"Watch where you're going!" I yelled at him as he bumped into me.
Dressed in form-fitting black training pants that suit his muscular frame, his body language was confident and focused as he spoke on the phone.Ignoring my presence, he arrogantly raised his finger to silence me, as if I were interrupting his conversation on the phone."You ran into me, you raised your finger in the air to hush me, and at least have the decency to apologize," I said angrily."But you were standing in my way." His tone was dripping with arrogance and contempt as he questioned me in a hostile manner."I understand that everyone needs rest during their workout, but placing yourself in between the equipment can be inconvenient for others who are trying to use it. It's best to find a designated area for resting instead of telling me to apologize for what is your fault," he ranted.He walked away to continue his conversation on the phone.Wow! I was livid at this point.I swiftly pulled him by his clothing, urging him to return."Hold on! You knocked me over, and you don't even have the decency to apologize," I exclaimed.As he attempted to make another move, I swiftly dragged him back, insisting that he should at least have the courtesy to apologize rather than shift blame onto me."I wasn't blaming you, I'm only saying if you weren't standing in the way, I wouldn't have bumped into you. Madam, I don't have time.""Please, spare me the patronizing attitude! Such an arrogant jerk, who does he think he is?"I was incredibly angry and frustrated.One of the gym instructors intervened in the argument, and the next words uttered by the arrogant jerk were, "Throw her out of this premises."Consequently, I was forcefully expelled from the gym.Fuming and pissed, I got into my car.Tears streaming down my face, I asked myself, "What was I doing today of all days in the gym?It's been two weeks of me not being able to drag my ass out of bed. I am tired of guilt and regret.I'm drained of emotions. The one good man I thought I had left me.I had opened myself completely, surrendering my heart to him with unwavering love, thinking he was the best man for me.Questions troubled my mind, relentlessly mocking me. Why did he leave? Was I not enough?I had cried my eyes out.With each tear shed, I vowed to heal, to rediscover myself, and to reclaim my happiness.With hope and relentlessness, I ignited the engine of my car. I made my way home eager to prepare myself for the day.Exhausted yet satisfied from an intense workout at the gym, trying to push the thought of what happened at the gym behind me, I stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to cascade over my fatigued muscles.Today, I resumed work after my leave. I opted for a tailored black blazer, paired with a crisp white blouse that hinted at sophistication and a deep navy blue pencil skirt.As I casually entered the office building, my only friend Amelia forcefully pulled me into another room.A swell of fear rushed through me, causing me to exclaim in shock.Amelia's icy gaze was fixed on meIn a single breath, she unleashed her frustration on me. "Harper, what's wrong with you? I've repeatedly talked about this issue without numbers: you ignore my calls and disregard my emails.I wonder how you tend to keep your job if you continue this way," she said in a single breath.With a touch of sarcasm, I replied, "Well, hello to you too."Pissed at me, the boss is laying off staff. She said nonchalantly."Is the boss upset again?""Which boss? Harper, you failed to read your mail. This is the same issue I had been complaining about."With a sigh of relief, she pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. "It's a good thing you're here today."How are you doing?" she asked with concern."I am fine," I said."We have a meeting with our new boss," she said, gripping my hand as she ushered me towards the conference room.Getting there, I observed an atmosphere of tension among the staff members, and to my surprise, Sophia was also present."Sophia was quite difficult to deal with, the type of person we all encounter in the office who consistently blocks our progress."In a mocking tone, she addressed me as "Harper, darling" and commented, "You seem quite presentable today."Rolling my eyes, I replied, "Thank you.""Anyway, what do you know about our new boss?" Sophia asked."I heard that he is the boss's son," Amelia replied. She tends to be well-informed about all the office gossip.As I glanced around, I realized that one of my colleagues was absent.Curiosity piqued, I inquired, "Where is Sandra?"Amelia responded with a somber tone, "She was laid off."Sophia expressed her strong resentment towards Sandra.After a few minutes, the conference room doors swung open, and a wave of energy and anticipation filled the air.With a confident stride, he made his way to the front of the room without a smile.My heart skipped a beat when I saw my new boss. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach, a mixture of embarrassment, anger, and apprehension.With a deep breath, I tried to compose myself, willing my emotions to settle.I reminded myself that this was a professional setting, and I needed to handle the situation with grace and professionalism.My new boss briefly locked eyes with me during his speech. My heart skipped a beat. I detected a hint of recognition in his eyes, but it was swiftly replaced with a professional demeanor.Amelia caught my attention with a nudge and inquired, "What's going on?"Annoyed, I responded by rolling my eyes at the new boss.Clearing his throat, to get everyone's attention. "Good morning, everyone! I'm Josh Stevenson, your new boss. I'm thrilled to be here. By now, I'm certain you've observed the structural adjustments and staff changes we've implemented.Moving forward, over the next three months, it will be necessary for you to exert greater effort if you intend to remain a part of this organization."I will have individual meetings with each of you to talk about your roles and what is expected from you," he said. "If you don't have any questions, then that's all for now."Sophia, looking very happy, eagerly raised her hand, which made me sigh inwardly."It's not a question, I just wanted to officially welcome you to the company. We want you to know that we are fully committed to embracing and supporting your vision," she said."Thank you, Miss... My new boss paused to ask for her name. Sophia," she responded, adding a flirtatious tone as she continued the conversation.With a look of contentment on his
