LOGIN“We should probably clean up eventually, but right now I don’t want to move. I want to stay like this forever,” Oliver murmured against her auburn hair. “Me too,” Harper muttered, her head resting against his chest as she catches her breath. Oliver’s arms tightened around her possessively, one hand coming up to gently stroke through her auburn hair. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear was incredibly soothing, a stark contrast to the frantic pace it had been just moments before.
Harper placed the takeaway coffee cup on Marius desk and said professionally, “I can’t say I know everyone’s names, but I understand my role. I already prepared the proposed budget for Knox’s campaign. Andrew from accounting would like to discuss something and asked for an appointment today.” He leaned back, impressed despite himself. He had not expected much more than a few introductions and some trouble finding the printer, let alone a prepared budget. “You have been busy then,” he said, his yellow green eyes scanning the folder she had placed on his desk. “I like that. Efficiency is exactly what this department needs right now.” He pulled the budget toward him, flipping through the pages with practiced ease. “As for Andrew from accounting– he is always looking for something to discuss. Tell him I can do three o’clock. I want to get through Knox’s briefing first.”Marius looked up from the p
Marius took the takeaway latte from Tera, the warmth seeping into his palm. “Not much,” he admitted, pulling out his chair and sinking into it. Tera’s gaze lingered on his for a second too long before she straightened up. “This campaign,” Tera started. “Is it going to be a long one?” he took a slow sip of the latte, the caffeine hitting his system with a sharp jolt. He set the cup down on his desk and leaned back, tapping his pen against his chin. “Knox is driving it,” he said, referring to the Scottish designer. “He has got big ideas for this campaign, so it might stretch out longer than we originally planner. He wants to push the boundaries with the visuals.” Tera nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. “Knox. Right. I have heard he can be… demanding.”“You have no idea,” Marius muttered, a faint weary smile tugging at his lips. “But he knows what he wants, and that make
Oliver reaches the elevator first, pressing the button with a sharp click of his finger. The doors slide open, revealing the polished interior. He steps inside and turns to face Harper, his expression once again a mask of professional calm. But as the elevator begins its ascent, his icy blue eyes catching hers in the mirror, and for a split second, that knowing look is returned. “Let’s see how long that lasts,” he says quietly, the words barely audible over the hum of the elevator. The doors open on the executive floor and he steps out. “I am heading to advertisement,” she said casually. “Have a nice day.” She smiled lightly and pressed the button in the elevator. He watches the elevator doors close on her face, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than a casual glance would require. Then he turns and heads toward his office, his mind already shifting, compartmentalizing the warmth of the morning into a neat drawer to be opened later.
“You do not normally drive,” Harper comments. “What did you give your driver the day off?” Oliver keeps his icy blue eyes on the road, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel. He does not offer an explanation immediately, his jaw set in that way that suggests he has already decided. “He is off today,” he says simple, his tone matter of fact. “I needed to be in the right headspace for this meeting. Driving myself helps me focus.” He manoeuvres the car through a tight turn, his movements precise and controlled. The silence between them stretches for a moment before he adds, almost as an afterthought. “Besides, I wanted more time with you this morning.” The professional mask slips just enough for that hint of possessiveness to show through, before he quickly corrects his posture and settles back into his quiet, composed self. Her hand rests on his thigh. “It is a nice change of pace,” she said with a bright
“He knows,” Oliver says, his voice low and steady. “But he is not stupid. He will be watching for any sign of favouritism. If we come in there acting like a team, he might suspect something, but if we present a solid business case, he will be too busy calculating the ROI to care about our personal lives.” He steps closer to Harper, his hand sliding to the small of her back, pulling her just an inch closer. “We keep it strictly professional. No lingering looks, no inside jokes. I will be the demanding boss, and you will be the efficient secretary who just happens to have a brilliant mind for strategy.” his eyes soften as they meet hers. “That is going to be hard,” she comments softly. “I like it when you are all demanding and professional.” His hand on her back tightens for a fraction of a second, his knuckles brushing the fabric of her jacket. A slow, dangerous smirk spreads across his face– the kind he usually saves
“The Love Self Esteem Project,” Oliver repeats, testing the words. “It is a bold move. It would certainly differentiate us from the usual high-glamour, retouch heavy campaigns our competitors are running.” He taps his fingers rhythmically against the countertop, a habit he falls into when he is processing a new strategy. “It would require a completely overhaul of our visual direction. We would need to move away from perfectionism and focus on authenticity. That means no heavy airbrushing, real skin textures, diverse casting– the whole works.” He looks at Harper, his eyes sharp with interest. “It is a significant pivot for our brand identity. It would be a massive undertaking, but the PR benefits could be enormous of we execute it correctly.”“And it could significantly decrease the spending,” Harper added confidently. Oliver’s eyebrows shoot up, and he leans forward, his interest piqued by the financial a
“Oliver speaks very highly of you,” Marius continued, his voice dropping slightly. “Says you are the most organized person he has ever worked with.” A hint of amusement touches his lips as he leaned against the edge of his desk. “He also mentioned how… dedicat
Harper just smiled softly. “Yes, sir. I– I will see you at lunch time,” she said and moved over the the desk to pick up her purse. Oliver’s icy blue eyes followed her movement as she retrieved her purse from the desk that was no longer hers, the casual way she called him &
At Harper’s desk, or her old desk, the new secretary was already seated. As Harper approached, she looked over the new hire. She has long, black hair that falls naturally past her shoulders, slightly tousled but well-kept, framing her face. Her complexion is smooth, and her facial features
For a long moment, Harper just stared at her apartment door, after Oliver left. Glen cleared his throat breaking the silence. “So…” he says teasingly. “You finally got a boyfriend?” Harper casually takes a sip of her coffee before answering, “Yeah.” Glen







