Ophelia’s POV Aaron Donovan was a fortress—a man built of steel, his demeanor impenetrable and his emotions tightly locked away. Yet, every passing day at Donovan Corporation felt like I was inching closer to the cracks in his armor, glimpsing the man beneath the façade. It was a dangerous game, one I hadn’t asked to play, but every interaction between us pulled me deeper into the uncharted territory of whatever this was between us. I told myself I wasn’t falling for him. Falling for Aaron Donovan would be like jumping into an abyss, knowing full well there was no bottom, only a plummet that would leave me shattered. He was my boss, my means to an end, and I had a plan to follow—one that didn’t include Aaron Donovan or the confusing whirlwind of emotions he stirred in me. Still, I couldn’t ignore the subtle shifts between us. The sharp edges of his tone had softened, the rare moments of camaraderie slipping through the cracks when he thought no one was watching. And the way he loo
Ophelia’s POV Aaron Donovan was a fortress—a man built of steel, his demeanor impenetrable and his emotions tightly locked away. Yet, every passing day at Donovan Corporation felt like I was inching closer to the cracks in his armor, glimpsing the man beneath the façade. It was a dangerous game, one I hadn’t asked to play, but every interaction between us pulled me deeper into the uncharted territory of whatever this was between us. I told myself I wasn’t falling for him. Falling for Aaron Donovan would be like jumping into an abyss, knowing full well there was no bottom, only a plummet that would leave me shattered. He was my boss, my means to an end, and I had a plan to follow—one that didn’t include Aaron Donovan or the confusing whirlwind of emotions he stirred in me. Still, I couldn’t ignore the subtle shifts between us. The sharp edges of his tone had softened, the rare moments of camaraderie slipping through the cracks when he thought no one was watching. And the way he loo
Ophelia’s POV It had been days since that quiet but charged exchange with Aaron Donovan. Days that felt like weeks, as the memory of his penetrating gaze and the weight of his words replayed in my mind on an endless loop. He was impossible to figure out, like a maze with no clear exit. One minute, he was sharp and detached, a man who demanded excellence without a hint of compassion. The next, he was a mystery with glimpses of humanity that left me questioning everything I thought I knew about him—and myself. I needed to stay focused, but how could I when he had this way of creeping into my thoughts? Every sideways glance, every curt comment, every fleeting moment when his tone softened—it all piled up, chipping away at my resolve. Today was no exception. The day began like any other, with me juggling tasks, sorting through emails, and fielding calls. The constant buzz of activity was the perfect distraction. I thought I’d managed to steady myself, to tuck away those troublesome
Ophelia’s POV The days following that night in Aaron’s office were a whirlwind. I couldn’t stop replaying his words: “You’re more than that.” What did he mean? And why did it feel like he was standing on the edge of revealing something monumental, only to pull back at the last second? It was maddening. Aaron had always been a man of precision—clear, sharp, and unwavering. Yet lately, there were cracks in his armor, moments where his words and actions hinted at something deeper. And as much as I hated to admit it, those moments were starting to affect me. Still, I had to focus. I had a plan—a goal—and allowing myself to be distracted by whatever was happening between Aaron and me wasn’t an option. I arrived at the office early, determined to bury myself in work. The stack of files on my desk was daunting, but that was exactly what I needed: something to keep my mind occupied. “Miss Lewis,” Aaron’s voice called from his office before I’d even had a chance to sit down. I sighed, set
Ophelia’s POV The events of the gala lingered in my mind like an unresolved melody. I couldn’t shake the image of Aaron standing under the moonlight, his words cutting through the stillness of the night. “Control is an illusion.” There was something about the way he said it—raw, almost defeated—that felt so unlike the Aaron Donovan I thought I knew. For a fleeting moment, he had let his guard down, and I had seen a side of him I wasn’t supposed to see. I told myself not to dwell on it. Whatever vulnerability he’d shown was irrelevant. My focus had to remain on my plan, not on unraveling the mystery of Aaron Donovan. But as much as I tried to push the thought away, it clung to me. I arrived at the office the next morning determined to throw myself into work. The tasks Aaron assigned me were tedious and relentless, but they were a welcome distraction. If nothing else, they kept my mind from wandering where it shouldn’t. “Miss Lewis,” Aaron’s voice cut through the quiet hum of the of
