Susan
I had never been good at lying, especially not to Elliot. He could read me like a book, unraveling my thoughts with a single glance. But this… this was different. I had to make him believe I was losing interest. That I didn’t love him anymore. Even though the truth was, I had never loved him more. Sitting in my office, I stared at my phone, the screen lighting up for the tenth time that morning. Elliot Prescott. My heart clenched, but I ignored it, placing the phone face down on my desk. I needed to be strong. If I answered now, I’d hear the concern in his voice, the way he always said my name like I was the most important thing in his life. And I’d break. A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, the door swung open, and there he was. Elliot. Tall, broad-shouldered, devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit. His hair was perfectly styled, but his sharp gaze softened the moment it landed on me. “You didn’t answer my calls,” he said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. I forced a nonchalant shrug, pretending to be immersed in my laptop screen. “I was busy.” Elliot raised an eyebrow, his lips pressing into a firm line. “Too busy to even send a text?” “Yeah,” I replied, keeping my tone casual. “I have a lot going on.” A beat of silence stretched between us. I could feel his eyes studying me, searching for something.. a lie, a reason, a crack in my armor. He stepped closer, placing both hands on my desk. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine.” “You’re lying.” I swallowed hard. Damn him. I pushed my chair back and stood up, putting distance between us. “I just don’t have time for all this, Elliot. I think we should… take things slow.” His expression didn’t change, but I saw the flicker of hurt in his eyes. He masked it quickly, straightening to his full height. “Take things slow?” he repeated, his voice unreadable. “Yes. I mean, we rushed back into this relationship, didn’t we?” I folded my arms, hoping he didn’t notice how unsteady my hands were. “Maybe we should take a step back and...” “No.” I blinked. “What?” “No,” Elliot repeated, stepping toward me. “You don’t get to do this, Susan. You don’t get to shut me out without a real explanation.” I forced a scoff. “I just gave you one.” “No, you gave me an excuse,” he said, voice firm yet gentle. “I know you, Susan. I know when something’s wrong. So, tell me...what is it?” The intensity in his eyes nearly shattered my resolve. He wasn’t just questioning me...he was pleading. I had to stay strong. I had to push him away. So I did the only thing I could. I lied. “I don’t love you anymore, Elliot.” For the first time, Elliot took a step back, like I had physically struck him. The pain flashed across his face, raw and unguarded. A heavy silence filled the room. I held my breath, gripping my arms so tightly my nails dug into my skin. Then, slowly, Elliot’s lips curved into a smirk. “Bullshit.” I stiffened. “What?” His smirk deepened as he stepped toward me again. “That’s the worst lie you’ve ever told.” I swallowed. “Elliot, I...” “Say it again,” he challenged, voice dropping. “Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t love me.” I opened my mouth, but the words wouldn’t come out. Because he was right. It was a terrible lie. And he saw right through it. But instead of pushing, Elliot sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Fine,” he said after a moment. “If you want space, I’ll give it to you. But don’t think for a second that I’m letting you go, Susan.” My heart ached. That was exactly what I was afraid of. *** Elliot Something was wrong with Susan. She wasn’t just being distant...she was forcing herself to be. I saw it in the way she avoided my eyes, the way her voice wavered just slightly when she spoke. She was trying to push me away. But I wasn’t going anywhere. The moment I left her office, I called Gerald. “Find out what’s going on with Susan,” I ordered. Gerald hesitated. “You think something’s up?” “I don’t think.. I know.” My jaw clenched. “She’s shutting me out, and I need to know why.” “I’ll look into it,” Gerald assured me. I ended the call and leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. She thought she could push me away. She thought I’d just give up on us. She was wrong.SusanIf ignoring Elliot hadn’t worked, I needed a new approach.So, naturally, I decided to move on to the next plan on the list, "pick a fight."The plan was simple...push him to the edge, make him lose patience, and get him to break things off first. After all, who would want to stay engaged to a woman constantly nagging and creating drama?But there was just one problem.Elliot Prescott was too damn unshakable.It started at the office.I stormed into the executive lounge where Elliot was standing by the coffee machine, chatting with one of our colleagues...a stunning, petite blonde who was too close for my liking. She laughed at something he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in a way that made my stomach twist.I didn’t actually care, but the jealousy bubbling in my chest was perfect for fueling my outburst.I marched up, crossing my arms. “Are you seriously flirting at work?”Elliot turned to me, eyebrows raised in mild surprise. “Excuse me?”“You heard me,” I snappe
