Chapter 10: Seraphina’s Pursuer

 

Running away is easier said than done.

On the third day of Christmas, a single text message from Leon Everhart was all it took for Ava to pack her bags and return to the shared space they called home.

Leon, having had a bit too much to drink, was rough and relentless with her that night. He showed no tenderness, no regard for her feelings. Afterward, as Ava lay in his arms, Leon abruptly pushed her away and remarked, “You need to put on some weight. It’s like lying next to a pile of bones—uncomfortable and downright unpleasant.”

Ava froze. She knew she was slim, but she had curves in all the right places. Her figure was envied by many during her school and work life, even complimented by Leon himself in the past. And yet, here he was now, calling her a skeleton. The nerve of him—after thoroughly enjoying her body just moments ago!

Her thoughts spiraled: Could it be that Leon is starting to prefer that chubby secretary, Seraphina Arden?

Ava had been considering walking away, but the mere thought of losing to that woman reignited her competitive fire.

Meanwhile, Seraphina was having the time of her life during her holiday. Relaxing with her family, she didn’t have to think about work or Leon Everhart for once. The break stretched on until the seventh day of January when her family finally returned to the city.

On the eighth day, as work resumed, Leon couldn’t help but notice that Seraphina had gained even more weight over the holidays. In private, he shook his head in disappointment, thinking, Any spark of interest I had is officially dead. A woman with no self-control...

At lunch in the company cafeteria, Seraphina spotted Noah, who had recently been promoted.

Thanks to Leon’s acquisition of Glonetix Design Company, Noah now served as the company’s design manager, overseeing a large office within TerraVantage’s headquarters. He had brought his old team along and hired fresh graduates to expand the department.

Noah, feeling grateful toward Seraphina, took his tray and joined her at her table.

Since becoming Leon’s secretary, Seraphina rarely had company during lunch. Her high-ranking role made people wary of getting too close, and previous attempts by colleagues to use her as a connection to Leon had backfired spectacularly.

Noticing Noah, Seraphina smiled warmly. “Congratulations, Noah!”

“Thank you, Seraphina,” Noah replied earnestly.

She laughed. “You earned it yourself. I had nothing to do with it.”

But Noah was convinced otherwise.

He recalled their initial meeting during a blind date. He hadn’t thought much of her at the time, but her serious and meticulous work ethic later left a deep impression on him. It was through Seraphina’s mediation that he landed his new role at TerraVantage. In his mind, she was his benefactor, someone who had transformed his career and life.

Looking back, Noah realized Seraphina wasn’t as bad as he had initially thought. Sure, she was on the heavier side, but her warmth, professionalism, and grounded nature made her stand out. And the fact that she wasn’t flirtatious or ambiguous in their interactions only added to her appeal.

Now, Noah was determined to pursue her.

What Noah didn’t know was that Seraphina had no romantic interest in him.

To her, helping Leon recruit Noah was merely part of her job. She felt no obligation or connection beyond that.

What’s more, Noah’s attitude during their blind date had rubbed her the wrong way. His condescending demeanor and the way he’d immediately handed her a payment code when she offered to buy coffee showed a lack of grace and tact. In Seraphina’s eyes, Noah lacked the maturity and character she valued.

When Noah sat across from her in the cafeteria again, Seraphina barely acknowledged him. She ate quickly and answered a phone call from Sophia mid-meal, effectively ending their interaction.

After hanging up, she stood and said, “Enjoy your lunch, Mr. Noah,” before walking away.

Noah sighed, his gaze following her until she was out of sight.

Despite the cold shoulder, Noah continued sitting near Seraphina during lunch, hoping to win her over. His persistence didn’t go unnoticed, and soon rumors spread throughout the office that the two were a couple.

Seraphina was baffled. “Me? With that penny-pinching man? Ridiculous!”

She was far too busy with Leon’s endless demands to waste energy addressing gossip.

One day, Leon confronted her directly. “Are you and Noah seeing each other?”

Seraphina blinked at him. “Of course not. I don’t like him. Besides, I already have a boyfriend.”

Leon rolled his eyes. “Keep things professional. Don’t stir up unnecessary drama.”

Taking his words to heart, Seraphina sent Mia to the design department to collect Noah’s progress reports and project plans. After studying the documents, she devised a plan to get Noah off her back.

At lunch the next day, Seraphina smiled as Noah approached. “Mr. Everhart was asking about the lakefront project’s design progress yesterday,” she said casually. “He seemed to think you were too free and suggested assigning you the tourism development plan next.”

Noah chuckled nervously. “Can’t you explain to him that we’ve been busy? The design team has been working nonstop.”

Seraphina leaned forward slightly, her smile unwavering. “I’m just a secretary. How can I help with your workload? Everyone’s been saying the design team’s been working hard, but all they see is you lingering in the cafeteria.”

Noah’s expression froze. Without another word, he picked up his tray and left.

Noah got the message loud and clear. His team had plenty to do, and Leon Everhart wouldn’t hesitate to pile on more if he appeared idle.

After that, Noah stopped waiting around for Seraphina during lunch. He worked faster, determined to prove himself.

Still, in the quiet moments between his hectic schedule, his thoughts often drifted to her. Even if she didn’t return his feelings, there was something about Seraphina Arden that made the chaos of his workday a little easier to bear.