“Good. You’re not getting any younger, sweetheart. I just want to see you happy.”
“Of course, Mom,” Amelia replied, forcing a laugh. “I have to get back to work now.”
“Okay, dear.”
Amelia hung up and exhaled deeply.
“What am I going to do?” she thought.
The last thing she wanted was to lie to her mother, but the idea of explaining her single status felt unbearable.
While Amelia was lost in her thoughts, the rest of the office was buzzing with excitement. News had spread that Tom Johnson, the elusive and brilliant heir to the Johnson family fortune, would soon be arriving to officially take over the firm.
“Do you think he’ll let us join his team?” one lawyer asked another.
“Of course not,” Lucy, a sassy and ambitious employee, scoffed. “He’s only going to pick the best of the best. And let’s be honest—most of you don’t stand a chance.”
Lucy’s confidence came from her ambition to work directly under Tom Johnson. She knew his reputation as a record-breaking lawyer who had never lost a case and was on track to become the youngest senior advocate in the country. She was determined to impress him at any cost.
Spotting Amelia walking back to her desk, Lucy smirked.
“Well, if it isn’t the queen of mediocrity,” she said loudly enough for others to hear. “Don’t even think about trying to join Mr. Johnson’s team. He would never pick someone like you—a low-class lawyer from a no-name university.”
Amelia stopped in her tracks, her heart sinking.
“That’s enough, Lucy,” she said quietly.
“Oh, am I wrong?” Lucy continued mockingly. “Everyone here knows you’re not in his league. Why don’t you just stick to minor cases and leave the big leagues to those of us who are actually qualified?”
Before Amelia could respond, Tommy stood up from his desk.
“That’s enough,” he said firmly, stepping between Lucy and Amelia.
Lucy raised an eyebrow, sizing him up.
“And who do you think you are, intern? Do you even have the right to speak to me like that?”
“I might be just an intern, but I know that respect and kindness go a long way,” Tommy replied calmly. “Amelia is a fantastic lawyer who works harder than anyone here. If Mr. Johnson values talent, I’m sure he’d recognize that in her before anyone else.”
Lucy laughed bitterly.
“You’re defending her? That’s cute. But you’re as low on the totem pole as she is. Don’t get in my way, intern.”
Tommy didn’t back down.
“Maybe I’m low on the totem pole, but I know the kind of people who succeed are those who lift others up, not tear them down.”
Lucy rolled her eyes and walked away, muttering under her breath.
Amelia, who had been watching the exchange, was deeply touched by Tommy’s defense. She looked at him with new admiration.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Tommy shrugged, his warm smile returning.
“I just don’t like seeing good people treated unfairly.”
Amelia couldn’t help but smile back. Her heart fluttered slightly, and for the first time in a long while, she found herself wondering if someone could truly be different from the men who had hurt her before.
He was not rich, but he was kind.
Over the next few weeks, Tommy and Amelia grew closer. They worked seamlessly together on cases, often staying late at the office. Their shared laughter and easy conversation soon blossomed into something more. Tommy, in his humble and charming way, asked Amelia out on a proper date, and she hesitated only for a moment before agreeing.
As their relationship deepened, Lucy grew increasingly bitter. Her jealousy festered, and she began plotting ways to sabotage Amelia.
Lucy’s chance came when she overheard Amelia talking to Tommy about their budding romance. Determined to ruin it, Lucy devised a plan.
One day, Lucy orchestrated a situation to embarrass Amelia and Tommy. She tampered with documents that Amelia and Tommy were supposed to present to a client, hoping the mistake would paint them as incompetent. However, her plan backfired when Tommy quickly noticed the error and corrected it just in time.
Lucy’s frustration boiled over, but she refused to give up.
“You’re lucky this time,” she sneered at Amelia. “But don’t think I won’t catch you slipping up again.”
Tommy’s patience had worn thin. He couldn’t bear to see Amelia endure constant bullying. He decided it was time to reveal the truth about who he was.
Standing in the middle of the office, Tommy addressed the room.
“Everyone, listen up,” he began, his voice steady but firm. “I’m not just an intern. My real name is Tom Johnson, and I’ve been working here undercover to understand how things run at this firm.”
The room fell silent. Then laughter erupted, led by Lucy.
“You? Tom Johnson?” Lucy said between chuckles. “That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year. Do you think we’re stupid enough to believe that?”
Even Amelia looked stunned. She pulled Tommy aside and whispered urgently,
“Tommy, are you trying to get yourself into serious trouble? You could be sued for impersonating Mr. Johnson. Please stop before this gets worse.”
Tommy looked at her, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and hurt.
“Amelia, I’m telling the truth. I am Tom Johnson.”
Amelia shook her head.
“If the real Mr. Johnson finds out, he could ruin your life. Please, Tommy, drop this before it’s too late.”
