are. Besides, Silena told me that you're always stuck in your office or meetings," he replied.
He placed the coffee cup down in front of me. A little heart was sketched into the foam. It looked so cute and so familiar.
The coffee was delicious if I say so myself.
Percy came behind the desk and pressed a light kiss on my forehead. His hands worked against my shoulders, and I couldn't stop a groan of pleasure from escaping. As I said, Percy always knew what I needed personally and professionally.
"You have to give yourself some breaks," he murmured.
"I'm busy, Seaweed Brain." I paused to enjoy the warm pressure against my back. His hands were magical, and he's good at using them on me.
"Not every assistant is going to be like me. Most people are only going to do their job. They're not going to look after your well-being."
"That sounded more like your complimenting yourself than advising me," I whispered with a smile. I already felt better today.
"I can do both at the same time," he said slyly.
I stood up from my leather seat and wrapped my arms around his neck. His hands found my waist and pulled me close to him. His eyes sparkled while gazing into my own. He gently lifted me and sat me down on my desk.
This felt scandalous, but it wasn't the first we had 'fun' in my office.
Percy's lips kissed my neck. My head leaned back and welcomed his love. This is not appropriate right now, but it felt too good.
"I love you, Seaweed Brain," I whispered.
It just slipped out.
Percy stopped and stepped back. His hands were still resting on my waist, but his face was now a foot away from my face. I don't think I'll ever forget the smile on his face.
"I love you too, Wise Girl. I love you more than you love me," he smirked.
"That's probably true, but it's not a competition," I shot back.
I meant my words. While it was ideal for us to love each other the same, I don't think anyone can measure up to the amount of love that Percy has for me. In all honesty, Percy loves me more than I love him. And, I love him for that.
I grabbed his shirt and yanked him towards me. My lips captured his welcoming mouth, and the kiss depended with each passing second.
We spent several minutes enjoying each other's company before it was time to stop.
"Okay, stop, Seaweed Brain," I said regretfully. Percy pulled back with a smile. Gods, he was so cute. He pulled me off the desk and placed me back into my leather seat.
"Gods, I thought that you'd put up a fight," I responded.
"If we were at home, there would be no stopping this," Percy gestured at us.
"But, you stopped here?" I questioned.
Percy brushed his hair before straightening my dress. Then, he organized the folders on my desk before typing two breaks into my calendar. My laptop was open, so he easily schedules the breaks for the rest of my week.
"So, at work, you listen to me rather than being a stubborn Seaweed Brain?" I asked slyly. Percy's piercing gaze locked onto mine.
"Well, I have to listen to you here," Percy smiled.
"After all, within the confines of these walls, you'll always be The Boss of Me."
समाप्त - The End - ముగింపు
