"Could you please stop clicking your pen?"Kate’s whisper barely broke the silence that enveloped the office, her voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. Her polite plea is nothing against the grating sound of my pen's incessant clicking, clearly showing my restless nerves. Sitting idly with no tasks from Nathaniel, an unsettling unease lingered in the air, leaving me with nothing but the repetitive tap of the pen for company.The unusual absence of instructions from Nathaniel had raised eyebrows among my colleagues, who were accustomed to his unrelenting stream of orders, no matter how trivial. My own confusion mirrored theirs, amplifying the sense of unease that had settled over the office. I can feel what they are all feeling... all because I have experienced those before.In a moment of uncertainty, I turned to Kate for reassurance, my voice was full of emotions that churned inside me. "Do you think he holds a grudge against me?" I asked, my words quivering with the weight of u
I couldn’t even lie about not enjoying that night. The way his hands were as delicate as the wind… while he caressed me and made me feel loved and treasured in ways I could never anticipate, I do not know what to do anymore.The memory of his touch lingered on my skin, a phantom sensation that both comforted and terrified me. His fingers had traced patterns of tenderness, each stroke full of intimacy that I had never known before. I felt cherished in those moments, his gentle touch deliberately defying the harsh reality I often faced at work. It was as if the barriers between us had melted away, leaving only raw, unfiltered emotion in their wake.But now, as I lay next to him, the early morning light filtering through the curtains, fear gripped my heart. Waking up beside him, seeing Nathaniel's peaceful, sleeping form so close to mine… How could I possibly predict what was about to unfold? My mind raced with questions, each one more urgent than the last. What would this mean for us
"Could you please stop clicking your pen?"Kate’s whisper barely broke the silence that enveloped the office, her voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. Her polite plea is nothing against the grating sound of my pen's incessant clicking, clearly showing my restless nerves. Sitting idly with no tasks from Nathaniel, an unsettling unease lingered in the air, leaving me with nothing but the repetitive tap of the pen for company.The unusual absence of instructions from Nathaniel had raised eyebrows among my colleagues, who were accustomed to his unrelenting stream of orders, no matter how trivial. My own confusion mirrored theirs, amplifying the sense of unease that had settled over the office. I can feel what they are all feeling... all because I have experienced those before.In a moment of uncertainty, I turned to Kate for reassurance, my voice was full of emotions that churned inside me. "Do you think he holds a grudge against me?" I asked, my words quivering with the weight of u
“We should order.” Killian said. He was seated in front of me and we chose the nearest restaurant so it would be easier to go back. I was actually glad that Nathaniel did not dragged the conversation we had further. He immediately let me go as soon as I said that I am going to eat some meal with Killian instead of spending my lunch with him. I thought he’d be so mad and would make my life more difficult again by ordering me with so many useless othings. I thought he’d have me fetch some water again but hopefully, he just went silent which gave me the reason to dash out his door. He did not held my hands nor hold me back with just one word again. However, deep inside, despite being glad, I am feeling guilty. Am I too bad now? My feelings are contradicting with one another. I am glad but then again, I am not. It felt ridiculous how I am so confused with emotions that should have been clear in the first place. ‘Hey.” Killian flicked my forehead which brought me back to reality. “Ouc
I looked at Sebastian, who was standing in front of me, stealing glances from the man sitting in front of me. I knew that this might come off as something he did not expect or see coming. I also felt guilty knowing I had promised him a meal when we arrived. The fact that I still haven’t fulfilled that says so much about me. “Sebastian, I did not expect to see you here,” I whispered in the air as I fixed myself. I rose from my seat and made sure I would be on the same level as him. “I did not expect to see you here either. Is he… your boss? The one who left you in the airplane?” He curiously asked. “What? No.” I laughed. “This is hmm… Killian Luther. He is one of my boss’s stockholders.” I introduced him.“Hi, it was nice meeting you.” Killian stood up and offered his hands for a handshake. He seemed nice and cool about it and was extremely friendly. I could not describe what I am feeling seeing these two men shaking their hands as if they came here to meet for business purposes.
