"I told you I was innocent," I said, a hint of smugness in my tone as I handed Alaric the recording.He rolled his eyes, his lips quirking into a half-smile. "And I believed you," he replied evenly, holding the recorder to examine it. "What’s this?""It’s a recording of Naomi admitting her crime," I said, watching his expression shift to one of intrigue.Alaric pressed play, listening intently as Naomi’s voice filled the room, each word an undeniable confession. When the recording ended, he leaned back in his chair, an impressed look softening his usually stern features."How did you manage this?" he asked his tone a mixture of curiosity and approval.I explained my plan briefly, how Mia had helped me set it all up, and how I’d baited Naomi into confessing in the restroom. By the time I finished, he was leaning back in his chair, his fingers steepled under his chin."I’m impressed," he said with a low chuckle. "You solved the issue in less than a day. Not many people can do that."The
As we drove through the countryside, the silence in the car grew heavier. I shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Alaric, who was focused on the road, his expression unreadable. To break the tension, I asked, "Mind if I put on some music?" He nodded without looking away from the road. "Go ahead." I turned on the radio and flipped through stations until I landed on a pop song I adored. A smile spread across my face as I began to sing along softly. The upbeat melody lifted my spirits, and for a moment, it felt like the world outside didn’t matter. When the song ended, I realized how absorbed I had been and glanced at Alaric. He was watching me out of the corner of his eye, an amused expression tugging at his lips. Embarrassment flooded me. "Sorry, that was… very inappropriate," I mumbled, fiddling with the hem of my blouse. To my surprise, he chuckled. "Don’t apologize. It was… refreshing." I blinked at him, caught off guard by his words. "Refreshing?" He nodded. "It’s nice to
We ran as fast as we could, weaving through the dense forest. The trees and underbrush were thick, making it hard for anyone to track us. After what felt like an eternity, the sound of footsteps chasing us faded away. We slowed, trying to catch our breath. “We lost them,” Alaric said, his sharp gaze scanning the area. “But we need to keep moving. They might double back or spread out." Though my lungs burned and my legs screamed for rest, I nodded. “Okay,” I managed, determined not to slow him down. After a while, Alaric glanced at me. “You’re exhausted,” he said, his voice softer now. “Let’s rest for a few minutes." “No,” I shook my head firmly, even though my body ached to agree. “If we stop, they might catch up. I can keep going." Alaric’s lips pressed into a line, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. “Fine,” he said after a moment, “but you’re not doing this alone." Before I could protest, he stepped closer, gently grabbing my arm and positioning me so I leaned against him. “
Alaric took off his jacket, his movements precise as he tore a piece from it. Without a word, he knelt down again and began to gently clean my legs with the makeshift cloth. “Alaric, you don’t have to do this,” I protested, trying to pull my legs away, but he held firm, his gaze unwavering. “I want to,” he said simply, his voice steady. There was something in his tone that silenced me. He worked carefully, wiping away the blood and dirt. Every now and then, his hands would pause as if checking to make sure he wasn’t hurting me. When he finished, he tore the rest of his jacket into two longer strips and wrapped them around my feet, securing them snugly. The material provided an immediate sense of relief, dulling the sting from the cuts and scratches. “There,” he said, standing up and looking down at me with a small, reassuring smile. “That should help with the pain for now." “Thank you,” I murmured, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt for how much he was doing for me. He seemed
“Anna, wake up.”I groaned, still half-asleep, and rolled over, but the urgency in Alaric’s voice pulled me from my slumber. His hands gripped my shoulder, shaking me firmly. “What? What’s going on?” I mumbled groggily, blinking up at him. He pressed a finger to his lips, signalling for me to be quiet, and then pointed toward the door. My heart jumped as I strained my ears, and the faint sound of scuffling reached me. The haze of sleep vanished instantly. I sat up, now wide awake, as the muffled noise became clearer—footsteps, voices. My eyes darted to Alaric, who had his finger on the trigger of his gun, his expression tense. Swallowing hard, I grabbed the pistol he’d given me, my hands trembling slightly. I released the safety with a soft click, the sound unnervingly loud in the otherwise quiet cabin. The voices outside grew louder, more distinct. “Are you sure they’re in there?” one of them asked, his tone irritated. “They can’t have gone far,” another replied, sounding confi
beep beepA steady beeping sound drew me out of a deep fog. Blinking slowly, I was met with an expanse of white, sterile walls, and a bright overhead light. It took a moment for reality to settle in—I was in a hospital.I looked around, taking in the faint hum of machines and the faint antiseptic smell. My gaze dropped to my arm, where tubes and wires connected me to the beeping monitor. Confusion mingled with an ache in my shoulder as I struggled to sit up.The movement sent a sharp jolt of pain through my shoulder, making me wince. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was enough to slow me down. I was still fighting to prop myself up when the door opened. For some strange reason, my heart lurched, and I found myself hoping it was Alaric. The flash of disappointment that followed seeing my brother startled me—why had I wanted it to be him? Maybe I just needed to know he was okay after everything. “Anna!” my brother called out, his voice full of relief as he rushed to my side. His happiness
