Maximus POV.

“Sir, there’s someone waiting for you in your office,” his secretary told him when he got out of the elevator. It looks like she’s waiting for him because she’s standing beside the lift.

“Who is it? Didn’t I tell you not to accept anyone without an appointment? You’re not doing your job, Anna,” he said sternly.

“I-I’m sorry, Sir. T-this won’t happen again—”

“Of course, it won’t because you are fired,” he cut her off. The woman suddenly turned pale and her eyes widened.

“B-but…”

“Go to your table, Anna. We will deal with you later,” Brent said and motioned her to go away. After that they went inside the office. Wallace Empire Corp was located in Midtown Manhattan. Nestled between Central Park and towering financial landmarks. The eighty stories floor-to-ceiling glass walls mirrors the NYC skyline that looks stunning during sunset and stormy nights. It spans the entire 80th floor with 360 degree views of Manhattan. The only thing that made him in a good mood whenever he’s having a bad day.

They saw the woman as soon as they went inside. She’s facing the glass wall. As soon as he laid his eyes on her Maximus knew who she was. He motioned Brent to leave them alone.

Maximus gave himself some time to examined her. Eveytime he’s looking at her he suddenly remembered the times they were together. Her body brushing against him when they were making love. French-American, Vivienne Durand—sophisticated, manipulative, sensual, confident, and calculating. She’s a self-made billionaire like him—carved her name in the fashion industry having her own luxury brand. Vivienne, gives a powerful presence whenever she walks in the room that’s why he fell for her. But they have their own differences that’s why they let go of each other four years ago.

“Are you done checking me out? If so, I will turn around now? My front is more attractive than my back,” she spoke after a long silence.

Maximus smirk and went to hug her. “It’s been a long time, Viv. When did you came back?” he said when they let go of each other.

“Just yesterday. As soon as I finished the Paris fashion week I flew back here,” she replied with a smile.

Maximus guide her to sit in the couch and Vivienne gladly followed him. When they reach the couch she suddenly kissed him. Maximus didn’t expect it from her but he didn’t stop her. He missed her. Vivienne, wrapped her legs around his waist without cutting through the kiss while he brought her into the executive bedroom.

Everything happened so fast that they ended up in bed both naked gasping for air. Their clothes scattered anywhere on the floor and Maximus was thrusting in and out of her while they were both moaning in full bliss. Vivienne, nibbled his ear and it gives him a tingling sensation. He sucked her breast while massaging the other one that made her body arched.

“Max… I-I’m cumming—” Vivienne exclaimed and dug his nail into his back. Her weak body lay back on the bed but it seemed Maximus wasn’t finished yet and he started thrusting again, gently at first until it gradually accelerated again.

“I’m not finished yet. I’m not even halfway there,” he smirked then carry her and began thrusting again while standing.

Vivienne kept on moaning loudly but Maximus didn’t give a damn because he knew no one will hear them because of the soundproofed wall.

They both fell on the bed when they finished—both gasping for air. Vivienne, lay her head on Maximus’ arms while playing his chest hair. “I haven’t had a good sex for a while. Not until this moment. I missed you, Max,” Vivienne said while smiling ear to ear.

Maximus stayed silent but his face hardened after hearing what she said. “You are still good in bed. The best one I’ve ever had,” she added.

Maximus can’t stand what he’s hearing. He got up on bed and started wearing his clothes without looking at her. Vivienne also got up and watched him.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something that upsets you?” she asked.

“Nothing. You should dress up and leave,” he commanded while keeping a straight face.

“What is it, Max? C’mon, tell me? We just see each other and yet you are upset with no apparent reason—”

“I’m not a fool, Vivienne. I don’t get upset for nothing. I’m not your boy toy,” he growled at her. He zips his pants and wore his suit. He fixed his wrinkled hair with his fingers and turned his back on her.

“That’s not what I meant, Max,” she explained.

“Oh, yeah, then what? What am I to you?” he asked. He waited for her answer but she just stayed silent. He shook his head and smiled bitterly. “You don’t have to answer. I don’t even want to hear it. Just leave me alone and don’t bother to speak to me again. What happened between us is pure lust just like what you meant,” he immediately left the room without looking back at her.

Maximus left the empire building on foot. He just wants to be alone for a while. He went to a department store down the street and just picked a black cap and wore it to hide his face. The cashier watched him getting his wallet. He was about to hand her his black card when he realized she could recognize him—he put it back and hand her some cash instead.

Maximus walked down the busy streets of Manhattan. Watching every one go on with their day. He saw a couple having some cheap coffee in a coffee shop but still they look happy with each other. Then he saw an old couple guiding each other’s steps while the old man was carrying a paper bag with groceries in his other hand. It’s his first time going out like an ordinary human being and not the billion-dollar CEO of an empire.

He went to the other side and saw kids happily playing in the school playground. Some of them is with their parents. He stopped for a while and watched them. He suddenly missed his mom. He still can remember she always brings him to the playground when he was nine years old and played with him in the swing. Or, they will climb on the monkey bars. Those was the happiest moment of his life. But he didn’t expect that it’ll be the last time because he discovered that his mom has endometrial cancer. She hid it from him and didn’t bothered going to the doctor because they don’t have health insurance. When he discovered it, it’s too late. He cried for days at her mom’s lap because he can’t accept the fact that he’s going to be an orphan.

On his mom’s remaining days she looked for someone who will take him in. His father’s relatives didn’t want him while his mom’s only sister have three kids and couldn’t afford to take care of him. So, when his mom died he was left alone with little to no money. He walked the streets for days without anything and without a food in his stomach. He learned to eat people’s left over in a diner and got chased by the cruel shop owner. By the time he turned thirteen he learned to steal to survive and the person he tried to rob happened to be a priest. Instead of taking him to the social protective services he took him in. Father Matthew, gave him a shelter and food. He enrolled him to a Christian school where he finshed his degree. By the time he turned twenty he was living on his own. Working two jobs a day and saving for his dream. He owes Father Matthew everything. That’s why he’s anonymously supporting the church and the orphanage that Father Matthew built.

Maximus fixed his cap and sat on the swing. He watched the children running around and suddenly realization hit him. With all the child running around happily with their parents watching. He’s there all alone without anyone and when he returned home later, he was still alone. Without a wife and without children to return home to. He’s already thirty-five. He’s successful but he doesn’t have anyone who he can entrust everything he’s built.

Maximus fished out his phone in the inside pocket of his suit and called Brent.

“Hello, Max, where are you? I was looking for you all over the building but you are nowhere to be found,” Brent asked on the other line.

“I’m just down the street to get some fresh air. But that’s not important. I want you to gather the PR team, Brent, and tell them to put out an advertisement to all media outlet,” he said.

“Advertisement for what? Are you planning to launch another product or services?” Brent wondered.

“No. Tell the PR team to put out an announcement about me looking for a surrogate mother. Tell them the requirements and guidelines. I want them to find one as quickly as possible…” he ended the call right away to avoid Brent from asking too many questions.