Cassandra’s POV“This isn’t what you think it is,” I began, my voice trembling as I searched for the right words, desperate to piece together an explanation that might calm the storm brewing before me. My heart raced, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on my chest.“I was choking on my food, and I clearly needed his help. What else was I supposed to do?” I glanced at Nathaniel, hoping my words would sink in. “Would you rather I sit there gasping for air until I black out?” I let out a frustrated sigh and rolled my eyes, but the tension in the air only thickened.Killian’s expression, once animated, hardened into a mask of irritation. His tone was sharp, each word clipped with a cool finality. “Yeah, that’s what happened.” He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as if he were done entertaining the conversation. “Now, since we’re not finished eating, can we just proceed and finish in peace?”But peace wasn’t something Nathaniel seemed willing to grant. “No,” he said, his vo
Nathaniel’s POV“Drink, huh? Can someone explain why we’re downing strong liquor at this hour?” Hugh grumbled, setting his empty glass on the table with a loud clink before motioning for another. “It’s eight o’clock, for crying out loud, and we’re in a bar like a couple of heartbroken teens.”I barely heard him over the noise of the bar. The place buzzed with life—laughter, clinking glasses, muffled conversations blending into a chaotic hum. But none of it reached me. My focus was on the glass in my hand, its amber contents swirling like the storm inside me. I took a slow sip before leaning closer to him, lowering my voice. “Do you remember the girl I told you about?”Hugh looked up mid-swig, his brows furrowing as he tried to recall. “The one who just… what did you say? Randomly spawned into your life?” He smirked. “Like some NPC character in a game, right? And now she’s got you all tied up in her little web?”I nodded, tightening my grip on the glass. “Yeah. Cassandra Reed.” The nam
Cassandra’s POV“I’m really sorry, Killian,” I said as soon as I saw him waiting downstairs, his tall figure leaning casually against his car. My voice was rushed, laced with guilt. “My boss was signing papers, and I completely lost track of time. I did set an alarm, but it didn’t give me enough time to be with you. I’m deeply sorry.”Killian’s expression softened, and he gave me a small, reassuring smile. “No, it’s fine. I’m just glad I could pick you up.” He paused, stepping forward to take my bag without hesitation. “It’s getting late, and I figured it would be hard to find a cab at this hour.”“Thank you,” I said, climbing into the passenger seat. The moment I settled in, his scent filled the air—clean and familiar, mixed with the faint leather smell of the interior. The car itself was sleek and pristine, the kind of vehicle that screamed wealth and privilege, far beyond what someone like me could ever dream of affording.“You really are something else,” I blurted out, my fingers
Cassandra’s POV“Who did you come with tonight?” Killian’s voice cut through the tension, his tone light but his words sharp enough to provoke. “Have you finally found yourself someone worth bringing to an event, or are you… lonely?”The corner of Killian’s mouth twitched, hinting at an inside joke I wasn’t privy to. From the way Nathaniel’s lips curled into a smirk, it was clear this wasn’t their first verbal sparring match.Nathaniel chuckled, a low sound that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Lonely? Hardly.” He lifted his glass lazily, taking a sip as his eyes flicked to me, lingering just a second too long. “But no, I didn’t come with anyone. I can’t seem to find someone who compares to the beauty of the woman you brought tonight. Quite the catch, isn’t she?”His gaze felt like a spotlight, making my skin prickle uncomfortably. I gripped Killian’s hand tighter, hoping he didn’t notice.“Is that so?” Killian replied smoothly, a teasing edge in his voice. “Well, don’t worry. You’ll gro
Cassandra’s POVEveryone… they were all so foreign to me. Their polished appearances, the way they moved and spoke—it all screamed wealth and status. It wasn’t just the designer clothing or the champagne glasses they held; it was in the way they carried themselves, as though they owned the world. I felt like a misplaced puzzle piece, too dull to fit into their gilded picture.The way they toasted champagne and seamlessly discussed mergers and investments left me in a haze of inadequacy. What could I possibly contribute to this? That I was a secretary for the biggest company in New York City, and their son—Killian—was out of his mind for dragging me into this?I glanced at him as he walked confidently beside me, his every move exuding a natural charisma that seemed to command respect from everyone around us. He greeted people effortlessly, exchanging names and smiles with men in tailored suits and women adorned in glittering jewelry. I didn’t recognize a single face. These weren’t peop
Cassandra’s POVI stared at the words for a moment, my pulse quickening. I felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement stir in my chest.I took a deep breath and gave myself one last glance in the mirror. “You’ve got this,” I whispered to myself. No matter what happened tonight, I was ready.I made my way down the stairs, my heart pounding as I approached the door. But when I saw him standing there, my steps faltered for a moment. Killian looked nothing like the man I was used to. He was wearing a perfectly tailored business coat, and his presence seemed to demand attention. His charisma radiated off him, stronger than I had ever felt before. It was as if he had stepped into a whole new version of himself, one I hadn’t seen until now.He turned toward me, his eyes locking onto mine. “God, you look as beautiful as ever,” he murmured, his voice low, filled with admiration. I felt a warmth spread through me at his words, but it was more than just a compliment—it felt genuine, like he tru