A few days later The morning was gray and overcast, mirroring my mood as I sat on the edge of the hospital bed, waiting for the nurse to finish my discharge papers. It had been a few days since the… incident, and while my injuries were minor and healed faster than expected. However, the emotional toll lingered like a storm cloud over my head. For one, my parents still refused to talk about me returning to work. Every time I tried to broach the topic, Mom expertly dodged the conversation, changing the subject like a seasoned politician. After the third attempt ended in frustration, Ryan pulled me aside and advised me to wait until I wasn’t sitting in a hospital bed to bring it up again. “They’re just worried about you, Anna,” he said. “Let them see you’re okay first.” I hated to admit he was right. But what really stung—what made my chest tighten every time I thought about it—was that Alaric hadn’t called, texted, or even stopped by. Not once. I thought we were friends—or at l
After finishing dinner, I hurried upstairs, my mind spinning with ideas and arguments. If I wanted to go back to work, I needed a plan—and a solid one at that. Dad was stubborn, but he valued logic and straightforwardness, so I had to appeal to that side of him. Pacing the length of my room, I muttered to myself, rehearsing different approaches. I couldn’t just beg or plead—that would only make him dig his heels in further. No, I needed to show him that returning to work was the right decision, both for me and for the family. At least I had some allies. Mom seemed to be warming up to the idea, and I knew my brother was already on my side. If they backed me up, convincing Dad would be easier—or so I hoped. By the time Dad arrived home that evening, I was ready. Taking a deep breath, I waited until he was settled in the living room with his usual cup of coffee before making my move. “Dad, can we talk?” I asked, standing in the doorway. He glanced up, his brow furrowing slightly. “O
After eating, Alaric stands and starts collecting the dishes, but I shake my head and wave him off. “Let me do it,” I insist, practically prying the plates from his hands.He doesn’t argue; he just gives me a small nod before stepping back. “If you insist.”I gather everything and head to the kitchen, trying to focus on rinsing plates and scrubbing pans. Truthfully, I’m stalling—buying myself a moment to organise my thoughts and rehearse how to bring up the giant elephant in the room. Sophie. His wife comment. The whole mess that’s been gnawing at my mind all evening.By the time the last plate is clean, my nerves feel no more settled than when I started. Taking a deep breath, I dry my hands and head to the living room, where Alaric is sitting, one leg crossed over the other, flipping absently through his phone.I hesitate for a moment before walking in and sitting down across from him, but before I can even open my mouth, he sets his phone down and speaks first.“I think it’s time we
The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open, revealing a wide hallway with polished floors and warm lighting. Alaric stepped out first, his strides purposeful as always. I followed close behind, taking in the pristine surroundings. The place felt more like a luxury hotel than an apartment building.He stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall and pulled out a keycard, swiping it quickly. The door clicked open, and he pushed it wide, motioning for me to step inside.I hesitated for a moment before crossing the threshold.The apartment was… stunning. High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows with sheer curtains that let in just the right amount of light, and furniture that looked like it belonged in a design magazine. Everything was sleek and modern, but not cold. There was a warmth to the space, a subtle elegance that made it feel lived-in despite its pristine appearance.My eyes swept across the living room, the open-concept kitchen, and the hallway that presumably led to the b
Alaric leads me through the building, and I can’t help but marvel at how stunning it all is. The neighborhood itself is pristine and quiet, with an air of exclusivity that screams "old money." But stepping into the building’s lobby takes it to another level. The polished marble floors gleam under the soft glow of ornate chandeliers, and the scent of fresh flowers wafts from expertly arranged bouquets at the front desk. For a moment, I’m convinced we’ve walked into a world-class hotel rather than a residential building. “I guess this is how the rich live,” I think to myself, trying not to gape too openly. Alaric turns to me, his voice cutting through my awe. “Someone is already handling the luggage. I want you to rest first before we do any kind of tour.” I nod quickly, grateful for the chance to recharge. After the long journey and my embarrassing slip-up earlier in the car, the idea of a quiet room and maybe a quick nap sounds like heaven. We head toward the elevator, and j