The situation worsened when Amelia’s ex-boyfriend Mark, who still worked at the firm, decided to chime in. He had overheard the commotion and couldn’t resist mocking Amelia.
“Wow, Amelia, you really know how to pick them,” Mark said with a smirk. “A poor intern pretending to be Tom Johnson? That’s a new low, even for you.”
Tommy’s jaw clenched, but he remained calm.
“Mark, you can insult me all you want, but leave Amelia out of this.”
“Oh, look at you,” Mark retorted, trying to play the hero. “You’re just a nobody. A fake lawyer. A fake Johnson. What’s next?”
Tommy straightened his posture, his eyes cold.
“You’ve crossed the line, Mark. Not only have you insulted me, but you’ve also been spreading lies about Amelia. That’s defamation, and you could be sued for it.”
Mark scoffed.
“Sure? With what money? You can barely afford lunch. Get real.”
Before Mark could continue, the HR manager arrived with security guards.
“Mark, you’ve been terminated effective immediately,” she announced.
“What?” Mark’s smug expression vanished.
“You’ve been warned multiple times about your behavior, and this is the final straw,” the HR manager said. “Please gather your things and leave.”
Mark turned to Tommy and Amelia, his face red with fury.
“This isn’t over,” he spat before being escorted out of the building.
Amelia, shaken by the events, pulled Tommy aside again.
“Tommy, this is getting out of hand. What if Mark tells the real Mr. Johnson that you’re pretending to be him? You could lose everything.”
Tommy sighed, his frustration evident.
“Amelia, I promise you, I’m not pretending. I am Tom Johnson.”
Amelia bit her lip, torn between disbelief and worry.
“I don’t know how to help you, but when Mr. Johnson finally gets here, I’ll talk to him. I’ll explain everything and try to stop him from suing you.”
Tommy nodded, appreciating her concern and understanding why she didn’t believe him.
That evening, Tommy made a call to his trusted secretary, James.
“James, I need you to come to the firm tomorrow and pretend to be me. Act like the real Tom Johnson. I need to see how everyone reacts when they think they’re meeting the CEO.”
James chuckled on the other end of the line.
“This is an unusual request, sir, but I’ll do it. I’ll be there first thing in the morning.”
Tommy hung up the phone, determined to resolve the chaos and finally reveal his true identity once and for all.
The office was buzzing the next morning as word spread that Tom Johnson, the elusive CEO and legal prodigy, would finally be making his grand appearance. Everyone dressed their best, determined to impress him.
At exactly 9:00 a.m., James walked into the building, exuding confidence. Dressed in a sharp suit and carrying an air of authority, he introduced himself as Tom Johnson.
The staff was immediately in awe, and Lucy in particular went out of her way to fawn over him.
“Mr. Johnson,” Lucy gushed, flashing her brightest smile, “it’s such an honor to meet you. I’ve admired your work for years.”
James played along, nodding politely.
“Thank you. I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”
Tommy, meanwhile, observed everything from a corner of the office, pretending to be busy with some files. He smirked as he watched Lucy’s sycophantic behavior and the nervous energy of the staff.
Amelia, however, stayed focused on her work, her usual grace and professionalism standing out. Tommy couldn’t help but admire her.
Meanwhile, Grandma Mary, still pretending to be a humble cleaner, watched the unfolding drama with amusement. But her focus wasn’t on James or Lucy—it was on Amelia. She had already made up her mind that Amelia was perfect for Tommy. She decided it was time to intervene.
Later that afternoon, Grandma Mary approached Amelia looking pale and frail. She clutched her chest dramatically and let out a shaky sigh.
“Are you okay?” Amelia asked, rushing to her side.
“I’m fine, dear,” Grandma Mary replied weakly. “It’s just… my heart’s not what it used to be. I don’t think I have much time left.”
Amelia’s eyes widened in concern.
“Don’t say that. Have you seen a doctor?”
Grandma Mary shook her head.
“What I need can’t be fixed by a doctor. My only wish before I leave this world is to see my grandson married to a good woman—someone kind and strong. Someone like you.”
Amelia’s heart skipped a beat.
“Me?”
Grandma Mary gently squeezed her hand.
“I know it’s sudden, but Tommy cares for you deeply, and I can see you care for him too. You two would make each other so happy. Please think about it.”
That evening, Amelia sat in her apartment, mulling over Grandma Mary’s words. She couldn’t deny that she had feelings for Tommy. He was kind, supportive, and had stood by her during her toughest moments. Even though he wasn’t wealthy, he made her feel valued in a way no one else ever had.
Her phone buzzed, and she saw a text from her mom.
“When are you bringing your fiancé home? I can’t wait to meet him.”
Amelia sighed. Her mother’s constant pressure to settle down added to her growing uncertainty. Marrying Tommy would solve everything. She loved him, and he loved her. Why not take a leap of faith?
