Bella’s question hung in the air, but I didn’t answer right away. I was too caught up in watching her from the corner of my eye as I drove. Her fingers kept smoothing the emerald green fabric of her dress, a habit that betrayed her nerves despite the confidence she usually exuded. The dress was simple yet stunning, clinging to her curves in all the right ways. “No,” I finally replied, my voice calm, “it’s not casual.” She turned to face me, her brow furrowing. “Adrian, you said—” “I didn’t say anything,” I interrupted with a smirk. “You assumed.” Her mouth fell open slightly before she shut it, her eyes narrowing. “If you’re trying to ambush me, I swear—” “It’s nothing like that.” I glanced at her as I maneuvered the car through the city streets. “Trust me.” She let out a quiet scoff, turning to look out the window. The streetlights illuminated her profile, highlighting the subtle arch of her nose and the delicate line of her jaw. Trust wasn’t something she gave easily, an
The morning air was crisp and cool, the kind that hinted at the season shifting. I’d woken up thinking about last night—how Adrian had surprised me with that rooftop dinner, how his kiss had left me feeling things I wasn’t ready to admit yet. The sunlight poured through my apartment window as I stared into my closet, trying to find something that felt... right. Professional but not too stiff, approachable but not too casual. My fingers skimmed over a sleek navy blazer and matching trousers. Paired with a white silk blouse, it felt polished yet comfortable. A few curls framed my face as I tucked my hair back into a loose bun. Gold hoops and a simple watch completed the look. If Adrian was going to throw any surprises my way today, I wanted to be ready. By the time I stepped into Langston Corp’s glossy lobby, the hum of the office was already alive. The sound of heels clicking against polished floors, the muted chatter of employees, and the faint scent of fresh coffee mingling wit
Adrian’s POV* The city’s noise surrounded us as we stepped out of the café, but my focus was entirely on Bella. She was walking slightly ahead of me, her shoulders tense, her steps brisk. Ethan’s appearance had rattled her, and I hated how quickly he could do that. “Bella,” I called out, quickening my pace to match hers. She stopped but didn’t turn to face me immediately. Her hands were clenched at her sides, and I could see the rise and fall of her chest as she tried to steady herself. “Are you okay?” I asked, keeping my voice calm, though my own frustration was bubbling just beneath the surface. She finally turned to me, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Why wouldn’t I be? It’s not like Ethan showing up is anything new. He has a knack for appearing at the worst possible times.” Her sarcasm was a defense mechanism; I could see right through it. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Bella.” Her eyes softened for a brief moment before she looked away, her gaze fixed on th
The soft hum of the city filtered through the large windows of Adrian’s penthouse. Dinner had been perfect, but sitting here now, across from Adrian, I couldn’t shake the sense of unease that crept in when I allowed myself to think too much. It wasn’t just Ethan’s sudden reappearance or the chaos at work. It was Adrian himself—the way he looked at me, the way he seemed to see past every wall I’d carefully constructed. “You’re quiet,” he said, leaning back in his chair, his dark eyes studying me with quiet intensity. I shrugged, swirling the wine in my glass. “I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.” “Liar.” The word was soft, teasing, but it made my breath catch. He was too good at this—too good at seeing through me, and I wasn’t sure if I liked it. “What makes you think I’m lying?” I asked, meeting his gaze with more defiance than I felt. His lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile. “Because you’ve been fidgeting since the moment you sat down. And because I know you, Be
I sat on the edge of my bed, the glow from my phone lighting up my face as I read over the job offer email once more. I could feel the weight of it, the opportunity, the allure of a future I had worked so hard for. It was everything I had dreamed of as a freelancer—an exciting project, an opportunity to work with a major tech company, and a salary that made my current paycheck seem like pocket change. But it came with one condition: I'd have to relocate. And that meant leaving everything behind—my life here, the people I had come to care about, and Adrian. I didn’t know what to do. My fingers hovered over the "accept" button, but before I could make the decision, the door to my apartment creaked open, and I turned around to find Adrian standing there, his figure silhouetted against the light outside. “I want to show you something,” Adrian said, his voice low, his hand still holding mine. “Come with me.”He led me out of my apartment, and for a moment, I couldn’t help but feel a mix
The morning air buzzed with the sound of city life as I stepped out of the car in front of Langston Industries. The weight of my looming decision still pressed heavily on my chest, but the memory of Adrian’s gentle reassurances from the night before gave me a strange sense of calm. We had shared something unspoken, a connection that felt raw and genuine despite the uncertainties we faced. I knew I had to make a decision soon, but for now, I let myself savor the warmth his words had left behind. Adrian was already in the office when I arrived. I spotted him through the glass walls of his corner office, his posture rigid as he spoke into his phone. He looked like the embodiment of control, his tailored navy suit hugging his broad shoulders as he gestured sharply with his free hand. His focus was magnetic, the kind of energy that demanded attention without trying. It was moments like these that reminded me why Adrian Langston was so revered—and feared—in the business world. But I a
