Anastasia
The heavy double doors closed behind the CEO and his board members, and a ripple of chatter immediately filled the hall. The tension that had hung in the air during the presentation dissolved into laughter, congratulations, and the kind of light teasing that only comes after pressure lifts.
"Brilliant work, Ana!" one of my teammates clapped me on the back. "Teach us your ways before you get promoted out of our league."
Another grinned. "Yeah, at this rate, we'll all have to call you boss soon."
I laughed softly, cheeks heating. It wasn't just the relief of having survived the presentation; it was the recognition, the pride reflected in my team's eyes. For once, my quiet work in the background had taken center stage.
The chief approached me next, his expression warmer than I'd ever seen it. "Anastasia," he said, extending his hand, "you've made our department proud. Keep this up, and I see great things ahead for you."
His words sank deep, stirring something in my chest I hadn't felt in a long time, validation. I shook his hand firmly, thanking him, but before I could breathe in the moment, a sharp, lingering gaze cut across the room.
Rachel.
The Finance department's star, the so-called "beauty with brains." She was impossible to miss, with her glossy hair, sculpted features, and the entourage of coworkers who trailed her like satellites. My teammates followed her line of sight and muttered low warnings.
"Uh oh," one whispered. "Looks like Finance royalty isn't thrilled."
"Best keep out of her way, Ana," another added. "Rachel doesn't take kindly to… competition."
Before I could respond, she was already striding toward me, hips swaying in deliberate rhythm, her minions trailing behind like shadows.
"Well." Her voice held a smooth, yet cruel, cadence in equal measure. "Congratulations, Ms. Carter. Who would have thought someone so… invisible could pull this off? Quite the surprise, really. Almost like a fluke."
Her minions tittered behind her, feeding off her disdain.
I kept my expression neutral, letting her words wash over me. She leaned closer, lowering her voice so only I could hear.
"Don't get used to the attention. People like you don't last long in the spotlight. Leave the brilliance to those of us who actually belong here."
I listened. And listened. And kept listening. Her words sharpened, each jab meant to sting, but my father's voice echoed in my memory: Sometimes silence is the best answer.
I inhaled deeply, steadying myself. Then, with a calmness that seemed to irritate her more than any insult, I said, "Are you done? Because I actually have something important to do."
Her face flushed, eyes flashing with disbelief that I hadn't risen to her bait. I didn't wait for her reply. I gathered my things, ignored the whispers behind me, and walked out, each step lighter than the last.
I can be manipulative at times, and I am good at scheming, but only when necessary. We live in a world of webs of lies. Fifty percent of what a person says is lies, and the other thing. It doesn't hurt to be prepared or tactful.
As I exited the lobby, the buzz of the evening had dulled into a quieter hum. Relief washed over me. I just wanted to escape, go home, and sink into silence.
But fate had other plans.
As I pushed open the glass doors leading to the parking lot, I nearly collided with two very familiar figures.
Kyle the lawyer, aka Playboy. And beside him, the devil himself. Alexander.
I froze for a second, my pulse hitching. Of all times, of all places.
I tried to slip past unnoticed, but the universe clearly enjoyed mocking me.
"Well, if it isn't today's celebrity," a teasing voice rang out behind me. Kyle's, of course. He jogged forward, his grin as easy as ever. "May I introduce myself? Kyle."
I forced a polite smile, even though I already knew who he was. "Nice to meet you. I'm…"
"I know," he cut me off with a playful smirk. "Ms Carter, the star of the show. But I think Anastasia suits you better."
Heat crept up my neck. "Anastasia is fine."
He looked like he wanted to push the banter further, but Alexander's silent presence at his side made the air heavier, sharper. The CEO hadn't said a word yet, but I could feel his gaze static against my skin.
Kyle leaned casually against the hood of his sleek car. "We were just about to grab a hearty meal. How about you join us? My treat."
I hesitated, tempted for half a second, then shook my head. "I'll pass, thank you. I really need to sleep."
Kyle pouted theatrically. "Sleep? After a victory like that? That's criminal…"
"You can go, Ms Carter." Alexander's voice cut through, low and final.
I turned toward him. His expression was unreadable, but something flickered in his eyes. Permission. Dismissal. Maybe both. I don't care anyway.
I gave a small nod, grateful for the excuse, and slipped into my car.
Before starting the engine, I couldn't resist one last glance through the windshield.
Alexander leaned slightly toward Kyle, his mouth curving into something dangerously close to a smirk. "Your karma is catching up with you," he murmured, loud enough for me to catch.
Kyle groaned dramatically, running a hand through his hair. "Seriously? This is my first time being rejected. Bro, you're enjoying this way too much."
I bit back a laugh and quickly turned the key, the engine roaring to life. As I drove off into the day, their voices faded, but the lingering weight of Alexander's gaze stayed with me, stubborn and unshakable.