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
The documents in my hand felt like they weighed a ton with each step I took toward Alaric's office. I’d been avoiding him all day, finding excuses to stay busy and far away from anywhere he might be. But now? Now there was no getting around it. These papers needed his immediate attention, and there was no one else who could deliver them.I stopped in front of his door, gripping the stack of papers tightly. Taking a deep breath, I told myself, You’re fine. Just act normal. Forcing a smile, I knocked and waited for the familiar “Come in.” When it came, I pushed the door open and stepped inside with what I hoped was confident ease.“Good day, sir,” I said, keeping my voice steady even though my nerves were anything but. “I have some documents here that need your immediate attention.” I strode toward his desk, placing the papers in front of him, all while clinging to the polite smile I’d practiced in my head.The effect of my voice on him was immediate. He froze, his hands hovering over h
After that day in his office, I found myself keeping my interactions with Alaric as brief as possible. I wasn’t sure why, but every time I was around him, it felt like my emotions were on overdrive. So, I made a conscious effort to avoid being alone with him, and for the most part, it worked. If there was a meeting, I was out of the room as soon as it ended, barely giving him a chance to say anything. When a site visit came up, I conveniently sent Tristan in my place, feigning other priorities. On the rare occasions when he asked me to assist with something personally, I found a way to redirect or delay it until he inevitably asked someone else. I noticed the puzzled looks Alaric would shoot me now and then. There was confusion in his eyes, as if he was trying to piece something together, but thankfully, he didn’t bring it up. I told myself it was better this way. The boundaries between us needed to be clear—for my sake, more than his. By the end of the workweek, I thought I
Alaric's POVThe week had been strange, to say the least. Alaric leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped together as he stared blankly at the documents in front of him. His thoughts weren’t on work, though—they were on Anna. It wasn’t difficult to notice that she’d been avoiding him. She barely spent any time in his office, only coming in when absolutely necessary, and even then, she kept her interactions strictly professional. Gone were the small conversations or moments of shared silence that he had come to value. At first, he thought he was imagining it, but as the days passed, it became undeniable. Anna didn’t want anything to do with him. She’d even started leaving the office early, which was strange. For weeks, Alaric had been urging her to go home earlier and not overwork herself, but she’d always stubbornly stayed until he left. Now, she was gone before him everyday this week. The change in her behavior gnawed at him, leaving him restless and unable to focus. Alaric sig
Anna's pov The crisp morning air did little to cool my nerves as I approached the school building. I hated coming here on weekends. It felt wrong—like invading a graveyard in broad daylight. The empty halls, the faint hum of the fluorescent lights, the echo of my own footsteps—it all felt too loud and too lonely at once. I tightened my grip on the folder of documents I needed to submit. They were my sole purpose for being here today. No lingering, no small talk. I just wanted to get in and out before I ran into anyone I knew. But luck, as always, seemed to abandon me. As I stepped out of the registration office, feeling lighter now that the task was done, I froze mid-step. Standing a few feet away in the corridor, laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world, were Lisa and Josh. Lisa’s hand was looped possessively through his arm, her head tilted toward him as she giggled at something he said. Josh, for his part, looked...well, Josh. His boyish charm, his lazy smi
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
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
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
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