Tommy, unaware of Grandma Mary’s scheme, was also thinking about Amelia. He had fallen for her completely but worried about revealing his true identity. Would she feel betrayed? Would she see him differently?
His thoughts were interrupted by a text from Grandma Mary.
“Come see me. It’s urgent.”
When Tommy arrived at Grandma Mary’s apartment, she was lying on the couch looking unusually pale.
“Grandma, what’s going on?” Tommy asked, panic in his voice.
Grandma Mary sighed dramatically.
“Tommy, I’m not well. I’ve been thinking… you and Amelia should get married. She’s perfect for you, and I know you feel the same way about her.”
Tommy blinked.
“Married? Grandma, that’s—”
“She already agreed,” Grandma Mary interrupted with a sly smile. “She said she’d think about it, but I know she’ll say yes. Don’t waste time, Tommy. Life is too short.”
The next day, Grandma Mary orchestrated a meeting between Tommy and Amelia. She pretended to be even sicker, her frail condition convincing them both that this was urgent.
As they sat beside her, Grandma Mary gave them a weak smile.
“You two mean so much to me,” she said softly. “I know it’s sudden, but I want to see you both happy before it’s too late. Will you consider getting married?”
Tommy and Amelia exchanged a glance. They both felt a rush of emotion—love for each other and concern for Grandma Mary.
Finally, Amelia spoke.
“I’ll do it,” she said, her voice steady. “I’ve been thinking… my mom’s been pressuring me to settle down, and honestly, Tommy, I’ve fallen for you. I don’t care about money or status. You’re kind and thoughtful, and that’s all that matters to me.”
Tommy’s heart swelled with emotion.
“Amelia, I feel the same way. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy.”
Grandma Mary beamed triumphantly, her frail state momentarily forgotten.
“That’s wonderful news! Let’s plan a small ceremony right away.”
Amelia and Tom both looked up, surprised by Grandma’s sudden burst of energy.
The day of the wedding was simple but heartfelt. Amelia and Tom exchanged vows in a small ceremony at the local registry office. Amelia wore a modest white dress, her natural beauty shining brighter than any diamond. Tom, in a crisp suit, looked at her with a mixture of love and nervousness.
Despite his joy, he couldn’t shake the weight of his secret. The thought of Amelia discovering his true identity as the real Tom Johnson—and the fact that he had deceived her into marriage—kept gnawing at him.
Grandma Mary, dressed in a cheerful floral outfit, watched the couple with satisfaction. To her, the plan was a success. She could see the love in Amelia’s eyes and the quiet devotion in Tom’s.
After the ceremony, as they sat together at a small celebratory dinner, Tom leaned close to his grandmother and whispered his worries.
“Grandma,” he said quietly, “what if Amelia finds out the truth? What if she feels betrayed and decides to leave me? I’ve lied to her, and now we’re married. It’s wrong.”
Grandma Mary patted his hand reassuringly.
“Tommy, you didn’t deceive her out of malice. You love her, and it’s clear she loves you too. When the time comes, she’ll understand. Good intentions matter, dear. Don’t lose heart.”
Tom nodded, but the anxiety lingered in his chest. He wanted to believe his grandmother’s words, but he couldn’t ignore the possibility that Amelia might feel hurt and betrayed when the truth came to light.
After the wedding, life at the office became increasingly tense for Amelia. Though her professional reputation had grown, jealousy festered among her colleagues. Lucy, who had always been competitive and envious, decided to take drastic action.
One afternoon during a team meeting, Lucy stood up with a smug expression.
“I have something important to report,” she announced, holding up a folder. “Amelia has been leaking confidential documents to our competitors.”
Gasps filled the room.
Amelia froze in shock.
“What? That’s not true!” she exclaimed.
Lucy smirked.
“Oh, really? Because I have evidence right here,” she said, holding up what appeared to be incriminating emails with Amelia’s name on them.
The room buzzed with whispers as Lucy reveled in the attention.
“We can’t have someone like her in this firm. Mr. Johnson should know about this immediately,” Lucy added, her voice dripping with satisfaction.
Amelia’s heart raced. She knew the accusations were false, but the so-called evidence was damning. She felt her throat tighten as the weight of the situation sank in.
Tommy, sitting quietly in his disguise as an intern, clenched his fists under the table. He wanted to stand up and defend Amelia, but his position as a supposed intern limited what he could do without raising suspicion. Instead, he approached Amelia privately after the meeting.
“I believe you,” he told her softly, his eyes earnest. “Whatever’s happening, we’ll figure it out.”
Amelia gave him a small grateful smile, but her shoulders sagged.
“Thanks, Tommy. But this is serious. If Lucy’s lies stick, my career could be over.”
Tommy reached out and squeezed her hand.
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