Chapter 9

Briar’s POV

Staring right at the person in front of me, I felt my body go cold. A shrilled noise tickled my ear and I could feel blood pumping hard in my chest. This can’t be happening. Adrian Sterling? This doesn’t make any sense. The company he heads is the Sterling Group and they deal with large construction projects. When did he venture into real estate? Is this a dream? Am I hallucinating? My breathing stalled and I felt hot.

“Welcome to the company, everyone. I am Adrian Sterling and it is a pleasure to have you all join the company.” His voice rang in my ear.

I swallowed with difficulty, stumbling against the chair as I hurried towards the exit.

“Where are you going?” Liam asked in a hushed tone.

I hid my face away, struggling to put my words together. “I really need to use the restroom.”

He hesitated a bit before replying. “Alright, but do not take too long, please.”

I didn’t wait to give him a response before hurrying off. Thankfully the restroom is on the same floor. I opened one of the stalls and locked myself in panting heavily. My body shook hard as I tried to stay calm. I had to sit on the toilet and indulged in a breathing exercise. Is fate trying to pull a fast one on me? Why did it have to be here of all places? I was really hoping to have a life that didn’t include anything from my past.

But finding out that I work under the man who had treated me like my life didn’t matter to him is unbelievable. Five whole years of staying away is wasted just like that. What am I supposed to do now? I can’t just leave in the middle of a meeting, it would put Liam in an awkward position and he doesn’t deserve that. But I don’t think I can work here. Not under him.

I sat still for a moment, shutting my eyes tightly while biting on my thumb. I let out a chuckle to myself all of a sudden. What am I doing? It's not as if I did anything wrong to him or anyone. Why am I the one who has to hide? It's been five years and I have made a life for myself that no one would have ever thought I was capable of. We have barely settled in. It would make no sense if I talked about walking away.

Why would I leave this good life for a work that I earned fair and square all because of him? This job will provide Knox and me a life of comfort and help me get my business started. So why should I walk away? I worked for this. I deserve to be here.

Moreover, he is the CEO, we probably won't see each other again after today. Not to forget, I don’t look the same as I did five years ago. I have matured differently. I changed my name too. How long would I keep running when I haven’t committed any offense? For the sake of my son, I should never cower away for any reason. He should have loads of reasons to be proud of his mother.

Closing my eyes again, I clasped my hands together tightly as I inhaled and exhaled slowly. I have no reason to run. This is just work and nothing more. I just have to do it until I can leave to become independent. It is the least I can do for Liam after all these years of him helping me. Also if I try to bail out now, I would need to tell him why I made the decision. And I do not want to give Adrian or anyone else the chance to exist in this new world that I have built for myself.

Standing up with a determined expression, I left the restroom and returned to the office. Adrian was just about leaving. My heart began to thump again.

“There she is.” Liam gestured towards me. “Mr Sterling, meet our brilliant project lead, Briar Smith. She is the one who worked on the proposal that we submitted. You can trust your projects to be exceptional with her in charge.” He sounded like a proud parent.

Adrian’s expression darkened. “Briar what?”

“Briar Smith,” I replied, standing in front of me with my shoulder squared and expression blank. “It is a pleasure to be here sir. Hoping to work on amazing projects with you.” I said in the most professional voice I could muster with my hand outstretched for a shake.

He seemed to have frozen, his brows furrowed as if thinking. I took the chance to observe him. Adrian is still as good-looking as he was five years ago. That devilish handsome look that makes one forget their morals. His jaw was so sharp like it could cut through anything. But his eyes seemed darker and colder. Something about him is different. But then, that shouldn’t be my concern.

“Briar Smith,” Adrian mumbled as if he needed to feel the texture of the name on his tongue. “Have we met?” he asked, taking my hand in his.

I almost squirmed at the warmth from his hand. But I maintained a firm stance. “I do not think so sir. I am not from here.” I replied in a distant tone.

Liam chuckled, “I doubt you would have met her. This is her first time in Atlanta.” He said.

Adrian hummed in response, releasing my hand. His expression was blank. “Yeah, I guess. Her name just sounds familiar. You are welcome once again. Whatever it is you might need please do not hesitate to let me know. I want this partnership to be the most talked about in the industry. I allowed this because I believe our visions align. I hope I can trust you, Miss or Mrs Smith?” he stated with an odd look in his eyes.

“Miss,” I replied curtly, already disgusted by the dismissiveness in his tone.

“Alright. I will take my leave then.” He said, walking away.

“Whew!” Rissa exclaimed. “What was that heat? It felt like you two were past enemies or something.” She noted.

I cleared my throat awkwardly, rubbing at my neck with shaky hands. “I..I don’t think so.”

“Are you okay, though?” Liam asked. “You seem pale. Are you experiencing indigestion?”

“I think she was stunned by her new boss’s look. How is anyone so breathtaking?” Rissa commented.

Liam threw her a side glare. “Why do you always spit nonsense?” She let out her tongue at him in response. “Do you need to leave early?” he inquired with a worried expression.

I managed a weak smile. “No need. I guess I am still overwhelmed by the new environment, but it definitely isn’t anything to worry about.”

He didn’t seem certain about my response, but thankfully he didn’t ask any further questions. “Okay, team. Let's try to bond over lunch. It is on me.” he announced.

I stumbled back to my seat, plopping into the chair and inhaling deeply. That was good. I did well. I bet he would never think I am the same person he knows now. I am proud of myself. I just need to focus on work now. It will be smooth sailing from here on.