Appointment Letter

Susan

The next morning, I stepped into Prescott Industries with a cup of coffee in hand and a determined mindset. After last night’s dinner with Elliot, I had vowed to draw clear boundaries between us. Whatever his intentions were, I wasn’t going to let my emotions cloud my professional judgment.

As I walked into my temporary office, I froze in my tracks. Sitting neatly on my desk was a sealed envelope with the Prescott Industries logo embossed on the front. My name was written in bold letters on the front.

I set my coffee down and picked up the envelope, curiosity prickling at the back of my neck. Was it another one of Elliot’s surprises? A note, perhaps, or another dinner invitation?

Tearing the envelope open, I pulled out the letter inside and began reading. It was an official document...an appointment letter.

**

Dear Ms. Susan Hart,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been offered a permanent position as Marketing Manager at Prescott Industries. This appointment will take effect immediately upon the conclusion of your current contract.

We are confident that your skills, experience, and dedication will continue to make a significant impact on our organization.

Congratulations, and welcome to the Prescott Industries family.

Sincerely,

Gerald Klein

HR Director

**

I stared at the letter in disbelief, my brain scrambling to process the words. Permanent position? Marketing Manager? Effective immediately?

Was this Elliot’s doing?

I felt a mix of emotions...gratitude, confusion, and a tinge of frustration. This was a huge career opportunity, one that anyone in my position would jump at. But the timing, the way it had been orchestrated… it screamed of Elliot’s interference.

Taking a deep breath, I folded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope. I couldn’t let myself spiral into assumptions just yet. Maybe Gerald had genuinely put in a good word for me. Maybe my hard work had paid off. Maybe…

But I wasn’t naive. Not when it came to Elliot Prescott.

Just as I was trying to steady my thoughts, there was a knock at my door. I looked up to find none other than Gerald himself standing there, holding a clipboard and wearing his usual polished smile.

“Good morning, Susan,” he greeted, stepping inside. “I take it you’ve seen the letter?”

“I have,” I said cautiously, setting the envelope back on the desk. “Thank you for bringing it to my attention. But… I have to ask. Was this your decision? Or...”

“Mr. Prescott was, of course, involved in the final decision,” Gerald said smoothly, cutting me off. “But I can assure you, this position is well-deserved. Your work during the contract period has been exceptional. This is simply a recognition of your contributions.”

I nodded, my mind still racing. “I appreciate the opportunity,” I said carefully. “It’s just… unexpected.”

Gerald’s smile widened slightly. “Take your time to process it. We’re thrilled to have you on board, Susan. If you have any questions, my office is always open.”

With that, he turned and left, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I sat down heavily in my chair, staring at the appointment letter as if it held the answers to all my questions. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was part of Elliot’s master plan, another calculated move to keep me tethered to him.

And the worst part? A tiny part of me didn’t mind.

Shaking my head, I pulled my laptop closer and began drafting an email to Gerald, requesting a meeting to discuss the details of the offer. If this was Elliot’s doing, I needed to address it. Boundaries. Clarity. That was the only way I could survive this.

For now, work would be my focus. I wouldn’t let Elliot Prescott...or my own conflicted feelings...derail me.

****

Elliot

Sitting in my office, I swirled the espresso in my cup, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips. My morning had started on a high note, and I had Susan Hart to thank for it. I’d made my move, and the appointment letter was already on her desk. The thought of her reaction...the mix of confusion and irritation that was sure to follow...was enough to keep me entertained.

I leaned back in my chair, letting the warmth of the coffee spread through me. Offering her the permanent position hadn’t been a spur-of-the-moment decision. No, this was a calculated step in a much bigger plan. I needed her close. And not just in the metaphorical sense. Having her in this building, in my orbit, was non-negotiable.

I’d reviewed her work, of course...impeccable, as always. She earned the position on merit, but I’d be lying if I said that was my sole motivation. This was personal.

My intercom buzzed, interrupting my thoughts. “Mr. Prescott,” my assistant’s voice came through. “Ms. Hart received the appointment letter as instructed.”

“Good,” I said, my tone even. “Anything else?”

“She’s requested a meeting with Gerald to discuss the details of the offer.”

Of course she had. Susan wasn’t one to accept anything blindly, especially now that she may suspect my involvement. I smirked, setting my cup down on the desk. That sharp mind of hers had always been one of her most intriguing qualities.

“Let Gerald handle it,” I instructed. “For now.”

“Yes, sir.”

I disconnected the line and leaned forward, my elbows resting on the desk. She’d want to confront me eventually, of that I was certain. And when she did, I’d be ready.

My phone buzzed, drawing my attention to the screen. It was a message from Gerald:

Susan received the letter and seemed… unsettled. She didn’t say much but requested a meeting. Shall I proceed as planned?

I typed a quick reply. Proceed. Keep me informed.

For a moment, I allowed myself to think about last night. The way she’d looked at me across the dinner table...guarded, skeptical, but undeniably affected. I could see it in her eyes, in the way she held herself. She was trying so hard to keep that wall between us, but cracks were beginning to show.

Good.

I drummed my fingers on the desk, considering my next move. Susan was a puzzle, one I’d been piecing together for years. And now that she was back in my life, I wasn’t going to let her slip away again.

I had regrets...more than I cared to admit. Walking away from her ten years ago was a mistake that haunted me daily. But back then, I’d been a different man...naive, torn between love and duty, and too easily swayed by my mother’s expectations. I thought I was doing the right thing. Now I knew better.

This wasn’t just about rekindling what we’d lost. It was about redemption, about proving to her...and to myself...that I could be the man she deserved.

I stood and walked to the window, looking out over the city. She didn’t know it yet, but this was only the beginning. I had no intention of backing down, not this time. Whatever it took, I’d make her see that we were meant to be.

And if she thought she could resist me, well… she was in for a surprise.