Cassandra’s POV“Did you see the dress I bought you?” Killian’s deep, composed voice came through the phone, laced with a touch of anticipation. “I had it sent over by the maids earlier.”I glanced at the dress draped across my bed, its shimmering fabric catching the light. Still wrapped in my bathrobe, I hesitated, my fingers lightly brushing the intricate details of the gown. It was breathtaking—sleek and elegant, with crisscross straps that dipped daringly low in the back. The kind of dress that belonged in glamorous magazines or on red carpets, not in my modest world.“Yes, I see it,” I replied softly, biting my lip.“And?” he prompted.“It’s… stunning,” I admitted, my voice trailing off. “But do I really have to wear something like this? I’ve never worn anything so beautiful before. Honestly, I’m scared I won’t do it justice.”A short pause lingered on the other end of the line before he responded, his tone firmer now. “Of course you should wear it. I chose it for you, Cassandra,
Cassandra’s POV“Is this final?” one of the stakeholders asked, disbelief etched across his face. “You’re giving up your shares just like that? It’s not every day someone walks away from such a lucrative position.”Killian chuckled, his voice laced with ease, though I could sense the deeper intention behind his words. “Yes, it’s final. I’ve decided it’s time to focus entirely on my hospitals. I’ve enjoyed my time here, but personal priorities come first.” He leaned back slightly, his casual demeanor diffusing some of the tension in the room. “Besides, I’m sure whoever takes my place will find it just as rewarding.”The room erupted into laughter at his lighthearted tone, but I couldn’t shake the unease building inside me. Was he really doing this for himself, or... for me?A man seated across the table leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. “If that’s the case, Nathaniel, I’d like to discuss the terms with you later. I may be interested in purchasing those shares.”Nathaniel gav
Cassandra’s POVShouldn’t I be mad? Maybe I should just block his number and end this madness. My phone wouldn’t stop ringing—it had been going off for three hours straight. Three. Hours.“This is so frustrating!” I muttered, pacing back and forth.Kate, sitting across the small break corner we’d claimed as our own, raised her voice, her tone laced with impatience. “Just answer it, girl!”I turned to face her, my phone still vibrating in my hand. “No way! I told you, I’m not breaking up with him just because of some stupid company rule, but that doesn’t mean I want to talk to him right now!”Kate threw her hands in the air dramatically. “So let me get this straight. You’ve decided to defy the almighty boss and keep seeing Killian, but now you’re ignoring him? Make it make sense, Cassie!”I groaned, throwing myself into the chair next to her. “It’s not that simple! If I answer, he’s just going to tease me, and I’ll lose my mind. I can’t deal with that right now.”Kate leaned in, her cu
As I returned to my desk, I caught Kate stealing glances at me, her curiosity practically radiating from across the room. The moment I sat down, she leaned closer, her eyes narrowing as if she could extract the truth by sheer willpower.“So?” she asked, barely able to contain herself. “Did you finally fact-check if those rumors about you and Mr. Killian have any merit?” I froze for a moment, then sighed. Of course, she wouldn’t hold back. Kate was relentless when it came to office gossip. John, sitting a few desks away, swiveled his chair around to face me. His expression was calm, but his raised eyebrow betrayed his interest. They hadn’t even pretended to work while I was gone. Clearly, they’d been waiting for me to return with something juicy to share. “Well,” I began, keeping my tone neutral, “apparently, the boss just wanted to have some tea and figured he needed me to pour it for him. That’s all. Nothing much happened.” Kate’s face immediately fell into an exaggerated pou
Cassandra’s POV“So…” Nathaniel’s voice lingered in the air, laced with a mockery that made my skin crawl. “Did you like my new rules? Are they everything you’ve ever wanted?” He asked, his lips curling into a faint smirk.I sat stiffly on the couch in his office, feeling like I was being forced to participate in a game I didn’t sign up for. He’d summoned me here under the pretense of a casual tea, but everyone in the office knew there was nothing casual about Nathaniel Sinclair. Especially not when it came to me.Ms. Clarinet had practically shoved me out of my chair, whispering, “You don’t have a choice,” after Nathaniel made his announcement over the office speakers. Now, here I was, stuck across from him, his eyes piercing through me as though he could see every thought I was trying to bury.The silence between us was unbearable, broken only by the soft clink of porcelain as I reluctantly poured tea into his empty cup. He watched me with an almost predatory interest, his gaze stea
Cassandra’s POV“I believe,” he said, his voice low but steady, “that prohibiting any form of romantic relationship at Sinclair Co. is the best course of action. No one will be allowed to have a girlfriend or boyfriend here—except those who are already married.” He let that sink in, the weight of his words heavy in the air. “The reason for this is simple—some of you are losing focus on your work, and I find such relationships to be nothing more than distractions.”I blinked, the world around me suddenly feeling like it was closing in. He was looking at me as he said those words. His eyes met mine, cold and calculating, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. Was he directing this rule at me? Had he really gone so far as to make a public decree because of my situation?I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the heat that rose to my cheeks, the way my pulse quickened in my throat. Was he calling me out in front of everyone? I knew my relationship with Killian was becoming more noticeable, but