Ella’s POV:
The elevator doors slid open with a quiet ding, and I stepped into the familiar lobby of Denco Group’s headquarters. It was one of those mornings where I felt a little lighter, a bit more optimistic about the day ahead.
Perhaps it was the quiet satisfaction of knowing I had done well on the last project, or maybe it was just the pleasant conversation I had with Karen on the way up. She was one of the few people who had been kind when I first started here, showing around, making sure I didn’t get lost in this maze of corporate power.
"Ella, how are you managing as the assistant to the Vice President?" Karen had asked with a knowing smile as we shared the elevator ride to the 27th floor.
I shrugged lightly, a small smile playing on my lips. "It’s a lot of work, but I’m managing. Mr. Weston has high expectations, but I’m learning a lot."
Karen nodded approvingly, her gaze warm. "He’s a tough one, but fair. You’re doing well, Ella. Just keep up the good work."
Her encouragent ant more to than she could know. We parted ways at the 27th floor, and I made my way to my desk.
Now, sitting at my desk, I focused on the steady rhythm of work, allowing it to calm my nerves. I could see Arec in his office through the glass wall, completely absorbed in his work. There was sothing about his intensity that was both intimidating and inspiring, and I found myself wanting to match that energy, to be soone he could rely on.
The morning flew by in a blur of emails, phone calls, and paperwork. Before I knew it, lunchti had arrived. I was just about to head to the company cafeteria when Arec’s voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Ella, do you have lunch plans?"
I looked up from my desk, his question took by surprise, and I hesitated. "I was just going to eat at the cafeteria," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.
"Why don’t you join ?" Arec suggested with a small smile. "We should celebrate the success of the project. You were a big part of it."
There was a part of that wanted to say no, to avoid the potential awkwardness of a one-on-one lunch with my boss.
I shouldn’t risk it, after what happens between us.
But there was another part, one that craved recognition, that wanted to be seen and acknowledged for my hard work.
"Alright," I agreed, returning his smile. "Let’s go."
The ride down the elevator was filled with a comfortable silence, a quiet that wasn’t awkward but rather soothing. Arec’s driver was already waiting for us at the entrance, and as I slid into the back seat, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitent. This was a far cry from my usual routine.
When we arrived at the restaurant, I was montarily taken aback by the sheer luxury of it all. The place was all soft lighting, polished marble, and the low hum of conversations among well-dressed patrons. It was the kind of place I’d only ever seen in magazines or movies, and for a brief mont, I felt out of place. But I quickly composed myself.
"This place is beautiful," I remarked casually, trying not to let my awe show.
Arec smiled. "It’s one of my favorites. The food is excellent. Go ahead and take a seat, I’ll just be a mont."
He gestured to a secluded table by the window before excusing himself to the restroom. I nodded and made my way over, weaving through the elegantly dressed patrons. Just as I reached the table, I felt soone bump into , hard enough to jolt off balance.
"Well, well, who do we have here?" a familiar, taunting voice drawled.
I turned, my stomach sinking as I ca face to face with Klaus. And standing beside him, clinging to his arm like so sort of trophy, was the woman I had caught him with.
I felt a wave of nausea rise up in my throat as mories of that night crashed over . The night I’d walked in on them together. The night my world had crumbled. But I couldn’t let them see how much this affected . I forced myself to stand tall, to et their cruel smirks with a calm, detached expression.
"Klaus," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside .
Klaus’ smirk widened as he took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Fancy seeing you here, Ella. I didn’t think you could afford a place like this."
His words dripped with sarcasm, each one a sharp barb ant to cut deep. I knew I could walk away, but sothing in wouldn’t let him have the satisfaction.
"What are you doing here, anyway?" Klaus continued, his tone mocking. "I know you can’t afford to buy anything in this restaurant."
I raised an eyebrow, refusing to let him get under my skin. "And you can?"
Klaus let out a harsh laugh, clearly pleased with himself. "You see, Mira’s uncle is Reginald Michael, the richest man in the world and the owner of this establishnt. So yeah, I think I have every bit of right to be here."
Speaking of being shaless...
Mira’s smug smile was like salt in a wound, her gaze full of disdain as she leaned into Klaus, showing off her new trophy.
I knew who Reginald Michael was, everyone did. He was practically a legend, his na synonymous with power and wealth. And now Klaus was flaunting his connection to him, as if that sohow elevated him above .
"So, you left because of her family’s riches?" The question slipped out before I could stop it, my voice more bitter than I intended.
Klaus’ smirk faltered, surprise flickering in his eyes. He hadn’t expected to be so blunt, to cut through his bravado with a simple truth. He stumbled over his words, his confidence montarily shaken.
"Shut up, you bitch," he spat, his face contorting with anger. "I love Mira for her personality. She actually gives attention, unlike you."
His words stung, but I refused to show it. I had given Klaus everything I had, only to be discarded when soone wealthier, more connected ca along. The realization of how little I had ant to him was like a punch to the gut, but I held my ground.
Mira, who had been standing silently by Klaus’s side, finally spoke up, her voice dripping with disdain. "You’re pathetic, you know that? Thinking you could keep soone like Klaus interested. You’re nothing but a joke, a sad little girl who can’t let go."
I felt the sting of her words like a slap, but I refused to let them see my pain. I stood there, frozen, as they continued to hurl insults and taunts at . Klaus’s eyes glead with malicious satisfaction, and Mira’s face twisted into a sneer that made my stomach churn.
Just when I thought I couldn’t take any more, I heard a familiar voice behind .
"What’s going on here?"
Arec’s voice was like a lifeline, pulling back from the edge of despair. I turned to see him standing a few feet away.
Reviews
All reviews (0)