After Work
The entire day felt endless.
Every second dragged.
Every glance lingered.
And one promise echoed in both their minds—
After work.
Isabella tried to focus, but it was impossible.
Her heart betrayed her every time she looked up—
Because he was already looking at her.
Waiting.
Alexander wasn't any better.
Meetings blurred.
Conversations meant nothing.
Because for once…
Work wasn't his priority.
She was.
Finally—
The clock struck closing time.
The office slowly emptied.
One by one, people left.
Until…
Only the two of them remained.
Isabella stood from her desk, her hands slightly trembling as she picked up her bag.
Before she could take a step—
"Isabella."
Her heart skipped.
She turned.
He was already walking toward her.
No distance.
No space.
Just him.
Standing right in front of her.
"You said after work," he reminded softly.
Her breath hitched. "I did…"
Silence fell.
But this time—
Neither of them pulled away.
"Do you want to leave?" he asked quietly.
It wasn't a command.
It was a choice.
Isabella looked up at him.
Really looked at him.
And slowly—
She shook her head.
"No."
That was all he needed.
He reached for her—gently this time.
One hand resting at her waist, the other brushing lightly against her cheek.
Slower.
Careful.
Like he was giving her time to stop him.
But she didn't.
He leaned in—
And kissed her.
This time…
It wasn't rushed.
It wasn't overwhelming.
It was soft.
Deep.
Intentional.
Isabella melted into him instantly, her hands gripping his shirt as her heart pounded wildly.
Everything felt different now.
Clearer.
Real.
When they pulled apart, their foreheads rested against each other.
Breathing uneven.
He didn't move away.
Didn't want to.
"This changes everything," he murmured.
"I know…" she whispered.
But there was no fear in her voice.
Only certainty.
He looked at her—really looked at her.
And for the first time—
There were no walls.
No distance.
No control.
"I don't do this," he admitted quietly.
"I know…" she said again, a small smile forming.
"But with you…"
He stopped.
But this time—
He didn't run from it.
"I don't want to stop."
Her heart fluttered.
"Then don't."
A faint smile touched his lips.
Rare.
Real.
He took her hand.
"Let me take you home."
She nodded softly. "Okay."
The car ride felt different now.
Closer.
Warmer.
Their hands brushed once…
And this time—
Neither of them pulled away.
When they arrived, Isabella stepped out slowly.
She turned back to him.
"Goodnight… Alexander."
He paused.
Her voice saying his name like that—
It did something to him.
"Goodnight, Isabella."
As she walked inside—
Nora was already waiting.
Of course she was.
"Well???" Nora demanded immediately.
Isabella tried to hide her smile.
Failed.
"Oh my God…" Nora gasped. "IT HAPPENED."
Isabella laughed softly, covering her face.
"Yes…"
Back in the car—
Alexander leaned back in his seat, exhaling slowly.
But this time—
He wasn't fighting it.
Because now—
There was no denying it anymore.
She wasn't just his assistant.
She wasn't just a distraction.
She was his.
And he was already too deep to turn back.