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CHAPTER THIRTY
ALEXEI
I stood in my office, glancing through the wide window that offered a view of the garden. Down below, Zoey and her friend, Emma, were engrossed in conversation. The sight of Zoey smiling and laughing brought an unexpected warmth to my chest.
It was strange, considering my usual demeanor. I found solace in the moments when she seemed at ease, free from the burdens that constantly weighed her down. Her laughter, like a melody, echoed in my thoughts, creating a rare sense of peace.
She looked different when she smiled, like a flower blooming amidst chaos. For a moment, I forgot about the ruthless world I navigated daily. It was just Zoey and her friend, sharing laughter and stories.
I couldn't deny the magnetic pull she had on me. It wasn't just about the physical attraction; it was something deeper. Seeing her happy resonated with a part of me I had long kept buried. A part that craved moments of normalcy, moments of genuine happines
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