Ophelia’s POV The next event came quicker than I expected, leaving me scrambling to prepare. Aaron’s instructions were precise but vague. “Formal, but not overly flashy. I’ll have the car pick you up at seven.” That was all he’d said before disappearing back into his office. As I stood before the mirror, adjusting the sleek black dress I’d chosen, I wondered what exactly tonight entailed. My duties as Aaron’s assistant were never straightforward, and the boundaries between professional and personal were increasingly blurry. The car arrived promptly, and the driver greeted me with a polite nod before holding the door open. Settling into the leather seat, I couldn’t help but notice how meticulously everything was maintained—Aaron’s influence was everywhere, even in the smallest details. Aaron was already inside the venue when I arrived. The grand ballroom was filled with an air of quiet sophistication, the kind that only money and power could conjure. Crystal chandeliers cast a wa
Ophelia’s POV Mornings in Aaron Donovan’s office always started the same way: precise, efficient, and intense. I had barely settled into my chair when he barked out his first order of the day. “Miss Lewis, I need the quarterly reports from R&D on my desk before my nine o’clock meeting.” “Good morning to you too, Mr. Donovan,” I muttered under my breath, already reaching for the files. “Did you say something?” His sharp gaze flicked toward me. “Not a thing,” I replied, forcing a neutral expression as I walked into his office. His desk was as pristine as ever, the only sign of his presence being the faint scent of his cologne that lingered in the air. I placed the reports in front of him, stepping back as his eyes scanned the first page. It always amazed me how quickly he absorbed information, dissecting complex data in mere minutes. “You reorganized this,” he said after a moment, his voice neutral but with a trace of curiosity. “I thought it would be easier to navigate that wa
Ophelia’s POV Working for Aaron Donovan was like trying to navigate a storm in the middle of the ocean—unpredictable, intense, and always teetering on the edge of chaos. Despite the exhaustion that came with the long hours and relentless pace, there was something invigorating about it. I thrived on the challenge, but Aaron… was a force unto himself. One moment, he was cold and calculating, barking orders like a drill sergeant. The next, he’d show glimpses of humanity so fleeting they left me questioning if I’d imagined them. Today was no different. “Miss Lewis,” his deep voice snapped me out of my thoughts as I stepped into his office. “Yes, Mr. Donovan?” “I need the revised merger documents on my desk in twenty minutes,” he said, not bothering to look up from his laptop. “Of course,” I replied, already turning on my heel. “Oh, and Miss Lewis,” he called after me. I paused, glancing over my shoulder. “Double-check the legal clauses this time. I don’t have the patience for amate
Aaron’s POV I’ve always prided myself on my ability to compartmentalize. Business stays in one box, emotions in another, each neatly tucked away where they belong. It’s what has kept Donovan Corporation thriving in a cutthroat industry. It’s what’s kept me sane. But ever since Ophelia entered my life, the lines have started to blur. I stood in my office, staring out at the city skyline. The lights of downtown glittered like scattered diamonds, their brilliance dulled by the weight in my chest. My mind, however, wasn’t on the view or even the mountain of paperwork that awaited me. It was on her. The way she’d looked at me last night, her eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and defiance. The way her voice wavered when she admitted she was scared, mirroring the same fear I’ve tried so hard to deny. I hated it. Not her—but the weakness she brought out in me. The part of me that wanted to protect her, to shield her from the world, even if it meant breaking the walls I’d spent year
Ophelia’s POV The kiss haunted me. I couldn’t stop replaying it, over and over, no matter how hard I tried to shove it to the back of my mind. The warmth of Aaron’s lips, the intensity in his touch—it was as if he had unraveled every piece of armor I had meticulously put in place. It felt wrong, too raw, too dangerous. But at the same time, it had awakened something in me I thought I’d buried for good. I stared blankly at the spreadsheets on my laptop, trying to focus. My apartment felt like a cage, each quiet second amplifying the storm in my chest. I hadn’t seen Aaron since that night, hadn’t even heard from him. Part of me was grateful. It gave me space to think, to figure out how I could move forward without letting emotions derail my plan. But another part of me—a foolish, naive part—felt disappointed. The sound of Caleb’s laughter pulled me from my thoughts. I glanced toward the living room, where my son sat cross-legged on the floor, playing with his favorite set of blocks.
