All Chapters of Fated love: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

‎As the meeting came to a close, the air in the room seemed to hang heavy with the tension of the discussions that had just transpired. Edward, his face set in a grim expression, rose abruptly from his seat. Without saying a word, he strode quickly toward the door, his steps quick and purposeful, as if he had no time to waste. His demeanor was far from pleasant, and it was clear that whatever had been discussed had left him in a foul mood. The weight of his frustration seemed to settle around him like a cloud, and yet, despite his dark mood, something else lingered in his mind.‎‎He was eager to see her, the naughty girl, his thoughts immediately drifting toward her mischievous smile and playful energy. He could already feel the familiar warmth of anticipation rising within him. It was strange, though, how the thought of her could shift his mood so quickly. As he hurried toward the elevator, a faint, unintentional smile tugged at the corner of his lips. It wasn’t big, not a full expr

‎"Good morning, sir. I'm here for the CEO assistant position," she said, her voice steady but her smile tinged with awkwardness. She avoided his eyes, unsure of how to meet his gaze directly. The office suddenly felt much smaller, the air heavier with the weight of unspoken familiarity.‎‎He observed her closely, noting the nervous flutter in her manner and the way she pretended not to recognize him. It made him chuckle quietly to himself. The irony wasn’t lost on him, after everything, she was now standing before him, trying to act like they were strangers.‎‎"You don’t need to feel awkward," he said, his tone calm, laced with a hint of reassurance. "Whatever happened outside these walls stays outside. Let's keep things professional and get started."‎‎He didn’t want to tease her, although the temptation was there. He could see the embarrassment etched across her face, and he figured sparing her dignity was the kindest thing he could do.‎‎"Okay, sir," she replied, her shoulders

‎His hand found her waist, drawing her closer. The space between them disappeared.‎‎“Then let’s not pretend anymore,” he murmured, his lips brushing hers, a question, not a demand.‎‎She answered with a kiss, slow, deep, and full of everything they’d both been holding back. The city hummed outside the windows, but in that moment, the only world that existed was the one they created between them.‎‎The kiss deepened, slow and intoxicating. Ryan’s hands slipped around Cleo’s waist, drawing her tightly against him. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling slightly, a wordless encouragement.‎‎“You’ve been driving me insane for weeks,” he murmured against her lips. “Walking in here like temptation in heels.”‎‎Cleo laughed softly, breathless, her eyes dark with desire. “You think I didn’t notice you watching me all the time? The way your eyes follow me, like you’re trying to figure out what I taste like.”‎‎He growled low in his throat, the sound vibrating against her skin as he ki

‎Meanwhile, Cleo had just arrived home, expecting to see her friend Claire, who had gone for a job interview earlier that morning. To her surprise, the house was quiet and empty.‎‎“She’s still not back?” Cleo muttered to herself, a little concerned. She dropped her bag onto the couch in the sitting room and pulled out her phone from it, dialing Claire's number immediately.‎‎In a different setting, Claire was at her office desk when her phone lit up with Cleo’s name flashing on the screen.‎‎“This girl,” Claire said with a small chuckle, reaching for the phone.‎‎“Hey, what’s up?” she greeted, smiling as she answered the call.‎‎“I just got home now and didn’t see you anywhere,” Cleo said, her voice slightly anxious. “Are you okay?”‎‎“I’m fine, I should—” Claire began to respond, but she didn’t get the chance to finish. A sudden knock on her office door caught her off guard.‎‎Surprised, she glanced at the door. “Hey babe, I’ll call you back later,” she said quickly, ending t

‎“Cleo, you have a boyfriend now,” Claire said teasingly, her eyes fixed on Cleo’s phone screen as it lit up with an incoming call. She arched a playful brow when she saw the caller ID simply read Ryan. The screen showed Cleo's hand hovering over the answer button, hesitating just slightly.‎‎Cleo glanced at the display, then back at Claire. “That’s my boss,” she replied in a quieter tone, as if the words themselves carried more weight than she wanted to admit.‎‎Claire tilted her head, giving her friend a knowing look. “Uh-huh. Boss, sure.”‎‎Cleo rolled her eyes but said nothing as she answered the call. Her voice shifted into a more professional cadence. “Hello, sir. Hope you’re doing well?”‎‎Ryan's voice came through the speaker, low and noticeably weaker than usual. “Hey, Cleo…”‎‎She frowned instantly, the concern rising in her chest. He sounded even more drained than he had looked earlier that day in the office, dazed, unfocused, pale. Something was off.‎‎“You don’t sou