SusanIf picking fights didn’t work, I needed another approach.So I went for something foolproof.Making him jealous.The idea was simple...if Elliot thought I had my eyes on someone else, his pride would never let him stay in this relationship. He’d break things off himself, and I wouldn’t have to be the villain.The only problem?Elliot Prescott was completely and utterly unshakable.It started at work.I picked the most charming, good-looking guy in the office...Derek Stone.He was tall, well-dressed, and had the kind of easy smile that made every woman swoon. More importantly, he had zero interest in me. We were friendly, nothing more.So I made sure Elliot saw us together.At lunch, I leaned just a little too close. I laughed at everything Derek said, even when it wasn’t funny. I let my fingers linger on his forearm as if he’d just told me the most fascinating story in the world.And Elliot?He just watched.His sharp blue eyes tracked my every move, his fingers tapping slowly a
SusanIf making Elliot jealous didn’t work, I had to try something else.And what’s the fastest way to push a man away?Be overly clingy.Men hated it when a woman was too available, right? If I suffocated him with attention, he’d get tired of me and leave, it was a flawless plan, or so I thought.It started in the morning. I showed up at his apartment unannounced.Dressed in one of his oversized shirts, the one I stole and a pair of shorts, I knocked on his door at 6:00 a.m. sharp.When he opened it, his hair was messy from sleep, his sweatpants hung low on his hips, and his bare chest looked like a damn sin.But I was here on a mission."Good morning, baby!" I beamed, stepping inside before he could stop me. "I missed you."Elliot blinked at me, then smirked. "Missed me? It’s barely been eight hours.""I know," I said sweetly, wrapping my arms around his waist, pressing my face against his warm, hard chest. "But I just couldn’t sleep without you."His hands rested on my hips, his voi
SusanI adjusted my blazer and took a deep breath before walking into the boardroom. This was the opportunity I'd been waiting for...no room for nerves, no room for mistakes.But the moment I stepped inside, my breath caught.Ten years. It had been ten long years since I last saw him, and yet, there he was...Elliot Prescott, sitting at the head of the boardroom table like a king on his throne.The universe had a twisted sense of humor, throwing me into his world when I was at my lowest. Jobless, desperate, and hanging onto the last thread of my self-respect, I'd walked into this meeting thinking it was just another pitch. But then his eyes...those same piercing green eyes...met mine, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe.His piercing green eyes meeting mine the second I walked in. Time hadn't touched him, if anything, it had made him sharper, more composed. The air in the room suddenly felt too heavy."Ms. Hart," a man sitting beside him said, oblivious to the jolt of recognition betw
SusanThey say you never forget your firsts. First day of college. First time living away from home. First real taste of independence. And for me, my first love.I still remember the way the sun drenched the campus that morning, illuminating the sprawling lawns and the old brick buildings. I was 18, full of ambition, and ready to conquer the world...or at least my little corner of it. My backpack was heavier than necessary, my schedule meticulously planned, and my nerves barely under control.I had just exited the lecture hall after my orientation when I saw him. At first, it was just a passing glance. He stood out...not just because of his height or his sharp features, but because of the effortless way he seemed to exist in his space. Like he belonged there.And then I tripped.It wasn't a graceful stumble, either. My heel caught on an uneven patch of pavement, and I went sprawling forward, my books and papers scattering across the ground."Whoa...careful there."That voice...smooth
SusanI hadn't intended to stay up late that night, but sleep wouldn't come. The weight of the day lingered in my chest like an unwelcome guest, replaying itself over and over in my mind: Elliot's piercing gaze, his composed demeanor, and the haunting way he looked at me like he was still trying to figure me out.It didn't matter that a decade had passed since we last stood face-to-face. He still had that unnerving ability to make me feel seen...seen in a way that no one else could.My apartment was quiet except for the faint hum of the city outside. I sank into the couch, clutching a cup of tea I didn't plan to drink. My laptop sat on the coffee table, glowing faintly. I should've been preparing for follow-ups on the proposal, but my mind kept drifting to the past...to the first time Elliot and I weren't just strangers on a campus.****Flashback – Ten Years AgoIt had been almost a year since our first meeting. By then, Elliot Prescott was no longer just the cocky guy who'd helped m
