Invitation

After her office was cleaned, she took her personal things and brought them to her car. 

She was now sitting inside her car. Her hands tightened around the steering wheel until her knuckles turned white.

“This is ridiculous…” she laughed.

Just then... Her phone rang.

The caller ID made her expression darken even further.

She answered with gritted teeth. “What?”

Lucien’s voice sounded unusually cheerful.  “I assume you’ve heard.”

Selene’s brows creased. “You… You had something to do with this?”

A soft chuckle came from the other end.

“I’m flattered you think I have that much influence over your father, but no.”

“You expect me to believe this wasn’t your idea?”

“Well I didn’t say that.”

See! It really was him! 

She wanted to curse at him, but she figured she would do it in his face when they see each other later.

“So…” Lucien continued lazily. “Have you heard…”

She ended the call before he could finish.

She drove her car fast. Forty minutes later… She arrived at Voss holdings. 

Her heels clicked with every step she made.

Employees immediately straightened seeing her.

They still don’t know about the changes, but Selene’s skills and work was well known in the business industry, especially with how she deals with issues.

“Good morning, Miss Laurent.” 

Selene ignored every greeting as she headed straight toward the executive elevator.

Outside the CEO’s office, Adrian, Lucien’s assistant looked up in alarm seeing her walking like a tigress.

“Mrs.—”

Selene ignored him and immediately pushed the office door open.

[Bang!]

Lucien looked up from the documents on his desk.

When he saw her face looking at him hatefully, he couldn’t help but smile.

“There you are.”

“What exactly are you planning?”

Lucien leaned back comfortably. “I’m working, can we fight another time?”

“Don’t play games with me.”

“But I like games.”

“You orchestrated this.”

“I prefer the word arranged.”

She walked toward his desk. “You had my position taken away.”

“Actually I gave you a promotion, I even got the board to agree to it in a rush.”

“I don’t need one!”

Lucien smiled seeing her fuming. This was the first.

”So you do actually have more than one expression on your face.”

“What?”

“This is the first time you lashed out at me.” Lucien snickered. “I was beginning to think you were a robot. Good thing I did this, right?”

Selene slammed both hands on his desk.

“Our agreement never included interfering with my career!”

“Our agreement also never included living separately.” 

His words instantly silenced her.

Lucien slowly stood. He walked around the desk until he stopped in front of her.

His gaze lingered on the slightly unbuttoned part of her blazer, revealing some skin underneath. His lips pursed.  

She walks out in broad daylight with this much skin exposed?

Lucien felt his blood boiling just thinking how many men saw her like this today.

Without asking, he reached out and buttoned it and even fixed her crooked collar.

Selene was too stunned to push him away, and by the time she realized what was happening, he was already done.

“There.” He said, smiling. “You should really look at yourself before going out.”

Selene slapped his hand away.

“I can take care of myself.”

“I know.”

“But you’ll represent the CEO’s office now.” His lips curved into a satisfied smile. “So appearances matter.”

She took one step back.

“I won’t stay here long. Working with you is not on my priority list.”

“We’ll see.” Lucien leaned closer just enough for only her to hear. “I’m looking forward to working with you, my dear wife. And all the cardio exercises we can do inside this office together”

Selene felt heat rush to her face hearing the sensual things he said.

A knock interrupted them, and Selene quickly distanced herself from them.

“Sir.” Adrian’s voice came from outside. “There’s a letter of invitation sent for you.”

Lucien took the envelope from his hand and opened it. 

While reading, his lips slowly turned into a twisted smile.

“It seems you will be busy with me tonight.”

Selene frowned. “What?”

Lucien handed the letter to her. When she read the cover… Her expression froze.

It was the invitation for Mia’s birthday gala. 

“If I am not wrong, she is your friend, correct?” Lucien asked with a smirk.

Selene looked at him, her head starting to hurt, unable to say anything. 

Great! Things just got more complicated.

The least she wanted to do now was to go to a party and be stuck with him!

Here’s a version that keeps the tension psychological and romantic rather than explicit:

“I know you must hate me right now.” Lucien took a step forward.

Before Selene could retreat, his arm slipped around her waist, keeping her in place.

He lowered his head just enough for their eyes to meet. A smug smile tugged at his lips.

“But remember one thing, Selene. You are my wife.” He emphasized each word deliberately. “So even if you hate me… You can’t keep running away from me forever.”

Selene looked straight into his eyes, refusing to be intimidated.

“You sound awfully confident.”

“I am.”

“And what makes you think I’ll give in?”

Lucien chuckled. 

“I don’t expect you to.”  His expression then turned serious.  “I only expect you to stay by my side without question.” His thumb brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face before he stepped back.

“Get ready. We’re leaving in an hour.”