ELOISE I woke up just before my morning alarm. Lying with my eyes closed, I grinned into my pillow and thought back to the events of last night. I knew it wasn’t something to be thrilled about, but maybe because I was being shallow. The things Adam said were dangerous; even the way he’d jerked off in front of me promised unknown possibilities for me—if not for him. It would definitely change my life, and even though our deal was done and we would go our separate ways, I doubted I would ever forget about him. Thinking about that alone left an indescribable ache in my chest. The truth was, I was afraid to fall hard. I fell hard once before, and it took me years to move on. But I wanted something more to happen with Adam. With a condition, of course, and it was good not to be alone anymore. He offered to help me escape from my father’s plan and discover what he was doing with Callum in exchange for my submission. It sounded simple, considering what he would give me in return. But to
ELOISE I immediately grabbed my phone and texted Adam when I sat at my desk. Me: Can we talk? His reply was quick. I’m preoccupied. What is it, Eloise? Me: There's a question I want to ask you face-to-face. Adam: I'm stuck in a meeting until 7:30. Mind waiting for me? I pondered for a bit, but I replied. Sure. Where can we meet? Adam: Come by my office. Do you know where it's at? At the SEG tower? That's where I always wanted to work. My stomach was instantly tied up in knots from the excitement. I quickly visualized him, well-dressed in a designer suit, sitting confidently behind his desk, exuding the same sense of power he always had. Count me in. Me: I’ll be there. Upon leaving my office, I remembered I had left my car at home this morning because Chase had given me a ride, so I chose to take a cab instead. I dashed to the lobby and hailed a cab, giving the driver clear instructions to take me to the SEG tower. I watched the cityscape flying past outside the cab window
ELOISE The exchange of kisses between us started gradually unfolding like the slow unwrapping of my rich favorite candy: chocolate and strawberry with a hint of mint. Being in his office with his employees just on the other side of the glass walls made everything around us feel exhilarating and risky. Each experience I shared with Adam was like nothing I've ever had before. Heck, I’d never even done this before. The strength of our connection became undeniable, and I felt what he was feeling right now mirrored my own. Our tongues engaged in a playful dance, sleek, wet, and sensual that it already left me breathless. Next thing I knew, he was on top of me, and I was on his desk, with my legs spread. Slowly, his hand slid beneath my skirt, venturing deep until it reached my panties. I instinctively grabbed his hand, attempting to halt his advances. “Your secretary is right outside that wall.” I glanced towards the door. “He won’t hear or see us. In fact, no one will,” he muttered,
ELOISE The dinner was delivered promptly, and Adam set it up on the center table by the couch in his office. After that, he focused on me as we ate. “By the way, about what you said,” I said in the middle of our scrumptious meal. “I’m not really sure how we’re gonna do this your way. Don’t normal couples do that? Exploring their relationships in any aspect? I don’t see why I should submit if you let me set the limits.” “You’re right,” he said, his voice reminding me of how damn sexy he sounded earlier. “There can still be variations in power dynamics within any relationship.” I listened attentively as he continued, “It’s about creating a space where vulnerability is embraced, not exploited—just like what your father does.” My heart felt like it got crushed by what he said. It hurt that he was right at some point. My dad knew I feared him, so he took advantage of that and controlled my life. “Giving up control to me completely,” Adam explained again, “is not about dominance or su
ELOISE Over the next few days, I continued my usual routine in the office. I focused on my work, staying busy, and made a conscious decision not to be the one to start a conversation with Adam. It seemed he was also not the type to send a message first; I suppose. To be honest, I surprised myself by waiting for him. After Chase, I realized I shouldn’t give everything and fall in love so quickly in a relationship. I guess that was why I hadn’t met ‘The One’ until now. I had only exchanged a few casual messages with Nina, nothing about the Cunninghams or beyond that. However, today, I was surprised by the smell of fresh flowers coming from everywhere—exquisite white rose arrangements adorned every corner of my workplace. What was happening? Was Adam responsible for this? He should already be in London. While I appreciate the gestures, doing this in Generations was too much. It would definitely spark gossip. Trina, who had just entered, suddenly appeared behind me. She poked her hea
ELOISE The emerald green Chanel dress, even though I had to force myself into it, fit perfectly to my body like it was made for me. I reluctantly appreciated Chase’s superficial move. Trina and I arrived at the event hall in the building. The entrance hall had been completely transformed into an enchanting wonderland, featuring the evolution of animation in television and film over the years. This was showcased through standee props, arches, people dressed in cosplay, and a massive LED screen that dazzled the guests. “Generations Unveiled” was displayed in bold gold letters above the entrance, and inside, the halls were alive with the presence of media, celebrities, and artists. As an art director myself, it was delightful to see the fruits of my team’s labor turn into a resounding success. However, before we proceeded further, I left a text message for Adam. I wish you were here. After all, your family owns Generations now. After hitting send, I discreetly tucked my pho
ELOISE Following the unsettling conversation and the details about Adam shared by Chase, Trina and I were assigned to escort additional VIP guests, so we had to cut the conversation short. Among our honored guests were Walter Anderson, a prominent film critic, and Alicia Harper, a seasoned producer. We highlighted the top-grossing sci-fi to them while Chase and Ms. Craig were now engrossed in conversations with other managers, particularly the higher-ups of Generations. After the tour, everyone was invited to enjoy a cocktail snack, and the crowd assembled in front of a massive screen to watch a thirty-minute sci-fi film called “Beyond Time,” which was only filmed for this event. “Are you free tonight?” Chase suddenly whispered in my ear. “God, Chase!” I exclaimed, startled. “People usually show their face first.” “I’m sorry. So, are you free?” “For what?” He sipped his wine before answering, “For dinner, of course.” I sighed, my shoulders dropping. Was he forgetting I had a
ELOISE Sure, I wouldn’t bring up the subject with Adam. We weren’t in a serious enough phase to be concerned like an obsessed girlfriend. I couldn’t even label myself as such. Our relationship was solely based on a deal, and that took precedence over caring about Adam’s personal life. I had to establish some boundaries for myself. Eventually, he would be gone, just like the other redheads who came into his life. In the meantime, I could enjoy having that delicious specimen of a man all to myself, even if I knew it wouldn’t last. It wouldn’t be so bad to ask Chase about him and just let things be, right? As we walked together, Chase accompanied me until we reached my block, sobering up from a few shots of drinks. The street was quiet, and the night had a mild temperature, reminiscent of our college dating days. “I don’t think Adam would tell me about this if I ask him, and I won’t bring it up with him, either.” “You have to try at some point, right?” Chase said. “But not right