Alexander
It's been hours since I got into bed but sleep refuses to come. I've been tossing, turning, staring at the ceiling like it has answers written on it.
My phone still glows faintly on the nightstand. That cursed conversation replays in my head, word for word.
For the first time in my life, someone I texted told me that I was a scammer. That I was using someone else's name. And worse, they threatened me not to try such a trick again.
I laughed. At myself. At the absurdity of it all. How cruelly ironic it is.
Of course, it was her. None other than her.
Even after these years, even when I had finally reached a point where the world bends to my will, she has the power to shake me with a few words.
The funny thing? She doesn't even know. She thinks the messages were some pathetic attempt at impersonation. She doesn't believe it's really me.
I shut my eyes, but her voice echoes in my mind anyway.
Don't use others' names.
I turn to the side, staring at the dark outline of the curtains. She's closer than ever, and yet farther than I can reach. But that will change. Sooner or later, she won't be able to escape me, because fate… or perhaps punishment… keeps dragging her right into my orbit.
And tomorrow, she's walking straight into the lion's den. My den.
Anastasia
Traffic. Always traffic.
Of all days, today I had to test my patience with an endless jam that stretched for kilometers. I had some errands to run; I wouldn't have caught this jam. By the time I reached the company, I was half-ready to crawl under my desk and hide.
Instead, I was greeted like some kind of celebrity. My team gathered, their faces bright with excitement.
"Chief Carter!" they chorused.
Oh! Right, I almost forgot I was promoted. New chief. New responsibilities. New headaches. Really a nightmare.
One of the girls grinned at me. "Did you hear? Everyone who got promoted is getting their own offices."
I blinked. "We already have offices."
"Not like these," she whispered dramatically. "Lavish. Grand. The kind that makes you feel like you own the place."
Great. Just what I needed…walls closing in on me instead of cubicles. This will be awesome.
We followed Theo as he proudly announced each person's new space. The group buzzed with excitement, envy, and congratulations.
And then… silence. Everyone turned to look at me. I raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Theo's voice cut through the air like a knife. "Miss Carter, your office is on the top floor."
I froze.
The top… floor?
The room collectively gasped, as he had just revealed I was secretly engaged to a royal prince. How I wish.
Rachel's jaw dropped. "What did you say?"
Theo didn't even flinch. "It's the only office that was vacant. A lucky coincidence, I suppose."
Lucky. Oh no. This wasn't luck. This was doom. My pulse thundered. "Can anyone exchange with me?"
Everyone: Nope.
Everyone but Rachel, who half-rose from her seat like she was about to volunteer as tribute. But Theo shut her down before she could finish.
"Everything is already in place," he said smoothly. "The CEO knows about the arrangement."
He knows?
Dead. I am officially dead.
Theo gave me a strange look. "Miss Carter, this way."
My legs moved on their own, dragging me behind him. And then… for the first time in three years, I stepped into the CEO's private elevator.
The ride was silent. Too silent. My nerves screamed at me with every floor we passed. By the time the doors opened, I was already imagining my obituary.
The top floor.
Theo led me through a gleaming hallway. Half of the space belonged to one man alone, the CEO. The other half? Two offices. Theo's and now… mine. Directly opposite the CEOs.
Why am I so unlucky? Or lucky because you have to see that wholesome handsomeness every day, it will brighten your soulless life. Zip it. Little devil, how can you be excited when we are in the lion's den? I was having a whole meeting with myself.
The office was immaculate, with tall glass windows overlooking the city, elegant furniture polished to perfection, and a brand-new assistant sitting outside with a professional smile.
"Your personal assistant," Theo announced like it was normal.
I barely heard him. My heart was still beating out of rhythm.
I forced myself to smile. I deserved this. I worked my ass off for years. Maybe this was fate rewarding me. Think of the brighter side.
I sat on the grand chair, spun once, trying to release the nerves. I was so lost in arranging things that I didn't realize I had company.
"Enjoying yourself?"
My stomach dropped.
I looked at the doorway.
And there he was.
Alexander Blackwell. Leaning casually against the doorframe, his dark eyes locked on me, a smirk tugging at his lips like he owned not just the building, but the very air I breathed.
God. Did he eat handsomeness for breakfast? If he did, I think he needs to share. I'm suddenly starving. Shut up!