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
Meridian City was electric at night. The skyscrapers loomed against the dusky sky, their facades shimmering with countless lights. Streets bustled with people, the hum of traffic a constant backdrop. It was the kind of place where dreams were made and shattered in a single night, where ambition drove everything, and the stakes were always high.I was at the annual Meridian Tech Conference, one of the biggest events of the year, a showcase for all the latest innovations in technology and design. My ticket in was a freelance gig with one of the tech companies showcasing their products. As a freelance graphic designer, it was a chance to network, to connect with new clients, and, hopefully, to land more gigs.I’d dressed for the occasion, choosing a sleek black dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. It was sophisticated but not flashy—just enough to make a good impression. My hair was down in loose waves, and I wore my favorite red lipstick, the one that made me feel confid
The air in the conference hall felt charged, as if every molecule had aligned to signal something monumental. I stood in the small meeting room, my pulse racing after Adrian Langston's abrupt entrance. He had this presence that filled the entire space, his entourage trailing behind like shadows. They waited at the door, respectful yet alert, while he stood in front of me, watching."I don't mean to be rude, but I'm in the middle of a meeting," I said, trying to muster a confident tone. I was determined not to be intimidated by his reputation, his wealth, or those impossibly intense blue eyes that seemed to look straight through me.He glanced around, his expression cool. "Doesn't seem like much of a meeting," he replied, his voice low and velvety, yet with an edge that hinted at his authority.Before I could respond, one of his assistants stepped forward, offering a polite smile. "Mr. Langston, the room has been reserved for you. There must have been a scheduling mix-up," she said, he
The conference hall was alive with activity, a pulsating rhythm of voices and laughter that reverberated off the high ceilings. Neon lights flickered in patterns, casting an ever-changing glow across the polished marble floors. As I stood near the edge of the crowd, I felt like a spectator in a world where I didn't quite fit in. The attendees were a sea of expensive suits and elegant evening gowns, a parade of wealth and status.Adrian Langston was at the center of it all, like a king holding court. He moved through the crowd with ease, his tailored navy suit hugging his broad shoulders and tapering to a perfect fit at the waist. His crisp white shirt was open at the collar, hinting at a more relaxed side beneath the corporate exterior. A simple gold watch peeked from under his cuff, and his dark hair was styled with just the right amount of tousled charm. He exuded confidence, the kind that could only come from being at the top of the corporate ladder.I, on the other hand, felt out
“I couldn't help but notice you earlier—you seemed a little out of place among all these suits." Adrian added. I couldn't help but laugh, though it was more of a nervous chuckle. "Yeah, I guess I don't really fit the mold," I said, glancing around at the impeccably dressed crowd. "I'm just a freelancer, not part of the corporate world.""Freelancer, huh?" Adrian said, leaning back slightly. "What kind of work do you do?""Graphic design," I replied, gesturing to my portfolio. "I was supposed to meet a client here tonight, but it looks like that plan fell through."Adrian's eyes flicked to my portfolio, then back to me. "Would you mind if I took a look?" he asked, his tone genuinely interested.I hesitated for a moment. Showing my work to Adrian Langston felt like stepping into a different realm, a place where the stakes were much higher. But something in his gaze told me he was curious, and I had a feeling it wasn't just polite small talk."Sure," I said, opening my portfolio and fli
Meridian City was known for its fast pace and relentless ambition, but the morning after the conference had a quieter energy. The streets, though still busy, had a more relaxed feel as people went about their routines. I sat in my apartment, contemplating what to wear to my meeting with Adrian Langston's team later that afternoon. It was a big opportunity, but I didn't want to look like I was trying too hard.I chose a simple yet sophisticated outfit—a tailored charcoal blazer over a white blouse, paired with high-waisted black trousers that flattered my figure. My shoes were sleek black ankle boots with a modest heel, giving me just the right amount of height without sacrificing comfort. To add a touch of flair, I wore a silver necklace with a delicate pendant, a subtle nod to my personal style. My hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and I kept my makeup light but polished, with a touch of eyeliner and my signature red lipstick.After getting ready, I decided to grab coffee at
The next morning, I found myself at Adrian Langston's office building, an imposing structure of glass and steel that towered over the cityscape. It was a far cry from the cozy café where I'd met Marcus or my own modest apartment in the outskirts of Meridian City. Here, everything was sleek, modern, and precise—the kind of place that told you to walk quickly and speak only when necessary.I was dressed in my best business attire, a fitted charcoal blazer over a crisp white blouse, paired with tailored black trousers and sleek black heels. My hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, and I wore a subtle touch of makeup, just enough to look professional. I was nervous, but I kept a confident stride as I entered the building, my portfolio clutched under my arm.The receptionist directed me to the top floor, where Adrian's office was located. The elevator ride seemed to take forever, my heart thumping in my chest as I rehearsed what I would say during the meeting. I wasn't sure what to exp
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
Bella’s POV* Adrian Langston was an enigma wrapped in a three-piece suit, and lately, he was making it impossible for me to focus. No matter how much I tried to ground myself, his presence lingered like the scent of his cologne—intoxicating and inescapable. I sat at my desk, the soft hum of the office around me, trying and failing to concentrate. The numbers on the spreadsheet blurred into a chaotic mess, each cell mocking my inability to stay on task. My mind was a tangled web of business strategies, unresolved arguments, and the memory of Adrian’s lips hovering dangerously close to mine. He’d almost kissed me. I couldn’t stop replaying the moment in my head. The way his hand had cradled my face, warm and firm, his thumb brushing my cheek like I was something precious. The intensity in his gaze had made my breath hitch, as if he could see every secret I was trying to bury. And then his words, *You’re irresistible.* “Ugh.” I groaned, burying my face in my hands. How had my l
By the time I made it to work the next morning, the weight that had been crushing me for the past week felt lighter. Adrian and I had cleared the air last night—well, mostly. There was still so much to unpack between us, but at least the suffocating tension had eased. I tried not to think about how safe I’d felt in his arms, how his promise to fight for me echoed in my head like a lifeline I hadn’t realized I needed. No, thinking like that was dangerous. Adrian Langston wasn’t just a man; he was a force of nature. One that could consume me if I wasn’t careful. The elevator ride to the top floor felt longer than usual, the hum of its movement almost lulling me into a trance. But as the doors slid open, I stepped into the buzzing atmosphere of Langston Enterprises. The office was alive with energy, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Morning, Bella,” Diana greeted, her usual sass laced with warmth. “Morning,” I replied, clutching my bag a little tighter. My eyes instinctively darted
The hours dragged like days after Bella left the office. It wasn’t just her absence that weighed on me—it was the silence. A silence that stretched across every moment, choking out any hope I had of fixing things between us. She hadn’t returned my calls or texts since our argument, and every second I didn’t hear from her only made the knot in my stomach tighten. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I wasn’t the kind of man who sat back and waited for things to fix themselves. It was late when I finally made the decision. I grabbed my coat and keys, not even bothering to alert security as I left. I needed to see her, to look her in the eyes and explain everything—no half-truths, no dodging the questions she deserved answers to. The drive to her apartment was too short, leaving me with little time to figure out exactly what I was going to say. By the time I reached her door, my fists clenched at my sides, I realized I didn’t have a plan. All I had was the hope that she’d hear me out. I