"After Josh apologized, we seemed to find common ground and maintain a polite relationship.As Amelia and I came into the office building, Sophia unexpectedly moved toward us, directing her attention toward me.Sophia's expression turned sour as she analyzed my attire. 'Is it because you are meeting with our boss that you're dressed like this?''Does Harper intimidate you?' Amelia asked.With a determined look, not letting her get to me, I parted ways with both of them and made my way toward his office.Walking into his office, I greeted, 'Good morning, sir.'With a smile on his face, he greeted, 'Good morning, Ms. Cole.'I felt comfortable in a way with his friendly gesture. It lessened any anxiety I might have had.'Sit down.' 'Thank you, sir.'Josh looked at me and said, 'I want you to interview some interns.''I believe Human Resources can do that,' I replied. 'They are good at interviewing and have everything they need.''I believe you would offer valuable input in selecting the
"Raphael Stevenson's son?Trying to be sure, Raphael Stevenson's son? The same Raphael Stevenson who was my boss?"He nodded his head without saying a word."And what's his son's name?" I asked, struggling to understand the unexpected news.Looking pale, my dad replied, "His name is Joshua Stevenson."Hearing his name made my heart sink even further."Dad, wait a minute!" "So, you're saying that I, Harper Cole, have to marry Joshua.""Yes, Harp."The idea of spending my life with him felt like a terrible punishment.Josh was the last person I would want to marry. He treats me inadequately, making me doubt my abilities at work.Feeling crushed, I cried out, "He doesn't like me! He always tries to control my emotions and makes me feel like I'm not good enough!"With pleading eyes, I asked my dad, "Is there something else that can be done?""I'm afraid no."Angry and upset, I stormed out of the living room and went to my bedroom.The thought was heavy on me. I grabbed my pillow and cried
"There, right in front of me, is Josh sharing a deep and passionate kiss with a lady." Josh quickly pulled away from the kiss.The lady, who looks stunningly beautiful with a model-like appearance, was annoyed."How rude! Is this how your employee barges in without even knocking?" I stood there, completely still, my gaze averted, and I stuttered. "I-I'm sorry, sir, ma'am."Josh's eyebrows furrowed, and his expression hardened. His voice turned sharp as he said, "Harper, what do you want? Why didn't you send an email as usual?""Sir, I'm sorry." I quickly exited the office.I met Amelia afterward. "Are you okay?" she asked."I'm fine," I said, feeling overwhelmed. I returned home with a heavy heart.Thoughts swirled in my mind as I started packing my belongings to leave for my aunt's place.I had been avoiding Josh since the incident in his office.Unexpectedly, Amelia came to my house and saw my packed bag."Where are you going?" she asked, looking at my packed bags."I'm going away f
I moaned, wrapping my legs around him while he pulled me closer. Pushing his erection into me, he kissed me more while he had me pinned with one of his hands, and his other traced my curves.I felt wet in my panties. His hand went to my hair, and he released the ponytail as the curls fell freely. He traced his fingers from my scalp to the end of my curls while I swayed my hips on his erection."You are so beautiful," he said in a husky voice.A faint blush tainted my cheek as I was at a loss for words.Then he unhooked my bra, leaving it exposed. He started sucking one while he gripped the other breast in his hand. I shivered under his touch.I took his shirt off above his head, and once it was off, he immediately put his lips back on my breast. I felt a tingling sensation. I was enjoying the moment.I pushed him down on the bed before crawling on top of him. I tried to unbuckle his belt, and he helped me out. He flipped us over as he was now on top of me. I pulled him closer using my
An incoming call displays Nolan's name on the screen and my heart races.Kate notices my reaction and urges me to answer, insisting that we put it on speaker."Go on, Harper. Let's hear what he has to say," Kate says, her eyes filled with curiosity.I take a deep breath, my mind racing with thoughts of the previous night. Part of me wants to hear Nolan's voice again, while another part is nervous about where this conversation might lead.With trembling fingers, I answer the phone and press the speaker button, and Nolan's voice fills the room.""Harper, how are you?""Not bad.""Guess you are home?""Yes, I'm home. Thanks for checking up on me.""I can't stop thinking about you all morning."My cheeks flush, and I exchange a nervous glance with Kate."Um, hi Nolan," I manage to respond, my voice a bit shaky. "Last night was... unexpected.""I know, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did."I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal to him or what I even want from this conv
JOSH POVTo unwind from the week's stress, I head to a bar, relaxing with a bottle of wine, swaying my head to the song blasting from the speaker.Looking around the room, I noticed a figure that looked familiar, her back turned towards me.I moved closer and found out it was Chloe.My heart races, leaving me breathless and unsure of how to react."Hi Josh, good to see you. It's been a while," she says, pulling me into a hug."When did you come to town?" I ask."Last week," she replies. Next, she smashes her lips to mine.The touch of her lips against mine ignites a mix of a sense of familiarity, igniting undeniable chemistry between us. I can't resist; I kiss her back, moaning as the world around us fades into the background."Get a room," someone says behind me. Then I realized that I was close to losing my self-control.Chloe is a hottie; I can't resist her. Immediately, I pull away from the kiss before I do something I'll regret.She stood there smiling, obviously happy to see me.
You have been arranged in marriage with Harper, you can't contest that decision." leaving no space for discussion.I burst into laughter."You're joking, right?" I question as I turn to face their serious expressions. My father looks right at me, his serious business face, "Does it look like I'm joking?" Then I understand he's completely serious. "Mom, you can't just stand by and let Dad do this. He's talking about this woman; she is stubborn, arrogant, and…" I stumble over my words, unable to express my feelings. "And smart. I like her for you." "You will get married in two months," and there is no place for negotiation. I suddenly get up from my seat, slam the door behind me, and walk out of the house with many ideas racing through my head.I am so furious when I get home that I instinctively clench my fist and punch the wall to let out my frustration. My hand feels a piercing pain. I was pacing back and forth in my living room. I can't fathom why my dad would come up with suc