After Divorce, My Boss Made Me His Obsession

Aurelia's POV The cab smelled faintly of gasoline and worn leather. I clutched the few crumpled bills in my hand as though they were my lifeline. When it stopped in front of the perfume boutique, I stepped out. Sometimes when I'm overwhelmed I come to this store.Inside, the cool air was laced with notes of jasmine, sandalwood, and bergamot. My gaze went straight to the signature perfume shelf, the one crowned with crystal bottles.There it was. Our perfume, magical.The fragrance my best friend, Cassia and I had built while learning under the world's most celebrated Perfumer, Mr. Knightley.We poured sleepless nights and endless tests into it, until the blend sang. I could still smell the memory: citrusy top notes dissolving into a velvet heart of rose, darkened by the haunting trail of amber and musk. We’d presented it to Mr. Knightley with trembling hands. I had braced myself for him to steal it, as so many men in power did. But instead, he offered us praise, protection, and som

Aurelia’s POVThe following morning, Cassia lent me a pressed blouse and tailored skirt from her wardrobe. It felt strange yet empowering to step out in clothes that actually fit and flattered me. For the first time in years, I didn’t look like the worn-down version of myself I had been forced to become.We arrived at Emerald Headquarters, the glass façade towering above like a symbol of everything new. My heart pounded as I tilted my head back to read the silver letters gleaming against the building, Emerald. Cassia gave my hand a squeeze before we parted ways, her office on the middle floor while I made my way to the top for the interview.The waiting area was quiet but tense. Two other candidates sat there, young, confident, perfectly put together. Their polished looks almost made my knees give way, but I straightened my shoulders. I’d survived worse than this, I could face a panel of strangers.When my name was finally called, I walked into the office, expecting the Mr. Knightle

Aurelia’s POVI turned to leave, but Julien caught my hand. The moment his fingers wrapped around mine, the air shifted, charged and dangerous. He pulled me back, his breath grazing my cheek before his lips crashed into mine.The kiss was wild and hungry, the kind that made the world tilt and logic dissolve. I melted against him like I’d been waiting for this all my life. He lifted me effortlessly, setting me on the table without breaking the kiss.His hands moved with a slow, deliberate confidence, unbuttoning my shirt one clasp at a time, his gaze dark and unreadable. The cool air met my skin, and I shivered as his mouth trailed down the column of my neck, then lower, until he got between my legs.“Julien…” My breath hitched, the sound slipping from me before I could stop it.He answered with a low groan, his hand sliding up to cup my breast, thumb brushing across my nipple. His other hand wandered down, parting my thighs as his head dipped between them. A sound I didn’t recognize a

Grant’s POVAfter drinking the whole night with Selene, we stumbled back home, reeking of whiskey and cigarettes. We made love like reckless teenagers, wild, sloppy, desperate for something that wasn’t real.“You know,” I mumbled against her neck, my words thick with alcohol, “I love the way you handle me. My wife just lies there like a log of wood.”Selene laughed, soft and cruel all at once. “That’s because I’m not your wife, baby. I’m not as old and tired as she is.”“I know,” I slurred, sinking into the bed and the warmth beside me.***“Daddy! Daddy!” Oliver’s voice echoed through the doorway, slicing through the haze the next morning.I groaned, cracking one eye open. The sunlight stabbed through the blinds, too bright, too honest. My head pounded as I blinked at my son standing there, hair messy, schoolbag slung over one shoulder.“What is it?” I rasped, rubbing my temples.“I’m late for school… and I’m hungry,” he said, his little voice uncertain.Hungry. The word hit me like

Aurelia’s POVI shut the door behind me and let out a heavy breath, pressing my back against it like it was the only thing holding me up.Cassia was sprawled on the couch, a green face mask plastered on her skin and a half-melted bowl of ice cream in her hand. She looked up, spoon mid-air.“Why the long face?”I dropped my bag and sank into the armchair across from her. “Mr. Julien and I almost kissed.” My voice came out barely above a whisper.Cassia’s spoon froze. Her eyes went wide. “Almost? What stopped you?”I rubbed my temples. “My phone rang. It was Grant. I panicked. I apologized and bolted before Mr. Julien could say anything.”Cassia muttered under her breath. “That bastard.”“It’s not even about the call,” I said softly. “It’s just… it feels wrong. I just started working there, and he’s my boss. I shouldn’t be feeling this way, wanting him.”Cassia dropped her spoon into the bowl with a clatter. “Are you serious right now?”“What?”She leaned forward, mask cracking at the e