PROLOGUE

Prologue.

Elena’s POV

“Who's Elena Kingston?” The question hung in the air and my breath hitched. Why would the CEO's PA be looking for me? I wondered, getting quickly to my feet.

“Me,” I raised my hand hurriedly, getting to my feet. I could feel my insides tangle into knots as everyone's eyes were on me.

“You're needed in the CEO's office,” the PA, a slim haughty woman everyone called Clara said. “He's going to be taking over the ‘Houston Project,’ she revealed a piece of shocking news.

“I…” the words lodged in my throat and for a moment all I could do was stare. I quickly caught myself, rushing to pack the files I'd worked on through the night before I rushed out of the office behind her.

I clutched the project file tighter, and my fingers felt damp against the smooth leather as I followed the PA through a maze of glass walls and neutral décor.

One month. That’s how long I’d been here—long enough to blend into the background, unnoticed, unbothered. Just the way I wanted it.

“His office,” Clara said, stopping abruptly. “He’ll be overseeing the project with you. He's waiting for you,” she glanced at me.

I nodded, my throat tightening. I hadn’t had reason to meet the CEO yet but whispers about his ruthlessness had reached every corner of the building.

I rolled my eyes secretly. Perfect. Exactly what I needed—a demanding boss breathing down my neck.

I pushed the door open.

He was seated in his chair with his back facing me, his eyes fixed on the impressive skyline view.

“Good afternoon, sir,” I said, trying to make my voice sound as professional as I could.

Silence greeted me. Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat and stepped forward, placing the file on his desk. “This is the report on the—”

“Quiet,” he snapped, cutting me off. I froze, my heart skipping a beat and I wondered if I'd done something wrong.

I saw him raise his cell phone to his ear, he was on a call? I hesitated for a moment before I turned to leave, not wanting to listen in on his conversation.

“Did I ask you to leave?” I paused, the familiar voice freezing me to the spot.

My breath caught as I turned. The chair rotated on its wheel, revealing the face of the CEO.

Him? The sight of him knocked the air out of my lungs and I could feel the blood drain from my face.

How could it be him? I wondered, my gaze fixed on him. The man I’d sworn to forget. The man I once called my husband.

What was he doing here? Last I remembered he was working at his father’s company.

I quickly arranged my features to be cool and calm. I didn’t want the fear and shock that gripped me to sip through my expressions. I was no longer the woman he knew months ago. “Your PA asked me to present the project details to you,” I forced myself to meet his gaze squarely.

“You…” his eyes widened with shock. “What games are you trying to play, Elena?”

Before I could respond, he stood and rounded the desk, grabbing my wrist.

“Sir, what are you—”

“Do you have any idea how much trouble you caused me with your actions?” His voice was heavy with a bitterness I hadn’t expected.

“I…” I hesitated for a split second contemplating what next to do before I yanked my hand back, my mask of calm slipping back into place.

My thoughts were a mess and in a state of panic, the words, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. We’ve never met before today,” trailed off my lips instinctively as a means of self protection.

I had started a lie I had to see through to the end.

His lips twisted into a smirk, one that sent shivers down my spine. “Really?”

Before I could react, his lips crashed onto mine. The kiss was searing, infuriatingly familiar, and I bit down hard. He pulled back, wincing, and the sound of my palm striking his face echoed through the room.

“What are you doing?” I snapped, chest heaving. I was careful to keep my expression disgruntled but I secretly felt happy at the feeling of slapping him.

He deserved it… And more.

“What…” His expression faltered—confusion and disappointment flashing briefly before he masked it. “You really don’t know who I am?”

“No,” I moved away from him, wiping my lips. “Why did you do that sir?”

“You…” Damien shuddered, his expression changing. “You may leave,” he said finally, his tone hollow.

“Yes,” I turned quickly, relief washing over me as my hand gripped the door handle.

“Wait.”

I froze, glancing back. His eyes were sharper now, calculating. “I want you in my office tomorrow morning with additional details on the project.”

“Yes, sir.”

I left without looking back, my mind a chaotic swirl of thoughts.

My pulse was still racing when I reached my desk. But I'd made up my mind. If my leaving had shaken something in him, I wouldn’t let it affect me. He made his choice long ago, and I wasn’t about to fall for him again.

I would keep up this act. I would act like I didn't know him.

But the lingering burn of his kiss and the look in his eyes told me this was far from over.