Chapter 20- A Storm beneath the Calm

The morning sun broke through the city skyline, casting a golden hue on the glass panels of William’s company headquarters. Lily walked briskly through the marble-floored lobby, her heels clicking with purpose, but her mind stormed with agitation.

After everything that had unfolded, the last place she wanted to be was here — under the same roof as William. Yet again, fate had shoved them together, this time not as lovers, but as employer and employee.

She entered the conference floor, clutching her documents close. The large boardroom was already buzzing with executives. William stood near the far end, deep in conversation with the strategy head. His charcoal suit was perfectly tailored, his stance firm, commanding. But when his eyes flicked toward her, there was a flicker of something else — something unreadable.

She turned quickly, hoping to avoid unnecessary interaction. But his voice rang out clearly for half the office to hear.

"Miss Lily, don’t forget your performance review is Friday. Let’s see if you last more than two weeks this time."

A few people chuckled. Lily stopped in her tracks.

Turning with a composed smile, she replied, "Thanks for the encouragement, Sir. Glad to know I’m being taken seriously."

He arched a brow. "Taken seriously? I moved you from the 'unemployed' list to my personal amusement section."

Her cheeks flared, but she kept her cool and walked up to him, lowering her voice. "You fired me without explanation. And now you’re mocking me in front of your team. What exactly do you want from me, William?"

He smirked. "What I’ve always wanted — results. And maybe a coffee, if you're offering."

Lily exhaled sharply and walked to her seat.

Later That Afternoon – A Café Across the City

Nany sat alone in a quiet corner of her favorite café, typing notes for her international peace program. A couple of reference books and her open laptop formed a fortress around her coffee cup.

She barely noticed the tall figure across the café until he glanced in her direction.

Justin.

He was in the middle of a business meeting, surrounded by two sharply dressed men. Their conversation seemed intense, but when his eyes caught Nany’s, he offered a polite smile. She nodded back.

Minutes later, after the meeting ended, Justin walked over.

"Didn’t expect to see a peace ambassador buried in paperwork," he said, setting his cup on the table.

Nany chuckled. "Didn’t expect to see a business mogul this far from the skyscrapers."

He smiled. "We all need our moments of escape."

The conversation started casual — weather, projects, mutual acquaintances. But beneath it, something subtle sparked. A shared understanding. Respect.

Before he left, he said, "If I run into you again, I’ll take that as fate."

She replied, "Or excellent coffee."

Evening – William’s Mansion

Lily moved around the room, folding her clothes and stuffing them into her suitcase. Her mind was made up.

William entered, watching her quietly.

"Going somewhere?" he asked coolly.

"Yes," she replied without looking up. "I’m leaving."

"You seem to be good at that," he muttered.

She froze. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," he shrugged. "Just that running away is easier than dealing with things."

Lily turned toward him, anger surfacing. "You fired me without cause. Now you rehire me only to mock me in front of your staff. I don’t have to stay and take that."

William took a sip of his drink, calm as ever. "You’re joining my company. That’s final."

She scoffed. "Excuse me? You can’t just order me around."

He stepped closer, a glint in his eyes. "You’re a good employee. I need people who don’t crumble under pressure."

She blinked. "Now I’m good? After firing me?"

"I was testing something," he said vaguely.

She narrowed her eyes. "And what exactly were you testing?"

He leaned in slightly. "Whether you’d come back."

Her breath hitched.

"Why does it even matter?" she asked.

He didn’t answer, just walked past her and added, "Your desk is still empty. Use it or leave it."

Fuming, Lily snapped her suitcase shut. "You’re impossible."

"And you’re still here," he replied, not turning.

Nightfall – Lily’s Apartment

She stood near the window, city lights blinking far below. Everything inside her was twisted. Frustration, confusion, anger — and somewhere deep, pain she hadn’t fully unpacked.

Why did he care now?

Why did she?

Her phone buzzed. A message from Nany: “Had the strangest café coincidence today. Tell you tomorrow.”

Lily smiled faintly.

But her thoughts circled back to William.

This wasn’t over.

Not even close.