I slipped through the closed door, releasing a sigh of perplexity. Why was my boss acting so strangely? What could have caused this abrupt change in his attitude towards me?“I will confront him!” I muttered, determined.“Are you aware that I can see your shadow under the door, Mrs. Elisabeth?” Patrik's voice sounded firm from the other side. “It's unpleasant to keep visitors waiting.”“You're not a visitor; you seem more like an intruder!” I retorted, feeling the stress grow, before heading to the bath.I let the water run over my body, trying to understand the inconvenient presence that had taken over the room. Years of work passed through my mind, but there were no signs of such changes. One day before, he was the same arrogant CEO yet exemplary in his work, and the next day, he became a flirt determined to drive me crazy.“And to excite...” I sighed, admitting that I had been betrayed by my own imagination. Memories of his bold touches invaded my thoughts, and, biting my lip, I re
“What are you doing here?” I pretended to be surprised, standing up from the sofa and taking a step back.“Shhh... don't make noise. I'm just a mysterious man in search of something intriguing,” he whispered, maintaining the theatrical tone.I stifled a laugh at the absurdity of the situation, but Mr. Patrik was determined to continue.“Now, Mrs. Lis, how would your protagonist react to a mysterious man like me invading her personal space?”“Well, she'd probably call the police!” I replied sarcastically, hoping that would end the charade.However, Patrik ignored my response and continued with his dramatic lines.“But what if there was an irresistible attraction between them?” He raised an eyebrow suggestively.“That's cliché and unrealistic.” I rolled my eyes, realizing that my attempt to participate in the game was turning into an embarrassing situation.“So, let me make it more realistic!” In a quick motion, Patrik pushed me back onto the sofa, lying on top of me. His towel had slip
The knocks became more insistent, and he got up without caring about the towel that no longer covered his hips. Completely ignoring it, he headed to the door.“Mr. Morgan, the towel!” I called out, holding it up.He opened the door without hesitation. Greg was standing there with a gym bag, handing it to the CEO. They whispered something to each other until the security guard glanced in my direction and nodded, walking away.“I'm so embarrassed; what will he think of me?” I said, slumping to the edge of the sofa, sitting with my arms still raised, holding the towel.“Who? Greg?” Patrik asked casually. “He's probably thinking he's lucky to have such a charming trainer as a teacher.”“I'm serious, Mr. Morgan,” I glared at him. “Could you cover that up?”I glanced at his erect member.“Are you afraid you won't be able to control yourself, Mrs. Lis?” Patrik teased, stopping in front of me.I covered my eyes with my hands, and he crouched down in front of me, removing them. With a daring s
“Forgive me, Miss Lis, but Mr. Morgan was insistent and instructed me to let you out only after you had your breakfast!” Despite Greg's firm voice, I noticed that even he was unsettled by the situation.“You must be kidding, right?” I stared at him firmly, tightening the folder in my hands.“I'm not known for my humor, Mr. Lis.” He replied curtly. “Please, make our job easier and have your breakfast. It won't do you any harm.”“I swear, I'm going to kill my boss!” I turned, stomping on the floor, grabbing a cup of coffee, and quickly turning around. I stuffed the toast quickly into my mouth, with no time to savor it. With my mouth full, I looked at the security guard and said,“Satisfied?”He nodded, entering and grabbing the coffee, putting it in a thermos, and signaling to the door.“We can go; I'll take you to the company!” Greg turned and left.“No, absolutely not… I'll go in my car. I can't be seen getting out of the company CEO's car.” I said desperately.“Sorry, these are Mr. M
“He can't be serious...This is an extremely important meeting; I can't lead!” I said it nervously.“Ms. Lis, Mr. Patrik anticipated this reaction of yours and asked me to tell you that there is a reason why you are considered his right hand and that he fully trusts your management skills!” Julia said, smiling shyly and holding my hands. “You know this company like the back of your hand; you will do a good presentation.”I smiled at the compliment, feeling strange about Mr. Morgan's behavior, but he had been acting strange with me since he found out about the book.I shivered at the memory of that incident, noticing Julia's narrowed eyes. Furthermore, I sighed, adjusting my posture.“Ms. Julia, please bring tea, coffee, and snacks. Research and find out the preferences of the people in this room,” I said firmly, watching her nod before quickly leaving to fulfill my request. I turned to the impatient looks in the room, positioning myself in front of the screen to start the presentation.