Aaron’s POV The office was unusually quiet tonight. Even the constant hum of the city outside seemed to have dimmed, as if it understood the weight pressing down on my shoulders. My work had always been my escape, my sanctuary. But lately, that sanctuary felt less like a fortress and more like a cage. And it was all because of her. Ophelia Lewis. From the moment she walked into my office, she disrupted everything I’d carefully built. At first, I thought it was her insolence, her knack for challenging me in ways no one else dared. But it was more than that. She was unpredictable, and that unpredictability was both maddening and intoxicating. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. It was infuriating. Leaning back in my chair, I stared at the city skyline, the lights glittering like scattered diamonds. My reflection stared back at me from the glass, a reminder of the man I’d become: cold, detached, ruthless. There was no room in my life for distractions, least of all one that came wit
Ophelia’s POV It had been a week since Aaron’s near-apology, and life at Donovan Corporation continued at its relentless pace. Aaron maintained his usual cold, calculated demeanor during the day, and I worked tirelessly to ensure everything flowed smoothly. Still, there were cracks in his fortress, moments where the man behind the ruthless businessman slipped through, and I couldn’t stop myself from noticing. Even if I wanted to, which I didn’t. Aaron Donovan occupied my mind far more than I was comfortable admitting. Each day, I told myself I’d keep my distance, focus solely on my goals, and avoid personal entanglements. Each day, I failed. It was late one evening when my carefully constructed wall began to crumble. I was still in my office, organizing files for Aaron’s upcoming meeting, when the intercom buzzed. “Miss Lewis,” came his familiar voice, sharp yet laced with something I couldn’t quite place. “Yes, Mr. Donovan?” “My office. Now.” I sighed, brushing a stray strand o
Ophelia’s POV The office felt quieter than usual the next morning, but I knew it wasn’t because of a lack of activity. Aaron Donovan’s mood dictated the atmosphere, and today, it seemed… restrained. Not the cold indifference he usually exuded, but a focused quiet that unnerved me. I avoided his office for as long as I could, burying myself in emails and reports, yet my mind kept drifting back to dinner last night. It wasn’t just the unexpected invitation—it was the Aaron I saw beneath the ruthless exterior. For the first time, he had let me see his humanity, even if only for a moment. By noon, I couldn’t avoid him any longer. He’d summoned me to his office with a one-word email: Now. When I stepped inside, he was seated behind his desk, eyes fixed on his laptop screen. “Mr. Donovan,” I said, keeping my tone professional. “Close the door,” he said without looking up. I did as he asked, stepping forward hesitantly. He finally looked up, his piercing eyes locking onto mine. “Sit.” I
Ophelia’s POV The next few days passed in a blur of reports, meetings, and Aaron’s relentless demands. He was back to his usual self: curt, exacting, and impossible to please. Yet, there was something different—a crack in his veneer that revealed itself in fleeting moments. A brush of his hand as he handed me a document, a lingering glance during a meeting, or a subtle softness in his voice when he addressed me directly. But he never overstepped. Aaron Donovan was a man who thrived on control, and it was clear he wasn’t ready to relinquish any part of it—not even his feelings. That morning, I found myself in the middle of a particularly hectic schedule. Aaron had tasked me with organizing a last-minute meeting with international partners while also preparing a detailed analysis of competitor strategies. My desk was a minefield of sticky notes, files, and my half-drunk coffee. “Miss Lewis,” Aaron’s voice called from his office. I sighed, setting down the highlighter I’d been usin
Ophelia’s POV The next few days passed in a blur of reports, meetings, and Aaron’s relentless demands. He was back to his usual self: curt, exacting, and impossible to please. Yet, there was something different—a crack in his veneer that revealed itself in fleeting moments. A brush of his hand as he handed me a document, a lingering glance during a meeting, or a subtle softness in his voice when he addressed me directly. But he never overstepped. Aaron Donovan was a man who thrived on control, and it was clear he wasn’t ready to relinquish any part of it—not even his feelings. That morning, I found myself in the middle of a particularly hectic schedule. Aaron had tasked me with organizing a last-minute meeting with international partners while also preparing a detailed analysis of competitor strategies. My desk was a minefield of sticky notes, files, and my half-drunk coffee. “Miss Lewis,” Aaron’s voice called from his office. I sighed, setting down the highlighter I’d been usin
Ophelia’s POV The tension between Aaron and me had reached an unspoken truce, though the dynamics of our relationship were far from simple. Each day in his office was a chess match of emotions and professionalism, neither of us willing to make the first move. Aaron remained as sharp and demanding as ever, yet there were cracks in his icy demeanor—moments that felt too intimate for the boundaries we claimed to maintain. That morning, I was deep in the throes of a particularly frustrating task. Aaron had requested a detailed analysis of prospective mergers, and the data was a labyrinth of numbers and trends. I stared at my screen, rubbing my temples as the words blurred together. “You look like you’re about to throw that laptop out the window.” His voice startled me, and I looked up to see Aaron standing in my doorway, arms crossed, an amused glint in his eye. “Not out the window,” I muttered. “But maybe into the coffee machine.” He stepped into my office, glancing at the jumble o
Ophelia’s POV The tension between Aaron and me was becoming unbearable. Each passing day felt like a tightrope walk. We kept our interactions strictly professional, but there was an undercurrent—a simmering attraction neither of us acknowledged. I was drowning myself in work, hoping it would numb the confusing emotions that surfaced whenever Aaron was near. The merger had turned into a whirlwind of meetings, legal reviews, and negotiations. My calendar was packed from dawn till dusk, leaving little room for anything else. But the busier I stayed, the more aware I became of Aaron’s presence. It wasn’t just his commanding tone or his sharp intellect. It was the subtle things: the way his eyes crinkled slightly when he was deep in thought, the quiet moments when I’d catch him watching me, and the rare times when his icy exterior softened. One particularly chaotic morning, I found myself rushing through the office corridors with a stack of documents balanced precariously in my arms.