Amelia I lay on my bed, lost in thought when my phone pierced the silence. An unknown number flashed on the screen. My curiosity piqued, and I hesitated for a moment before answering.I waited for the caller to speak first.There was a brief pause before a familiar voice spoke."Amelia?"I recognized the warm, deep tone."Charlie?" I replied, a smile spreading across my face.His chuckle sent a flutter through my chest. "Hey."I settled into the pillows, cradling the phone against my ear. "What's up?""Today's been stressful," He replied, his deep voice weaving through the phone lines. "I needed to hear your voice. How are you doing? And how's Misty?""I'm doing fine and Misty's good too. She's been asking about you nonstop." I paused, recalling her bright smile. "I told her you'd be back soon.""She misses me, huh? That's good. What about her mom? Does she miss me too?"I laughed softly, the sound barely above a whisper. "Sorry, Charlie. You're not exactly on her radar. She's been t
Selene I stood outside Alex's room, my hand gripping the door handle tightly. I peeked inside, hoping to catch his attention. "Alex," I called out softly, my voice barely above a whisper. He didn't respond. "Alex," I called again. This time, he stopped mid-stride, his head cocked in my direction. "What is it, Selene?" he asked, his tone impatient. I took a deep breath. I opened the door wide and stepped into the room. The door creaked shut behind me. "I..." I began, but he cut me off. "I don't have time for whatever it is you're here for," he said brusquely. I felt a surge of frustration mixed with desperation. As I walked towards Alex, I felt a surge of emotion. "Can you at least not talk to me that way?" I asked, my voice trembling. He stood still, his eyes fixed on mine with an unreadable expression. I couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance. Why did he have to be so impassive? I reached out, my hand settling on his shoulder. And my fingers trailed dow
Alexander "I'll see to it that the documents are ready in the next two hours," my lawyer assured me, his voice confident before the call ended.I leaned back in my leather office chair. A throbbing headache began to pulse in my temples.There was nothing I could do to cancel the merger now. Unless I go to Sarah but I didn't want to get her involved, yet. I instructed my lawyer to draft a contract. I planned on presenting it to Paul tonight at his party. I wasn't invited, but I didn't need an invitation. There was a soft knock on the door, then the door creaked open. "Charlie," I said, excited to see him. I have my plus one for the party. I'm sure he wouldn't say no. "I was in the area, I thought I would come and see you.""You came at the right time. I have a party tonight and I need a plus one.""Man, I'm not really in the mood for parties," he said, shaking his head."Come on, it'll be fun," I coaxed, refusing to take no for an answer.But Charlie's resolve seemed unshakeable
Amelia I stepped out of the restroom, the soft strains of jazz music enveloped me, mingling with the gentle hum of conversation and clinking glasses. Paul's party was in full swing.I made my way to the bar, craving a refreshing sip of champagne. My hand reached for a glass, but my gaze drifted across the room, scanning the crowd.My eyes landed on Paul talking to... Alexander! What was he doing there? Paul said he wouldn't be here. Did he lie to me?I saw Alexander glancing around and I tried to stay hidden from his gaze. I rushed to a curtain nearby and hid behind it. But Paul noticed me. "No need to hide behind that curtain dear. I want to introduce you to someone." Fucking Paul. What was he trying to prove?Dammit, Paul. Why did he have to notice me? Now he's going to drag me out from behind this curtain and parade me in front of Alexander.I peeked through a slit in the curtain, watching as Paul gestured for me to come out. Alexander's eyes scanned the room, his gaze linger
Amelia. 5 years ago. I scrubbed the bar floor, lost in thought when a voice cut through the silence. "Amelia Fray." I lifted my head, eyes scanning the room until they landed on the speaker. My heart skipped a beat. Paul Rodriguez stood before me. "Paul Rodriguez," he introduced himself, extending a hand. I glared, refusing the handshake. "I know who you are," I spat. What was he doing here, in this small Wisconsin town, in the bar where I worked? His smile lingered as his hand dropped back to his side. "I'm a big fan." He said, amused. "You made quite the show before leaving New York. It's been what? Four months? People still remember." I narrowed my eyes. "The bar is over there," I said curtly, gesturing towards the counter. He chuckled. "I'm not here to drink." "What brings you to Willow Creek?" I asked gruffly. His eyes roamed the dimly lit room before settling back on me. "I'm here to see you." His casual tone belied the intensity in his gaze. I sensed an ulterior
Alexander I stood there, invisible to Charlie and Amelia as they chatted effortlessly. I didn't force the issue, reluctant to disrupt their connection. Instead, I stepped back, creating distance.I retreated, stepping away from them. My thoughts elsewhere, I stumbled into someone."Fuck," a voice cursed.I turned and was surprised to see Henry."Henry!" I exclaimed, surprised to see him there. "What are you doing here?"His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I came as a plus one." He said."Do you know Paul Rodriguez?" I asked, curious.He shook his head. "No, but the person I came with does. What about you? I didn't expect to see you here."I hesitated. "I came to sort some things with Paul."His eyes narrowed. "Regarding the merger?"My eyes widened slightly. "You know about that?"He chuckled. "Everyone does. Paul can't keep his mouth shut about it.""Fucking Paul." I cursed under my breath."I couldn't believe it when I heard the news," He said, shaking his head. "I kne
Amelia Is this really happening? Dining on a private jet, surrounded by stars, with him. I would have appreciated it if he hadn't abandoned me like a piece of trash.What does he want from me? Does he want to offer me another contract?We were done eating and Giovanni came to clear the plates."We can move to a more comfortable section of the jet now that we're done eating," he said, smiling.His smiles that night were more numerous than I'd seen throughout my entire stay with him back in his mansion."Okay," I replied.We stood up, and Alexander gestured toward the rear of the plane.The soft glow of floor lights guided us through the luxurious cabin.As we walked, the sound of gentle humming engines and muted music filled the air.We entered a cosy lounge area, complete with plush sofas and a large screen displaying a breathtaking view of the stars.He settled into the soft sofa. "Come on," he said, gesturing to his side."No, thank you," I said, attempting to step back."Amelia, d
Amelia The second time tonight that I heard the word love. "I know it's sudden, I didn't plan for it to happen and it's okay if you don't feel the same way I do. I honestly don't want to ruin our friendship." "I'm... I'm sorry." I stuttered standing up. "I think I should go inside now it's getting really late." "Amelia, wait." He stood up. "We could just pretend I never said those words and the kiss didn't happen. Please, I don't want you to start avoiding me." I nodded. "Okay." I turned and left him standing alone. What just happened? Charlie's confession had left me reeling. And that kiss... What possessed me? Guilty, confused, and lost – that's me. Charlie's love confession echoed in my mind. Why now? Why him? I care for Charlie deeply, but romantically? I don't know. Two men, two declarations of love in one night. Is this some cruel joke? I stood outside Ella's door, collecting my thoughts. "Ella?" I whispered, knocking softly. "Go away!" her muffled voice repl