Se connecterNathan's POV“Nexsus dragging us down with them—mon Dieu, these allegations will stain us all. Mr. Kings, you must intervene… and quickly.”One of the shareholders who came from Paris with a full beard and stocky body voice cut across the boardroom, desperate to be heard. But to me… it barely registered; the words reached my ears, but they didn’t hold any effect. It sounded distantI sat at the head of the table wearing a loose, off-white button-up shirt with the top buttons open, my sleeves rolled up to the elbows, relaxed. One arm resting against the chair, the other loosely on the polished surface. On the outside, I looked composed. But inside, my thoughts were nowhere near the boardroom but on Anna.No matter how busy I tried to keep myself, I always find a second to think about her; the thought of her not answering my calls pressed against my mind, persistent and irritating. It felt like invisible walls were rising, slowly shutting me out“And now, voilà… we stand on the brink of
Anna’s POVI rushed out to the hospital, my mind already racing ahead of me to hear what Doctor vJuliet knew about Mr. Fourth. I know this isn’t simple; justice doesn’t just happen because I want it to, but doing nothing makes me just as guilty. If I am making a dangerous decision, maybe, at least it’s the right oneI spotted Doctor Juliet across an open space just across St. Clair Hospital; she was already seated, waiting.The morning air was cold, and I could feel it in my nose with every breath. Dew clung to the lawn, the grass glistening as I walked straight toward her and sat across from her, the brick bench cold, making the chill seep through my hands instantly. So I rested my hands lightly against my thighs for more warmth, spotting the hospital name ahead of her“Anna,” she called out, “I got your number from the file you filled out when you brought in your friend.” “She’s a brave person.” A small, sad smile formed.I nodded, but all my focus stayed on what she was about to
Anna’s POVBy the time I got home, darkness had already settled into the living room, broken only by the soft glow of a lamp spilling out from the bedroom—just enough light to see the familiar shape of thingsI didn’t bother turning on the lights; I just walked through it.Jessie had gone to bed early, unlike her.She was usually the one waiting up, full of questions, reading me too easily, pulling answers out of me even when I wasn’t ready to give them.But tonight… she was already asleep and deep down, I felt relieved.Relieved that I didn’t have to explain anything.Relieved that I didn’t have to talk about my conversation with Nathan… or the things it had stirred up inside me.I slipped into the bathroom to take a shower, keeping the water low, careful not to make too much noise. .I stepped out quietly, drying off as gently as I could, moving carefully enough so I could keep the night from going any furtherBut that was impossible because Jessie was a light sleeper.Her voice ca
Anna’s POVThe door shut behind me. For a few seconds, I just stood there, staring at nothing, trying to make sense of why he never answered my question. The silence he left behind felt louder than the argument we had.My eyes drifted back to the closed door. Part of me wanted to storm back in and demand answers. Another part of me hoped he would come after me… say something....anything.But my feet decided for me.They moved on their own, carrying me down the hallway toward the elevator.The elevator doors slid open with a quiet chime.I stepped inside. The space was cold and empty, but better than being in the same room with Nathan Still. I hesitated, glancing at the hallway one last time.A small, foolish part of me hoped he would appear before the doors closed. He didn’tBut his words did “Daniela’s mother once worked at Pips”.Pips. I hadn’t thought about that place in years. It was a building tucked deep in downtown—part club, part guest house.People downtown were known for the
Nathans POV Anna didn’t move; she didn’t look away. For a moment, neither of us spoke. I steepled my fingers, resting them briefly against my lips, studying her… then slowly pushed myself to my feet. I walked toward her, closing the distance between us until we stood only inches apart. Anna, I called. Her breathing altered, barely noticeable Without thinking, I lifted my hand. My fingers brushed gently against her hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear as my hand moved to cup her face Soft and careful, as if she might break. she leaned into it rubbing her cheek with her eyes fluttered slightly, her body relaxing into the warmth of my touch… like she had forgotten everything else, forgotten the anger, and the tension waiting in this room, suddenly she pulled away and stepped back like my touch would burn her if she stayed there any longer I let my hand fall slowly to my side, watching her as she moved past me slightly, no longer within reach. That… hurt more tha
Annas POV Jessie looked at me, the kind of look that asked a lot of questions without words. I shook my head lightly, forcing a small smile, as if to say it’s nothing. But it wasn’t nothing. I hadn’t even told Jessie the truth about my life… not fully. And I didn’t know if I ever would. Some things carried too much shame. Some memories clung to you in ways that words couldn’t explain. Silence felt safer than explaining a past I was still trying to escape. My phone rang, Nathan. I picked it up immediately. Jessie brushed my arm in a gesture of solidarity, "I'll be at my station," as she walked past me I nodded, turning slightly away, needing the space as I brought the phone to my ear. “Anna.” The sound of my name with his voice gave me a sweet, tantalizing calmness “I called you earlier, I even came by your office, but you were in a meeting.” “Yes, I must have left my phone behind. That won’t happen again… especially when it’s you calling.” A small sound escaped