Julia returned to the floor, staring at the empty room with a pensive expression.“Sorry, did I take too long?” she asked anxiously.“No, the meeting was brief... Mr. Morgan arrived. Please give me the coffees; I'll take them to him. Maybe he can understand what he did!” I snapped impatiently, grabbing the items. “Thank you.”“Good luck!” Julia smiled reassuringly.I entered the elevator, where one of the executives was watching me from the corner. Roger was the newest director added to the staff, maintaining a long-standing friendship with the CEO.“Mrs. Elisabeth, what a pleasure to see you. Is my friend still giving you a hard time?” Roger smiled politely, holding the elevator door open for me.“You know him very well, so you probably already know the answer.” I smiled formally, pressing the button for the floor where the CEO's office was located.“He makes your life too difficult, doesn't he?” He laughed, turning to face me. “I could ask for a transfer, maybe become my executive s
“I piqued your curiosity, didn't I?” He smiled broadly, approaching and placing his hands on the sides of the armchair, trapping me. I lifted my chin, maintaining our gaze. “The brothers never got along; I blame the upbringing... Elijah was diagnosed with schizophrenia, just like his mother. To make matters worse, a mass is growing in his brain. Despite the grim situation, he remains lucid in his decision-making at Forbs News Times. However, Celdric doesn't want to wait for his brother to go mad and has been fighting for power!”“But Mr. Morgan, wouldn't it be more coherent to let someone lucid lead the publishing house?” I swallowed hard as Patrik brought his lips close to mine.“Indeed it would. However, Celdric seems like a lucid man, but his ambition will ruin the industry in less than a year. That's why Mr. Forbs has been fighting against his brother and battling the disease!” Brushing his lips against mine, Patrik teased; his skin was very warm.“Do you feel okay?” I whispered,
We got into the car, maintaining a tense silence, wary of provoking any unexpected reaction from the CEO, whose demeanor had changed drastically. As I noticed we were driving away from the city, my expression became puzzled. I remembered Mr. Patrik's penthouse apartment, a strategic location close to the publisher, avoiding possible delays in getting to the office.“Where are we going?” I asked curiously, biting my lip as I turned to him, who kept his eyes closed in a relaxed manner.“To my house,” he replied evasively, smiling.“Mr. Patrik, isn't your house just a few minutes from the publisher?” I queried, raising an eyebrow as I analyzed him.“Always so suspicious?” He smiled, opening one eye to look at me. “Or are you afraid of me?”“Lately, Mr. Morgan, you've given me good reasons to fear you…” I spoke harshly, measuring him. “Is this a kidnapping?”I was surprised by the burst of laughter that echoed from his chest, his eyes watery with amusement.“Kidnapping? That sounds sexy,
POV: GREG“Are you sure you need to leave? You could stay with us, you're the best grumpy security guard,” said Elisabeth, her eyes sparkling with happiness.Seeing Elisabeth like this was a relief. Since Patrick's departure, she had buried herself in work, trying to avoid the pain of loss. The impact had been devastating. It wasn’t fair how the CEO told her about his illness, and even less how he left, leaving a void that was hard to fill.Everything changed the day my phone rang. Patrick Morgan had defied death. Against all odds, he had achieved remission, and his prognosis was surprisingly positive. He was getting better, almost miraculously. Excited, I rushed to get him and bring him back into our lives. I had sworn I lost my best friend and brother, and I felt aimless if it wasn’t for the constant presence of his apprentice, who kept me sane and focused.When I saw Patrick coming down from the jet, emotion overwhelmed me. I ran to him and hugged him tightly. “Patrick, you idiot!”
The pain of your absence was constant. In the garden of the house, lying in the hammock, the book rested on my lap. A lot has changed since your letter ten months ago. I took over the publishing house with praise, and we prospered increasingly. The merger with Forbs was a success, and soon Celdric became one of the active CEOs in decision-making.Greg was my right-hand man, responsible for legal matters, security, and investigations. I couldn't believe it. Whenever I came home, I had the feeling that he would be there, waiting for me, with a glass of wine, half-naked, and his mischievous smile on his lips.“You are missed, Patrick.” I whispered, closing my eyes as the breeze caressed my face. I hadn't been able to read the book until that moment. It seemed that reading your last words would be a farewell I was never prepared to say.I hesitated for a while longer, then opened the book. In the dedication, my eyes filled with tears:“For Mrs. Eva, for having raised and loved the sweetes
I stared at the envelope, afraid to pick it up, fearing what was inside... Reluctantly, I opened it and found a hardcover book with our photo from our honeymoon, smiling happily in Cuba. In the image, Patrick was whispering something silly in my ear while hugging me from behind, making me blush and provoking a genuine smile. At the bottom of the envelope, there was a letter addressed to me, written in his elegant handwriting:“My sweet Elisabeth, if you received this letter, I'm afraid my time has come. You will probably hate me for how I chose to handle this, but I need you to know that I never wanted to hurt or upset you. In a cowardly and selfish way, I decided not to tell you my biggest secret. You had already suffered so many losses and so much pain that it didn't seem fair to put you through another turbulent time.”“What is Patrick talking about?” I bit my lip, growing nervous with every word, and continued reading.“I hid the truth about my joining the army. In reality, I disc
