Ethan couldn't breathe.
The woman standing in front of him… looked like Nora.
But it couldn't be her.
Not the same girl who stood trembling at the altar three months ago.
This woman was different, Stronger, Colder and more dangerous.
"Miss Nora," she said calmly, extending her hand. "I believe we have a meeting."
Ethan stared at her hand but didn't take it.
"You disappeared," he said instead, his voice low.
Without a word, Nora slowly withdrew her hand, unbothered.
"I didn't realize I needed permission to leave," she replied, her tone was sharp but controlled and professional.
That irritated him even more.
"You think you can just walk back in here like nothing happened?" he asked.
Nora tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a faint smile.
"Oh, something definitely happened," she said softly. "You rejected me, remember?"
The words hit harder than he expected.
Before he could respond, the door opened again.
A tall man stepped in.
Dark suit, Calm expression, Powerful presence.
The entire room shifted.
"Sorry I'm late," he said, his deep voice smooth and commanding.
Nora turned to him and for the first time, her expression softened.
"Perfect timing," she said.
Ethan's eyes narrowed.
"Who is he?" he demanded.
The man stepped forward, standing beside Nora like he belonged there.
"I'm Alexander," he said simply. "Her fiancé."
Silence, Heavy, Deadly...
Ethan's heart dropped.
"…What?"
Nora smiled.
And this time, it wasn't kind.