Chapter 7: Anticipation.

Bella's pov.

As we finished our lunch, I reached for the check, but Alex beat me to it. "I've got this, Bella," he said with a smile.

I insisted, "No, please, let me pay. You can get it next time."

Alex chuckled and shook his head. "I don't think so. I invited you, remember?"

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Alex. You're very kind."

He nodded, "Just being a good boss."

We walked out of the bistro, enjoying the warm sunshine and gentle breeze. The conversation flowed easily as we strolled back to the office.

As we approached the building, Alex turned to me. "Thanks for lunch, Bella. I needed that break."

I smiled, feeling a kind of connection. "Anytime, Alex. I'm glad we could catch up."

We entered the office, returning to our respective workstations. I settled into my chair, feeling refreshed and revitalized after our lunch break.

Alex caught my eye, his expression softening. "Welcome back, Bella. Let's tackle that report."

I nodded, smiling, I immediately lowered my eyes to concentrate on my screen. Before 5 PM I was almost done with what I had to do

As the clock struck 5 PM, I quickly gathered my things and made my way to Alex's desk. "I'm heading out, Alex. Have a great weekend," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Alex looked up from his screen, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're eager to leave, aren't you?"

I smiled sweetly. "Just tired, that's all. Need a break."

But in reality, I was already thinking about my next move. The weekend was just a chance to recharge and come up with more plans to win Alex's heart. I had to keep my momentum going, couldn't let him slip away.

As I left the office, I was determined to get his heart, this was the easiest way to my revenge. This weekend, I would come up with something new, something that would make Alex notice me in a way he never had before.

As I stepped out of the office building, the warm evening sun on my skin invigorated me. I felt liberated, knowing that the weekend was mine to conquer.

As I checked my phone I noticed an email from the companies event team. " You're invited, charity gala with Alex Darwin " flashed on the screen. My heart skipped a beat. This was perfect.

I quickly scanned the email learning that Alex would be hosting a charity gala on Saturday night, and the whole company was invited. I quickly made a mental note of the details , a smirk appearing on my face, black tie event, 7pm, at the luxurious Bellevue manor.

I was so happy, the heavens were helping me. I was going to be meeting Alex and I needed to look very attractive, without too much thoughts I knew I had to spoil myself and the money for that was really not an issue. Jake might have been a jerk but money is one thing I benefited from him .

"First stop: shopping." I hailed a taxi and headed to the upscale boutique district. I had a specific list in mind – a new dress, some statement accessories, and a few skincare essentials.on entering the boutique's building my eyes landed on a stunning red gown. I couldn't resist; it was perfect for the charity gala .

Next, I visited a high-end skincare boutique, where I indulged in a personalized consultation and left with a bag full of luxurious products. My skin would be glowing by the weekend.

Feeling pampered, I made my way to the spa for a rejuvenating treatment. A soothing massage, a refreshing facial, and a relaxing soak in the hot tub – bliss.

Finally, I arrived at the trendy hair salon, where my stylist worked magic on my looks. A new, sultry look would complement my overall transformation.

As I gazed at my reflection, I felt like a million bucks. Now, I was ready to take on the weekend – and Alex – with confidence and style.

I spent the evening pampering myself, indulging in a relaxing bath as I got home. As I got ready for bed, my thoughts drifted to Alex. What were his interests? What made him tick? I pulled out my phone and started researching, looking for any clues that could give me an edge.

After browsing the internet for a while I couldn't find much about him "A pretty secretive person, nice." I mumbled as I went to bed .

''''Morning''''

As my alarm blared to life, I woke with a sense of purpose, my eyes snapping open with determination. Today was another day I would make a concerted effort to win Alex's heart, and everything had to be flawless.

With the clock already striking 10 am, I settled into my plush couch, with my laptop opened before me. I needed to research on Jake's company, I needed to know what they were up to now. If I could find something like a weakness that I could use against them when the time was right would be perfect.

As I scrolled through documents, financial report, latest news feed my skin started to feel tight and dry from the air-conditioned air

I paused, getting up to fetch my skincare routine from the bathroom I didn't want ruin the pampered skin from yesterday .

I returned with a tray laden with serums, creams, and masks then began my routine

First I have my face a good rinse then applied a soothing toner, feeling the cool liquid calm my skin. Next I layered on a rich serum, packed with antioxidants and vitamins. "Ah bliss" I let out from the comfort I got .

"Thank God I left Jake, I truly was becoming a shadow of myself." I said as my focus was brought back to my research, Jake was definitely going to pay for what he did to me and camilla was definitely not an issue for me .

With my skin now nourished and hydrated,.I moved on to a charity oak mask, applying it evenly across my face, I relaxed into the couch letting the mask work its magic as I carried on with the research

Twenty minutes later, I rinsed off the mask, revealing glowing, refreshed skin. ' Back to Jake's company, 'I thought, my eyes narrowing as I dove deeper into the data. 'What secrets are you hiding, Jake?'