“Who else would take care of that arrogant and conceited CEO?” I looked at him, amused. “I already told you, Patrick Morgan is my idiot.”“Seems fair.” Greg laughed, and I joined him. Together, we walked to the designated chapel. It was a simple ceremony, just Patrick’s platoon and us.I entered the church, hearing the soft sound of the violin in the background. At the altar, Patrick Morgan stood out in the wedding setting with his imposing presence. He was tall and dark-haired, and he exuded charm and elegance in his tailored suit. The dark fabric enhanced his skin tone, and the white shirt contrasted with his complexion, creating a sophisticated and attractive look. His brown hair was impeccably styled, and his deep blue eyes seemed to pierce my soul, locking onto mine. His sculpted body showcased his good physical shape, confirming his sensual aura. He smiled seductively when he saw me, subtly biting his lips with mischief. I blushed instantly, reprimanding him with a frown, which
POV: ELISABETHMy body still throbbed with pain, echoing the overwhelming impact of what had happened. The relief of knowing Greg was alive, fighting to recover, barely dissipated the anguish consuming me. As I put on the black mourning clothes, my reflection in the mirror revealed a profound sadness, where the eyes of that little girl who had lost her parents so long ago resurfaced in my gaze. My only family, my entire world, and my best friend, mother, and confidante had left without me being there to comfort her in her most frightening moment. The guilt for not being by her side tore at my heart. The most important person in my life was taken from me, leaving an unbearable void, an overwhelming loneliness. Then I felt his warm hands on my hips and his gentle kiss on the top of my head, a gesture of comfort amidst the abyss of loss.“Are you okay?” Patrick looked at my reflection in the mirror with understanding. “I'm so sorry for your loss, Lis.”“So am I...” I bit my trembling lip
“It's okay, Lis; don't cry; everything will be fine.” I smiled gently at my apprentice, extending my hands for her to fasten the wristband. “Remember, I always come up with something in the end.”“What?” Elisabeth frowned before closing the wristband. Quickly, I pulled her behind me, and we all crouched as John, dragging himself, sat up injured with a gun in his hand, shooting five times at Pavel. He hit Pavel's leg, shoulder, arm, and neck.I pushed the wristbands off my hands, threw a knife to James to free himself and Robert, and went towards Pavel, who tried to raise the gun at me. I kicked his hands, pulled his body, and began landing several punches on his face.“You bastard, this is for torturing her for so long.” I punched harder, hearing the bones in his face crack and blood mixing on his face.“Is that all you got?” Andreev smiled with blood-stained teeth, diabolically. “You're too weak to protect her.”“This is just the beginning!” I smiled darkly when Lis came up behind me
“Damn it!” I threatened to rush in, but Robert held me back, shaking his head.“The gun is too close to her head; he'll kill her before you get close.” Robert kept me in place.“I can't stand here and watch him hurt her like this!” I clenched my fists, consumed by fury.“Major, your emotions are speaking. Think like a soldier. What would you do in this situation if we were at war?” John kept his tone low and calm. “He's just another enemy we need to take down.”I considered his words, looking back into the warehouse and thinking about what to do.“Robert, you and James go to the other side of the warehouse and start a shootout to draw his attention. Andreev won't want to kill Elisabeth so easily; he's a damned torturing psychopath.” My fists were clenched, and my hands squeezed tightly.“He'll want to take her out of here!” John observed, and I nodded. “And what will we do?”“Did you see where his car was parked?” I smiled, my eyes burning with determination. “We'll wait for him there
POV: PATRICKI left the room, wiping my face, while my legs wobbled slightly. Robert and James supported me, looking at me with concern.“Did you take your medication today? Eat anything?” John approached, examining me. “You're pale and cold.”“I'm fine!” I pushed them away, walking out. “Today isn't an easy day, as you might have noticed.”“We understand, Major, that's why we're here.” John stepped closer again. “But we need our commander to be well to proceed. We won't be able to save your fiancée if you're not well.”“John is right. I'll go to the kitchen to get a shake for you and fetch your medication.” James started to say when I punched the wall, shouting.“We don't have time for this! Elisabeth is in danger, and Heloise is extremely unbalanced. She killed her own son, what do you think she'll do to the woman she considers my lover?” I panted, breathless.“We know that, but if you're not well, how do you intend to save her?” Robert placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing firm
I ran, stopping to hide behind the enormous crates, desperately searching for something I could use as a weapon. I spotted an iron bar on the ground and pulled it, holding it tightly against my chest, ready to use it if necessary.“You know, my Light, I always wanted to play cat and mouse with you. It always excited me to see your need to fight for survival.” Pavel pushed some crates aside, looking for me and shooting at the spot afterward. “Can't you see we were made for each other? We are perfect together.”He laughed, moving to another part of the room. I walked slowly to the back, trying to hide even more, trembling nonstop.“When you left, it destroyed me. I realized where I was wrong—my light.” Kicking other crates and shooting, Pavel continued. “I wasn't giving you the necessary attention because of work; now I understand that. But it will be different; I bought a deserted island, and now it will be just you and me; no one else will interfere.”I covered my mouth, feeling the t