ElliotThe morning light filtered through my office windows as I flipped through the proposal Susan had submitted. My focus was sharp, but not on the document in front of me...it was on her.She hadn't changed much. The confidence in her stride, the way she held her head high, the fire in her eyes when she spoke...it was all still there. But there was something else, too, something I couldn't quite place.She seemed... guarded. As if the years had built a wall around her that no one had dared to climb.I leaned back in my chair, tossing the folder onto my desk. I needed answers. But this wasn't just about the past. I couldn't afford distractions, especially not now.A knock at the door broke my thoughts."Come in."Gerald stepped inside, his usual calm demeanor in place. "Ms. Hart is here for your meeting."My pulse quickened, but I forced myself to remain composed. "Send her in."Moments later, the door opened again, and Susan walked in. She was dressed in a fitted blazer and skirt,
SusanBy the time I left the office that evening, the weight of the day pressed heavily on my shoulders. Seeing Elliot again wasn't just an emotional challenge...it was a test of my resolve.Meera was waiting for me at our favorite bar, a cozy, dimly lit spot tucked away from the city's bustling streets. She waved as soon as she spotted me, a knowing grin on her face."Well, if it isn't the woman of the hour," she teased as I slid into the seat across from her.I sighed, signaling the bartender for a drink. "Don't start.""Too late... How's Mr. Billionaire Ex treating you?"I hesitated, swirling the glass of wine that the bartender had set in front of me. "Professionally."Meera raised an eyebrow. "And...?""And what?""And how are you dealing with it? Come on, Su. You can't just sit there and pretend this isn't a big deal. You two have history."I took a sip of my wine, savoring the warmth it brought. "It's complicated, okay? He's my boss...well, technically my client...and I need th
SusanIf making Elliot jealous didn’t work, I had to try something else.And what’s the fastest way to push a man away?Be overly clingy.Men hated it when a woman was too available, right? If I suffocated him with attention, he’d get tired of me and leave, it was a flawless plan, or so I thought.It started in the morning. I showed up at his apartment unannounced.Dressed in one of his oversized shirts, the one I stole and a pair of shorts, I knocked on his door at 6:00 a.m. sharp.When he opened it, his hair was messy from sleep, his sweatpants hung low on his hips, and his bare chest looked like a damn sin.But I was here on a mission."Good morning, baby!" I beamed, stepping inside before he could stop me. "I missed you."Elliot blinked at me, then smirked. "Missed me? It’s barely been eight hours.""I know," I said sweetly, wrapping my arms around his waist, pressing my face against his warm, hard chest. "But I just couldn’t sleep without you."His hands rested on my hips, his voi
SusanIf picking fights didn’t work, I needed another approach.So I went for something foolproof.Making him jealous.The idea was simple...if Elliot thought I had my eyes on someone else, his pride would never let him stay in this relationship. He’d break things off himself, and I wouldn’t have to be the villain.The only problem?Elliot Prescott was completely and utterly unshakable.It started at work.I picked the most charming, good-looking guy in the office...Derek Stone.He was tall, well-dressed, and had the kind of easy smile that made every woman swoon. More importantly, he had zero interest in me. We were friendly, nothing more.So I made sure Elliot saw us together.At lunch, I leaned just a little too close. I laughed at everything Derek said, even when it wasn’t funny. I let my fingers linger on his forearm as if he’d just told me the most fascinating story in the world.And Elliot?He just watched.His sharp blue eyes tracked my every move, his fingers tapping slowly a
SusanIf ignoring Elliot hadn’t worked, I needed a new approach.So, naturally, I decided to move on to the next plan on the list, "pick a fight."The plan was simple...push him to the edge, make him lose patience, and get him to break things off first. After all, who would want to stay engaged to a woman constantly nagging and creating drama?But there was just one problem.Elliot Prescott was too damn unshakable.It started at the office.I stormed into the executive lounge where Elliot was standing by the coffee machine, chatting with one of our colleagues...a stunning, petite blonde who was too close for my liking. She laughed at something he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in a way that made my stomach twist.I didn’t actually care, but the jealousy bubbling in my chest was perfect for fueling my outburst.I marched up, crossing my arms. “Are you seriously flirting at work?”Elliot turned to me, eyebrows raised in mild surprise. “Excuse me?”“You heard me,” I snappe
SusanI had never been good at lying, especially not to Elliot. He could read me like a book, unraveling my thoughts with a single glance. But this… this was different. I had to make him believe I was losing interest. That I didn’t love him anymore. Even though the truth was, I had never loved him more.Sitting in my office, I stared at my phone, the screen lighting up for the tenth time that morning. Elliot Prescott. My heart clenched, but I ignored it, placing the phone face down on my desk. I needed to be strong. If I answered now, I’d hear the concern in his voice, the way he always said my name like I was the most important thing in his life. And I’d break.A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, the door swung open, and there he was. Elliot.Tall, broad-shouldered, devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit. His hair was perfectly styled, but his sharp gaze softened the moment it landed on me.“You didn’t answer my calls,” he said, stepping inside
