14

Her eyes widened, shock crashing through her like a sudden wave.

“Alex.” The name slipped out of Elara’s lips before she could stop herself.

What the hell is he doing here? She thought.

For a split second, time seemed to freeze between them.

Then, just as quickly, Alex released her.

Her body hit the ground with a dull thud.

“Ouch!” she cried out, her face twisting in pain as she clutched her side.

Alex didn’t even spare her a glance.

“Douchebag!”

He scoffed lightly, the sound low and dismissive, before turning away as though she were nothing more than a minor inconvenience—an obstacle he had already forgotten. But beneath that cold exterior, something flickered. Surprise. Disbelief.

What the hell was she doing here?

Of all places, of all companies this one?

No. That wasn’t important right now.

What mattered was that no one, absolutely no one, could find out about them.

His expression hardened, any trace of recognition vanishing as if it had never existed. He adjusted his cufflinks with practiced precision and strode forward, his bodyguards following closely behind him like shadows.

They nearly stepped on Elara as they passed.

“Hey!” she snapped, glaring up at their retreating figures, but none of them acknowledged her.

Before another foot could come down too close for comfort, a hand grabbed her arm and yanked her to the side.

“Careful,” Angel muttered, pulling her away from the path of those polished, expensive shoes.

Elara winced as she was dragged, her body protesting from the fall.

“Do you have any idea who he is?” Angel asked, her tone sharp, almost incredulous.

Elara blinked up at her, lashes fluttering. She knew exactly who he was.

She can't believe she's married to him. The same man who had just dropped her like trash and walked away without a second glance.

The words sat right there, at the tip of her tongue, begging to be spoken.

" I’m married to him. " But she swallowed them hard.

Her lips pressed together as she bit down on the inside of her cheek, forcing the truth back into silence. Her fingers tightened slightly against her waist as she tried to ignore the dull ache spreading through her body.

“Pull me up, please,” she hissed, her patience thinning.

Angel scoffed. “You help yourself.”

And just like that, she turned and walked away, heels clicking against the polished floor with finality.

Elara stared after her, dumbfounded.

“What’s wrong with her?” she muttered under her breath, her gaze shifting around the office.

No one answered.

No one even looked at her.

The other staff members were buried in their work, eyes glued to their screens, fingers typing away like nothing had happened. As if a woman hadn’t just been thrown to the ground in the middle of the office.

As if Alex Harrington hadn’t just walked through like a storm.

Elara narrowed her eyes, irritation bubbling beneath her skin.

“Unbelievable,” she mumbled.

She exhaled sharply and placed her palms against the floor, preparing to push herself up despite the soreness in her body.

But before she could lift herself, a hand appeared in front of her.

She paused.

Her gaze followed the hand upward, slowly, cautiously, until it reached the face of the man offering it.

He was smiling.

For a moment, she hesitated.

Then, without overthinking it, she slipped her hand into his.

His grip was firm but gentle as he pulled her to her feet.

“Thank you,” she said, brushing invisible dust off her outfit.

“You’re welcome,” he replied, his smile lingering for a second longer before he let go of her hand.

There was no arrogance in his tone. No hidden agenda. Just simple kindness. A rare thing, apparently.

Elara gave him a small nod before turning away. She adjusted the folder in her hands, straightened her posture, and began walking back toward her office, each step measured despite the lingering discomfort in her side.

***

“You have to introduce yourself to the boss.” The manager’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

Elara looked up, forcing a polite smile onto her face.

“Make sure you respect him,” the manager continued, her expression stern. “Do not say anything rude.”

Elara nodded. “Yes, thank you.”

The manager studied her for a moment, as if trying to gauge whether she truly understood the weight of that warning, before finally turning and walking out of the office.

The door clicked shut behind her.

Silence settled in.

Elara let out a long breath, her shoulders sagging slightly as the tension she had been holding eased, just a little.

She leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling.

“I’m a bit worried,” she admitted softly to herself.

Everything she had heard about the boss painted a very clear picture.

Strict.

Cold.

Unforgiving.

Demanding.

Her lips pressed together.

“But what is Alex doing here?” she murmured, her brows knitting together.

Her mind replayed the moment over and over again.

His face.

His voice.

The way he had looked at her like she was nothing.

Her gaze drifted to the side, unfocused.

“House of Harrington…” she whispered thoughtfully.

The name echoed in her mind.

Maybe he’s related to the boss.

The thought seemed reasonable enough.

After all, the company’s name wasn’t exactly subtle.

Harrington. Alex Harrington.

It couldn’t be a coincidence.

But still something about it didn’t sit right with her.

She frowned slightly, then shook her head, dismissing the thought.

“No,” she muttered. “That’s not my problem.”

She had a job to do.

That’s what mattered.

Straightening up, she smoothed her gown carefully, ensuring there wasn’t a single crease out of place. Her fingers lingered for a moment as she adjusted the fabric, grounding herself.

Then she stood calmly, composed, ready to face the so-called boss.

She walked out of her office with steady steps, her heels clicking softly against the floor.

The boss’s office wasn’t far—just down the hall.

With each step, her heartbeat grew a little louder in her ears.

She was anticipating who the boss could be.

She stopped in front of the glass door.

Her eyes lifted to the words written boldly at the top.

CEO’S OFFICE.

A small smile tugged at her lips.

"Here goes nothing." she murmured.

Without knocking, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

And then her gaze locked with his immediately.

Alex standing right in front of her. Is he the boss?