(Adrian's POV) The glow of the city lights reflected off the sleek glass windows of my penthouse as I paced, replaying the evening with Bella in my mind. Dinner had been perfect, at least outwardly. Her smile, her laugh—it had been the balm to my restless soul. But beneath her warmth, I could sense the tension still brewing. She wasn’t telling me everything. I could see it in the way her eyes flickered away when I pressed her about the offer, the subtle way she rubbed her thumb against her palm, a habit I’d learned meant she was anxious. The door buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. My heart skipped slightly—could it be her? But when I opened it, Oliver strolled in, a bottle of scotch in one hand and his phone in the other. “Thought I’d drop by. You looked like you needed this earlier,” he said, holding up the scotch. I grunted, stepping aside to let him in. “You’re not wrong.” Oliver made himself at home, shrugging out of his jacket and collapsing onto the couch. “So, how
The drive to my mom’s house was both a relief and a struggle. I needed this—a weekend to escape the chaos of Meridian City and the storm Adrian had stirred inside me. But as much as I tried to push it out of my mind, his words lingered. *Stay for me.* My mom lived in the quiet outskirts of the city, where the air was fresher and the pace of life slower. The two-story house where I grew up was just as I remembered it, from the hydrangeas blooming in the front yard to the faint creak of the porch swing. I pulled into the driveway and stepped out, adjusting the strap of my duffel bag on my shoulder. Before I even made it to the front door, it swung open, revealing my mom with her signature warm smile. “There she is,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “You look tired. Busy week?” “You have no idea,” I muttered, leaning into her embrace for a moment longer than usual. Once inside, the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked cookies wrapped around me like a blanket. My mom always knew
The drive to my mom’s house was both a relief and a struggle. I needed this—a weekend to escape the chaos of Meridian City and the storm Adrian had stirred inside me. But as much as I tried to push it out of my mind, his words lingered. *Stay for me.* My mom lived in the quiet outskirts of the city, where the air was fresher and the pace of life slower. The two-story house where I grew up was just as I remembered it, from the hydrangeas blooming in the front yard to the faint creak of the porch swing. I pulled into the driveway and stepped out, adjusting the strap of my duffel bag on my shoulder. Before I even made it to the front door, it swung open, revealing my mom with her signature warm smile. “There she is,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “You look tired. Busy week?” “You have no idea,” I muttered, leaning into her embrace for a moment longer than usual. Once inside, the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked cookies wrapped around me like a blanket. My mom always knew
(Adrian's POV) The glow of the city lights reflected off the sleek glass windows of my penthouse as I paced, replaying the evening with Bella in my mind. Dinner had been perfect, at least outwardly. Her smile, her laugh—it had been the balm to my restless soul. But beneath her warmth, I could sense the tension still brewing. She wasn’t telling me everything. I could see it in the way her eyes flickered away when I pressed her about the offer, the subtle way she rubbed her thumb against her palm, a habit I’d learned meant she was anxious. The door buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. My heart skipped slightly—could it be her? But when I opened it, Oliver strolled in, a bottle of scotch in one hand and his phone in the other. “Thought I’d drop by. You looked like you needed this earlier,” he said, holding up the scotch. I grunted, stepping aside to let him in. “You’re not wrong.” Oliver made himself at home, shrugging out of his jacket and collapsing onto the couch. “So, how
The morning air buzzed with the sound of city life as I stepped out of the car in front of Langston Industries. The weight of my looming decision still pressed heavily on my chest, but the memory of Adrian’s gentle reassurances from the night before gave me a strange sense of calm. We had shared something unspoken, a connection that felt raw and genuine despite the uncertainties we faced. I knew I had to make a decision soon, but for now, I let myself savor the warmth his words had left behind. Adrian was already in the office when I arrived. I spotted him through the glass walls of his corner office, his posture rigid as he spoke into his phone. He looked like the embodiment of control, his tailored navy suit hugging his broad shoulders as he gestured sharply with his free hand. His focus was magnetic, the kind of energy that demanded attention without trying. It was moments like these that reminded me why Adrian Langston was so revered—and feared—in the business world. But I a