SusanI didn’t go home. I couldn’t.Instead, I found myself in a familiar spot...Meera’s apartment.The moment she opened the door, her sharp eyes scanned my face, instantly sensing something was wrong. Without a word, she stepped aside, letting me in.“Okay, something's definitely wrong.” she said, crossing her arms as I collapsed onto her couch, exhaling heavily.I reached into my purse and pulled out the check, placing it on the coffee table between us. Meera’s eyes widened as she picked it up, her mouth parting in shock.“Is this…?”I nodded. “Mrs. Prescott’s way of getting rid of me.”Meera’s brows furrowed. “You took it?”“Yes.” I let out a humorless laugh, leaning back. “I took it.”She sank onto the couch beside me, staring at me like I had lost my mind. “Susan… what the hell? Tell me you’re not seriously considering leaving Elliot over this.”I chewed on my lip, my stomach twisting. “I have to, Meera. You don’t understand. His mother...she’s relentless. I can’t fight her. I’m
I wasn’t expecting a message from Mrs. Prescott, let alone another meeting request. It had been a month since our last conversation, and I assumed we had come to some form of mutual understanding...an uneasy truce, at best. But as I read the message from Elliot’s mother, asking me to meet her at an upscale hotel lounge, I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach.Something about this felt different.Still, I went. Because no matter how much I disliked the idea of sitting across from that woman again, she was Elliot’s mother. And for his sake, I was willing to be civil.The lounge was the kind of place where the elite gathered, dripping in wealth and exclusivity. I spotted Mrs. Prescott instantly...elegant as ever in a tailored designer dress, her posture flawless, her expression unreadable.She didn’t smile as I approached.“Mrs. Prescott,” I greeted politely.She gestured to the seat across from her, and I sat, keeping my face neutral.“Would you like some tea?” she asked, though it didn
Elliot I adjusted the bouquet of fresh lilies in my hand as I stepped through the entrance of the nursing home. The scent of antiseptic and flowers lingered in the air, and soft music played in the background. It wasn’t exactly a welcoming place, but I knew it was the best Susan could provide for her mother. A nurse led me down the hallway to Mrs. Hart’s room, her expression a mix of curiosity and politeness. “She’s been expecting a visitor today. But I don’t think she knew it would be you.” I smirked slightly. “I hope it’s a good surprise.” The nurse gave me an uncertain smile before knocking on the door. “Mrs. Hart? You have a visitor.” A weak voice responded from inside. “Come in.” I stepped into the room, and my gaze immediately landed on the frail woman sitting by the window. She had Susan’s striking features...sharp eyes, high cheekbones, and a quiet strength even in her fragile state. Her hair was streaked with silver, and she looked thinner than I remembered from years a
ElliotThe second she whispered yes again, something inside me snapped.I crashed my lips against hers, pushing her back against the car as my hands roamed her body. I could feel her trembling under my touch, her breath coming in short, desperate gasps as she clung to my shirt.I wanted her.Here. Now.I didn’t care that we were outside her building. The need to feel her, to claim her, was overpowering.But then she broke the kiss, gasping, her pupils blown wide with desire. “Elliot...inside.”That was all I needed.I grabbed her hand and practically dragged her to the entrance, fumbling for the keys she hastily pulled from her purse. The second the door swung open, I kicked it shut behind us, spun her around, and pinned her against the wall.Susan let out a small gasp, but her eyes gleamed with anticipation. I kissed her hungrily, my hands roaming beneath her dress, feeling the heat of her skin.“God, I missed you,” I murmured against her lips, my voice husky.She shivered. “Then sho
Susan I had no idea why I agreed to this dinner. Maybe it was Elliot’s insistence, or maybe it was my own need to prove I wasn’t afraid of his mother. Either way, I found myself seated across from Mrs. Prescott in an exclusive restaurant, the air thick with tension. She was as intimidating as I remembered...poised, elegant, and utterly unreadable. The kind of woman who could tear someone apart with a single glance. And right now, all that cold, assessing energy was focused on me. The waiter had just poured our wine when she finally broke the silence. “I appreciate you agreeing to meet with me, Susan,” she said, though her tone held no warmth. “Of course,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “Elliot told me you wanted to talk.” She took a sip of her wine before setting the glass down with precision. “Yes, I did. I wanted to meet the woman who has suddenly reappeared in my son’s life after all these years.” I stiffened at the way she said it. Like I had plotted my way back into E