Steal My Heart, Mr Cole 의 모든 챕터: 챕터 41 - 챕터 47

Laura Sterling The elevator ride felt endless. Every second stretched longer than the last. I sat rigidly in my wheelchair, staring at the glowing numbers as they climbed higher while keeping my hands on my laps. I wasn't nervous, I just hated being in the same space as Amelia. Amelia’s perfume was sweet and expensive ...it filled the small space, making it harder to breathe. She was still clinging to Aaron’s arm like she belonged there, her body pressed against his side in a way that looked far too comfortable. I kept my hands folded tightly in my lap, nails digging into my palms. I refused to show how much it bothered me. *She’s just an old friend of his... ,* I repeated in my head. *Nothing more.* But the way she smiled up at him, the way her fingers kept stroking his arm… it made my stomach twist. Finally, the elevator dinged. The doors slid open on the executive floor. Aaron started pushing my wheelchair forward. I straightened my back, ready to face whatever wait

Laura SterlingI sat behind the large desk in my new office on the 28th floor, staring at the nameplate that read “Laura Cole as Strategic Advisor.” The words still felt strange, like they belonged to someone else. The office was modern and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Aaron had made sure everything was ready .... files neatly arranged, a new laptop, even a small vase of fresh flowers on the corner of the desk.This was my first official day back in the corporate world.I took a deep breath and opened the first file. My hands were still a little unsteady, but I forced myself to focus. I had missed this .. the structure, the purpose, the feeling of doing something meaningful again.A few minutes later, Aaron stepped into my office. He looked sharp in his dark suit, as always.“I have a meeting in ten minutes next door,” he said. “My office is right beside yours. If you need anything, just call me.”I nodded. “I’ll be fine.”He paused at the door, look

Laura SterlingAaron stayed with me for almost twenty minutes after my panic attack. He didn’t say much more about Amelia, but he kept one hand on my back, rubbing slow circles until my breathing finally evened out. When I finally sat up straight again, he crouched in front of my wheelchair, studying my face.“You sure you’re okay to stay?” he asked.I nodded, wiping the last traces of tears from my cheeks. “I didn’t come here to hide in your arms all day. I came to work.”He gave a small nod, but I could see the worry in his eyes. He stood up and adjusted his suit jacket.“I’ll be next door if you need me. Door’s open.”As soon as he left, I tried to throw myself into the files. For the next hour, I managed to review market reports and even made a few notes. It felt good — normal, almost. Like I was slowly getting pieces of myself back.Then my office door opened again.Amelia stepped inside, this time carrying a small box of pastries and wearing an innocent smile.“I brought peace