LOGINAVAThe line went dead.I dropped the receiver back in place, picked up my phone and slipped it into my bag, then stood up.Game on.When I got to her office, I knocked.“Come in.”I opened the door and stepped inside.Olivia didn’t look up immediately. She was flipping through some files unhurriedly. Then she finally glanced at me.“Close the door.”I did.She pointed to a stack of documents on her desk.“Take those.”I walked forward and picked them up. It was… a lot.My brows lifted, but I said nothing.“You’ll go through them,” she continued, leaning back in her chair, “and submit a full report by tomorrow.”Tomorrow?I looked at her, but made sure my face stayed calm. “Noted.”Her eyes flicked over me again, she probably was expecting for resistance. When she didn’t get any, she continued.“You’re supposed to go through proper training before assuming this position,” she said, her tone sharpening slightly. "But for some reason, management decided to skip that step and place you d
AVAThe moment I stepped into the building, I slowed down.Even though I had been here before, it still felt overwhelming.Everything was so big and polished. The floors shined, the walls looked expensive and people moved around all dressed in black or blue suits. You would almost think it was a law firm.I just stood there, taking it in, then I whispered to myself. “Okay…you can do this.” I straightened my shoulders and walked to the reception desk.As I got closer, I noticed it wasn’t the same woman who attended to me the last time I came here. That day, Ben had come to get me himself and had even called me madam right there. I was sure the receptionist had put things together after that. But this one was different.Good.I walked up to the desk.“Good morning,” she said politely. “How may I help you?”“Good morning,” I replied. “My name is Ava Harley. I’m to resume today as the assistant head of the Department of Investment and Stock.” I made sure to use the name grandpa told me
AVABy the time we finished eating, the tension in my chest hadn’t fully gone away, mostly because of him.Lucien stood up first, picking up his phone. “Let’s go.”I blinked, looking up at him. “Go where?”He looked at me like the answer should be obvious. “To work.”My browed furrowed. “You can go,” I said. “I’m not coming with you.”“You should go together,” Grandpa said, wiping his hands. “It’s only right since you’re working in the same place.”Alaric nodded in agreement. “That makes sense.”Seraphina smiled softly. "They're right."I looked between them, a little unsure, then I looked at Lucien.He didn’t said anything. He was just standing there, waiting as if he already knew how this would end.“Fine,” I muttered, pushing my chair back as I stood. “I’ll go with you.”Lucien didn’t react, atleast outwardly, but something about the way he turned toward the door made me feel like I had just played right into his hands.I picked up my bag and followed him.As we walked out of the d
AVALucien's jaw set.“Why?” he asked in a very low voice. “Why would you want to hide our relationship when we’re getting married in a few weeks?”I let out a short breath before responding. “It’s not about hiding it. It’s just… I’m starting work tomorrow. I don’t want unnecessary attention.”"With your looks, you’ll get attention regardless.”“That’s different.” I said, ignoring the fact that he had just backhandedly complimented me.“How?”I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Lucien, people talk. They’ll start asking questions, making assumptions… I just want to settle in first.”His eyes locked on mine, unmoving. “So you’d rather pretend I don’t exist?”“That’s not what I said.”“But that’s what you’re doing.”I shook my head. “I’m not pretending or anything like that. I just want to keep things… low for now.”“And what happens when someone asks you about it?” he asked. “What will you say?”I looked at him and I was so sure I saw a vein pop in his neck.“I’ll say I’m engaged
AVAThe table was already full of dishes laid out neatly, steam rose up in the air but nothing had been served yet. Lucien pulled out a chair for me.“Thank you,” I smiled, murmuring as I sat. He then took the seat beside me.As I adjusted my dress, I caught the look between Seraphina, Alaric, and grandpa, but no one said anything so I pushed the thought aside.Everyone began serving themselves and the conversation started easily.“So,” Seraphina said, looking at me, “how are you doing?”“I’m fine,” I replied with a small smile.Alaric nodded. “You grandpa told us you’ll be starting at Hales Corporation tomorrow.”I glanced at grandpa immediately.He chuckled. “Don’t look at me like that,” he said. “It’s for your own good.”I shook my head, trying not to smile.Seraphina laughed softly. “Congratulations,” she cheered.“Thank you,” I replied.Alaric then turned to Lucien. “And you? How are you doing, son?”Lucien didn’t look up. “I’m fine.”Alaric studied him for a second. “You’re no
AVAWhen I stepped outside, I saw Lucien's car parked at the entrance.I could tell he'd already sighted me because he came out of the car.He was dressed simply in a grey t-shirt and perfectly ironed black pants. But somehow, he still looked so good. He walked to the passenger side and stood by the door, waiting without taking his eyes off me.I walked toward him, trying to act normal, but the closer I got, the more aware I became of him.When I reached him, he didn’t say anything, he just pulled me into a hug which I returned without thinking.I felt his chest rise and fall against mine, his breath brushing my neck faintly. We stayed in that position for a while before he eventually pulled back.“You’re twelve minutes late,” he said.I pouted. “So?”“I’m not complaining.”I bit my lips, trying not to smile.He then opened the door for me. "Get in."I got in, adjusting my dress as I settled in the seat. He closed the door gently, then walked around the car.When he got in, he didn’t







