I loved him until his brother

“Let me go!” Lucy struggled, her voice breaking. He didn’t move. Didn’t even blink.

“You still don’t understand, do you?” he said quietly. She glared at him through tears she refused to let fall.

“Understand what? That you kidnapped me?”

A faint smile touched his lips. “I didn’t kidnap you, Lucy.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping lower. “I brought you back to where you belong.”

“That’s insane,” she whispered.

His eyes darkened slightly. “I waited too long for you once. I won’t make that mistake again.”

She shook her head, panic rising. “You think forcing me here will make me love you?”

He finally let go of her wrist… only to gently tilt her chin up. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do.” Then his voice, softer but more dangerous: “And this time… you won’t run.”

***************

Lucy stood nervously in front of the tall glass building of Fidelis Corporation, adjusting her blouse for the tenth time. Today was her first day at her new job after weeks of searching. She took a deep breath and walked into the lobby.

During her short break, she headed to the cafeteria. As she turned a corner with a hot cup of coffee, she collided hard with someone. The coffee spilled all over his expensive black suit.

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” Lucy gasped, quickly pulling out tissues.

The man stiffened. When she looked up, her heart slammed against her ribs.

Ethan.

The same Ethan who had loved her two years ago. The same man who had disappeared from her life without a word. He looked even more handsome — sharper jawline, broader shoulders, and an overwhelming aura of power.

But his eyes were ice cold.

“Watch where you’re going,” he snapped.

Lucy’s mouth fell open slightly. “Ethan… it’s me. Lucy.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly annoyed. “Do I know you?”

The words hit her like a slap. Before she could say anything else, his phone rang. He answered it and walked away, completely dismissing her.

Later that afternoon, Lucy was called into the CEO’s office. Her heart nearly stopped when she walked in.

Sitting behind the huge mahogany desk was the same man — Mr. Ethan Fidelis, the new CEO.

“You’re Lucy Leo?” he asked, his voice flat and authoritative.

“Yes, sir.”

He didn’t even look at her properly. “You’re too slow. From today, you are my new Personal Assistant. Don’t make me regret this decision.”

Lucy stood frozen in shock. “Sir… I didn’t apply for the PA position.”

He finally looked up, his dark eyes piercing into her. “Take it or leave. Your choice.”

She swallowed hard. This job was her only hope right now.

“I’ll take it, sir,” she said quietly.

A small, arrogant smirk appeared on his lips. “Good.”

He picked up a file and slid it across the desk toward her. Lucy stepped forward, opened the file, and began pointing at a section.

“From what I understand, this report needs to be revised before—”

“Step back,” his voice cut through her like ice.

Lucy froze, then quickly stepped back. Ethan’s jaw tightened, his gaze hardening.

“I don’t like people in my space.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” she said quietly.

“Say what you want to say and get out!” he added harshly.

Lucy forced herself to stay calm, but the words stung. She turned and walked toward the door.

The moment the door closed behind her, she let out a low groan.

“How dare he,” she muttered under her breath, clenching her fists. “Arrogant bastard.”

She thought she had said it quietly.

But when she turned around, he was standing right behind her.