I stretch as I step off the private jet, my muscles stiff but pleasantly relaxed after the six-hour flight to the capital. The warm breeze on the tarmac feels invigorating, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of the past few weeks. My mind drifts back to all that’s happened—packing up my life, finalising the merger just four days ago, and celebrating my graduation yesterday.A smile tugs at my lips as I recall the feast my family put together for me. It was the kind of graduation celebration I never thought I’d experience. My exams were a nerve-wracking blur, but thankfully the school’s automation meant I got my results quickly. I passed every single one of it and the credits were enough to finally secure my diploma.The memory of my past life flashes in my mind, unbidden. Graduation back then had been a lonely, hollow affair. Lisa and Josh had ditched me—probably to celebrate Lisa’s graduation together, now that I think about it. Back then, I had no one. This time, though, I was surrou
In another part of the bustling capital, a luxurious dressing room buzzes with activity. A famous actress sits regally in front of an ornate vanity, the soft glow of the surrounding lights casting a golden hue on her flawless skin. Sophia Marcley, a name synonymous with beauty and elegance, gazes into the mirror, her deep amber eyes lined with a perfect wing of black eyeliner. Her lips, painted in a shade of subtle pink, curve into a satisfied smirk as she tilts her head to admire her reflection.Her assistant, a young woman with a meek demeanour and wide, nervous eyes, stands beside her, clasping a makeup brush. “You look just perfect, ma’am,” the assistant says, her voice almost reverent.“Of course I do,” Sophia replies, her tone dripping with confidence. She adjusts a strand of her glossy chestnut hair, styled into voluminous waves cascading down her back. Her smirk widens as she leans closer to the mirror, the diamond earrings adorning her ears catching the light.“Guess what, ma
As Alaric shifts in his chair, I sense there's more he wants to say. The weight in the air is palpable, and I can't help but ask, “Is there something else we need to discuss?" He tilts his head slightly, studying me for a moment. “Have you considered where you’ll live once we’re in the capital?" The question hits me like a cold splash of water. My face falls as the realisation dawns—I haven’t given that any real thought. I’ll need a place to stay until my family relocates, and they won’t be there for a few months. My stomach twists at the reminder. It must have been written all over my face because Alaric chuckles softly. “Well,” he says, leaning back in his chair, “you could always stay with me until you find something more permanent." Stay with Alaric? My brain short-circuits for a moment. My mind races through all the implications of living under the same roof with him, sharing the same space, and seeing him outside of work. Could I even handle that? He continues, completely u
A few weeks laterExams are finally over, and I can’t help but let out a long, relieved sigh as I step out of the exam hall for the last time. The tension that’s been coiled in my chest for weeks starts to unwind, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself breathe easy. It wasn’t a complete walk in the park—some of the questions were tricky, and I had to rack my brain a few times—but overall, I managed to breeze through most of them. The recycled questions helped a lot. I could almost laugh at how predictable some of the exams were. Familiar phrases and scenarios jumped off the pages, and I couldn’t help but smile each time I realised I knew exactly what to do. My late nights of preparation weren’t in vain, and for once, all that cramming paid off. As I walk out into the crisp afternoon air, I take a moment to soak it all in. The freedom, the weight lifting off my shoulders, the knowledge that I don’t have to stress about exams anymore—it feels surreal. And than
The past few weeks have settled into a strange kind of normalcy. Finals are just around the corner, and I’ve made the conscious decision not to let my feelings for Alaric get in the way of my work. Strangely enough, that decision makes everything a little easier.Sam is still around—I spot him in the hallways occasionally—but every time he sees me, he practically bolts in the opposite direction. I’m not sure why, and honestly, I’m not curious enough to ask.Jason, on the other hand, has been harder to make friends with since I hunted him down in the cyber department. I’ve forced him to join Mia and me in the cafeteria a couple of times, and while he started off stiff and distant, he’s slowly begun to open up. Ciara has been her usual bubbly self, dragging all of us out a few times for what she calls "mandatory fun." I’m surprised by how much I enjoy it. For the first time in a long while, I feel like I’m surrounded by genuine friends—people who want to spend time with me and not becau
The café smelled of fresh coffee and baked goods, its cozy atmosphere a welcome change from the tension of the morning. Ciara led the way to a corner table by the window, her excitement practically radiating from her as she chatted about the café’s signature lattes. Jason followed, his earlier irritation seemingly softened, though he still cast the occasional glance my way. We ordered our drinks, and once we were settled at the table, Ciara turned to me with a wide grin. “So, Anna, how’s it been working with Alaric? I’ve been dying to ask!” I blinked at the sudden shift in conversation but smiled. “It’s been… really fun, actually. He’s not as intimidating as I thought he’d be at first. He’s very professional but surprisingly patient, and I’ve learned a lot in just a few months.” Ciara’s grin widened as if she’d just confirmed something she already suspected. “I knew you’d enjoy working with him! He’s tough but fair—Jason says the same thing.” she gives him a loaded smile and