Chapter 5

AMELIA'S POV 

It had been four days since my meeting with Victoria Caldwell, and today was my first official day at the company.

 My office was ready, and I was to be introduced to everyone.

 I stood in the hallway, my heart steady but my mind racing, as Fiona, Victoria’s assistant, guided me through the building.

 I wore a black pants and a black turtleneck top, the lace sleeves letting my skin peek through, my hair cascading like a gentle waterfall with each step.

 I’d chosen red lipstick deliberately, it made me feel bold, like I could hold my own in this place.

 But deep down, I knew this wasn’t just about fitting in. This company, these people, were watching me, weighing every move I made.

Fiona was all smiles, her flattery as polished as the marble floors we walked on. 

“Oh, right here is the CEO, Mr. Ethan Caldwell. You’ve already met him, I’m sure,” she said, her voice dripping with enthusiasm as Ethan appeared in the hallway.

I hadn’t expected to see him so soon. He must have missed the formal introduction at the reception, and part of me wondered if he’d skipped it on purpose.

 Our eyes met, and I flashed a smile, hoping it hid the unease stirring in my chest.

 There was something about Ethan, something that made my pulse quicken in a way I didn’t want to acknowledge. I had to stop noticing the way his presence filled the space, the sharp cut of his suit, the intensity in his gaze. 

I hated how it made me feel, like I was betraying myself.

“Mr. Caldwell, I almost thought you weren’t around since I didn’t see you at the reception,” I said, slowing my steps to stand in front of him, my voice light but pointed.

He returned a smile, but it was tight, calculated.

 “I was busy, and I figured it could be carried out without my presence. Looking at it now, it seems I was right.”

 His tone was polite, but there was an edge to it. 

“It’s good of you to finally join us, Mrs. Harper. I’m really looking forward to working with you.”

“And I you, Mr. Caldwell,” I replied, matching his formality. I turned to Fiona. “Fiona, right?”

“Yes, ma’am,” she nodded, her smile unwavering.

“I think you’ve done enough for me. I’m sure Mr. Caldwell would like to walk me to my office, isn’t that so?” I raised an eyebrow at Ethan, testing him. 

I didn’t want to seem like I was avoiding him, not in his own company. Besides, I needed to know where we stood.

Ethan glanced at Fiona and then at Lucas, my assistant, who had been quietly trailing us. For a moment, I thought he’d refuse, but then he said, 

“Yes.” His voice was steady, but I caught the reluctance in his eyes.Fiona bowed and walked away, leaving Ethan and me to continue. Lucas stayed a step behind, as always. 

“So, I believe Mr. Caldwell is to show me my office?” I said, keeping my tone professional but warm.

“Of course, Mrs. Harper. Right this way.” We fell into step, the silence between us heavy with unspoken thoughts.

 I could feel his tension, and I wondered what he was thinking. Victoria had made it clear she wanted us to work closely, but I wasn’t naive; her motives weren’t purely professional. 

She’d set my office on the same floor as Ethan’s, a calculated move to keep us in each other’s orbits.

We reached a door, and Ethan pushed it open to reveal a sleek desk with an intercom, elegant and functional.

 “This is your secretary’s desk,” he said. 

“We followed your request and didn’t get you a secretary.”

“That’s okay,” I replied. “Lucas can fill the role. He’s with me everywhere I go.” 

I nodded at Lucas, who bowed slightly to Ethan. Ethan nodded back, his expression unreadable, and moved to the door behind the desk.

He opened it, revealing a spacious office that mirrored his own in grandeur.

 A polished desk with a leather chair dominated the room, flanked by a cozy sitting area with a coffee table, two couches, and a flower vase.

 Paintings adorned the walls, each one carefully chosen. 

“This is your office,” Ethan said. 

“It’s one of the best in the building.” Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “I hope you like art.”

The question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I froze. He knew I loved art. How could he not? Our eyes met, and I quickly looked away, my heart pounding. 

“Yes, I love art,” I said, walking to the center of the room to steady myself. 

“It’s never missing in my private space.” I paused, my mind drifting to a memory I tried to keep buried. 

“I lost a painting once. It’s very dear to me, but I know I’ll never get it back.”

“What was the painting?” Ethan asked, and I could hear the curiosity in his voice, tinged with something else, something that made my breath catch.

I turned to him, forcing a soft smile. My eyes betrayed me for a moment, revealing a longing I couldn’t suppress. 

“It’s a painting of a bird,” I said, my voice quieter than I intended. 

I swallowed hard, willing the ache in my chest to fade. “Someone… gave it to me. I lost it and…just” I stopped myself, turning to a painting on the wall of a mother breastfeeding her child, radiant with love and tenderness. 

“That’s a beautiful piece,” I said, desperate to change the subject. 

“It shows the affection, the love, and joy of motherhood.” I stared at it, letting its warmth anchor me.

“Is Mrs. Harper a mother, then?” Ethan asked, his tone deceptively calm.I glanced away from the painting, meeting his gaze briefly. 

“Not really,” I said, “but it’s something every woman would want to experience.” 

I didn’t know why I felt the need to clarify that, but the relief in his eyes was unmistakable, even if he tried to hide it. 

It confused me. Why would he care?

 “Is Mr. Caldwell married or have a child?” I asked, the question slipping out before I could stop it.

 I wanted to know if he was already seeing someone else .

He raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. 

“Is Mrs. Harper interested in my private life?” I looked away, unable to hold his gaze. “Not really,” I said quickly.

 “I just want to know. It wouldn’t be a surprise if a man your age is married and has children, but it would be strange if you aren’t.”

“Not everyone is you, Mrs. Harper,” he said, his voice sharp now, “who rushes into a marriage just for the sake of it. I, on the other hand, would like to study my spouse and be sure she’s right for me and not an old cargo who just wants me to be a widower for her.”

His words stung, slicing through me like a blade. I felt my face flush, but I refused to let him see how much it hurt. He smiled, clearly pleased with himself, and it only deepened the wound. 

“I believe I should let you settle into your new environment,” he said, his tone dismissive. 

“If you need anything, just call for Fiona. I’m sure she has the time to take Lucas around and show him what you’ll be needing.”

He turned to leave, and before I could stop myself, I said, “Ethan.”

He paused, turning back to look at me. “Anything else, Mrs. Harper?” I shut my eyes for a moment, fighting to regain control.

 When I opened them, I forced a smile. “Thank you.”

“Anytime, Mrs. Harper, anytime,” he said, shutting the door gently behind him.

Lucas was at my side in an instant. “Ma’am…”

“This Fiona girl,” I said, my voice low, “I don’t trust her. 

Mind what you say around her.”

“You don’t need to tell me twice, ma’am,” Lucas replied. 

“I know they’re watching us. But what about Mr. Caldwell?” I stared at the door Ethan had just walked through, my mind a tangle of emotions I couldn’t unravel.

 “Like I said, leave him to me,” I whispered, more to myself than to Lucas.