I sat on the edge of my bed, the glow from my phone lighting up my face as I read over the job offer email once more. I could feel the weight of it, the opportunity, the allure of a future I had worked so hard for. It was everything I had dreamed of as a freelancer—an exciting project, an opportunity to work with a major tech company, and a salary that made my current paycheck seem like pocket change. But it came with one condition: I'd have to relocate. And that meant leaving everything behind—my life here, the people I had come to care about, and Adrian. I didn’t know what to do. My fingers hovered over the "accept" button, but before I could make the decision, the door to my apartment creaked open, and I turned around to find Adrian standing there, his figure silhouetted against the light outside. “I want to show you something,” Adrian said, his voice low, his hand still holding mine. “Come with me.”He led me out of my apartment, and for a moment, I couldn’t help but feel a mix
The soft hum of the city filtered through the large windows of Adrian’s penthouse. Dinner had been perfect, but sitting here now, across from Adrian, I couldn’t shake the sense of unease that crept in when I allowed myself to think too much. It wasn’t just Ethan’s sudden reappearance or the chaos at work. It was Adrian himself—the way he looked at me, the way he seemed to see past every wall I’d carefully constructed. “You’re quiet,” he said, leaning back in his chair, his dark eyes studying me with quiet intensity. I shrugged, swirling the wine in my glass. “I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.” “Liar.” The word was soft, teasing, but it made my breath catch. He was too good at this—too good at seeing through me, and I wasn’t sure if I liked it. “What makes you think I’m lying?” I asked, meeting his gaze with more defiance than I felt. His lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile. “Because you’ve been fidgeting since the moment you sat down. And because I know you, Be
Adrian’s POV* The city’s noise surrounded us as we stepped out of the café, but my focus was entirely on Bella. She was walking slightly ahead of me, her shoulders tense, her steps brisk. Ethan’s appearance had rattled her, and I hated how quickly he could do that. “Bella,” I called out, quickening my pace to match hers. She stopped but didn’t turn to face me immediately. Her hands were clenched at her sides, and I could see the rise and fall of her chest as she tried to steady herself. “Are you okay?” I asked, keeping my voice calm, though my own frustration was bubbling just beneath the surface. She finally turned to me, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Why wouldn’t I be? It’s not like Ethan showing up is anything new. He has a knack for appearing at the worst possible times.” Her sarcasm was a defense mechanism; I could see right through it. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Bella.” Her eyes softened for a brief moment before she looked away, her gaze fixed on th
The morning air was crisp and cool, the kind that hinted at the season shifting. I’d woken up thinking about last night—how Adrian had surprised me with that rooftop dinner, how his kiss had left me feeling things I wasn’t ready to admit yet. The sunlight poured through my apartment window as I stared into my closet, trying to find something that felt... right. Professional but not too stiff, approachable but not too casual. My fingers skimmed over a sleek navy blazer and matching trousers. Paired with a white silk blouse, it felt polished yet comfortable. A few curls framed my face as I tucked my hair back into a loose bun. Gold hoops and a simple watch completed the look. If Adrian was going to throw any surprises my way today, I wanted to be ready. By the time I stepped into Langston Corp’s glossy lobby, the hum of the office was already alive. The sound of heels clicking against polished floors, the muted chatter of employees, and the faint scent of fresh coffee mingling wit
Bella’s question hung in the air, but I didn’t answer right away. I was too caught up in watching her from the corner of my eye as I drove. Her fingers kept smoothing the emerald green fabric of her dress, a habit that betrayed her nerves despite the confidence she usually exuded. The dress was simple yet stunning, clinging to her curves in all the right ways. “No,” I finally replied, my voice calm, “it’s not casual.” She turned to face me, her brow furrowing. “Adrian, you said—” “I didn’t say anything,” I interrupted with a smirk. “You assumed.” Her mouth fell open slightly before she shut it, her eyes narrowing. “If you’re trying to ambush me, I swear—” “It’s nothing like that.” I glanced at her as I maneuvered the car through the city streets. “Trust me.” She let out a quiet scoff, turning to look out the window. The streetlights illuminated her profile, highlighting the subtle arch of her nose and the delicate line of her jaw. Trust wasn’t something she gave easily, an
*Bella’s POV* The city lights twinkled like fallen stars as Adrian’s car glided through the bustling streets of New York. I couldn’t help but glance at him as he drove, his focus steady on the road ahead. He wore a charcoal-gray suit tonight, paired with a crisp white shirt and a black tie that made him look like he’d just stepped out of a GQ spread. I, on the other hand, felt as though I’d spent the last hour overthinking everything, including my choice of outfit. Diana had insisted on lending me her emerald green dress—a sleek, off-the-shoulder number that hugged my curves without feeling overly revealing. Paired with silver heels and a matching clutch, it felt like something out of a movie, but it didn’t stop the nervous energy buzzing under my skin. “This place we’re going to,” I said, breaking the silence. “Is it… casual?” Adrian glanced at me, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. “You’ll be fine. You look stunning.” His compliment sent a flush to my cheeks, and I tur