Adrian's POV
The sound of the slap was light.
Not enough to hurt but enough to make me let go.
My head turned slightly with it.
She pulled away from me at once, breathing hard. Her eyes burned as she stood up from my lap like she couldn't get away fast enough.
"Don't touch me again," she said sharply.
I looked at her and saw a cute angry bird.
She didn't wait for a reply. She turned and walked straight out of the room.
No apology.
Interesting.
Why did I do that? I don't know what came over me but I lost myself at the sight of her beautiful plum lips.
It's tempting.
I reached for my glass and took a slow sip, my eyes still on the door she had just walked through.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of my lips before I set the glass down.
Ten minutes later, I checked the time on my watch and frowned slightly.
"He's not here yet," I muttered under my breath.
I stood up, adjusted my cuff, and walked out.
The music hit me the moment I stepped back into the main floor.
As I made my way toward the exit, my eyes caught her.
She was already back at work.
She looked fine. Calm, collected, as if nothing had happened.
The car was already parked in the driveway waiting for me. I got in, and the driver drove off.
By the time we reached the mansion, the night was quiet. I stepped inside and went straight to the house.
"Good evening, sir," the maid greeted.
"Where is Sophie?" I asked.
"She waited for you," she said gently. "But she fell asleep."
I nodded once and headed upstairs.
Her door was slightly open. I pushed it wider and stepped in.
She was curled up on the bed, fast asleep, one arm wrapped around her pillow.
I walked over, pulled the blanket properly over her, and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"Good night baby," I said quietly, pressing a light kiss to her forehead.
I turned and left the room.
My room was dark when I entered.
I loosened my tie as I walked in, then took it off completely along with my jacket and dropped both on the bed.
A glass sat on the bedside table. I picked it up and took a small sip before heading toward the inner door.
I pushed it open and stepped inside. The lights came on automatically.
I didn't bother with anything else. I walked straight to the wall and sank on the floor, my back resting against the bed frame.
My eyes lifted and settled on her.
The picture took up most of the wall. A woman, smiling softly, frozen in a moment that no longer existed.
I stared at it in silence.
Then, after a while, I let out a quiet breath.
"It hurt just like yesterday," I murmured as tears slid down my cheeks.
****
Elena's POV
"Crap… I'm late for my interview."
I grabbed my bag and checked the time again just to be sure.
"Of all days," I muttered, rushing out of my room.
I barely made it halfway down the stairs before Drake appeared out of nowhere.
"Hey—"
Before I could finish, he pushed a piece of toast into my mouth and shoved a bottle of water into my hand.
"Mmph—Drake!"
"Eat," he said simply.
"I don't have time for this," I tried to say, but it came out muffled.
"You do," he replied.
I chewed quickly, glaring at him.
"You're unbelievable."
"And you'd pass out without me," he shot back.
I swallowed and took a quick sip of water.
"You're the best brother ever. You know that, right?"
"Of course," he said with a grin.
I turned toward the door.
"Don't be late for school!"
"Same to you!" he called after me.
I waved without looking back and rushed out.
I made it. I got to the company 20 minutes before the interview time.
The waiting room was quieter than I expected.
I paused at the door and looked around. Just three of us. I walked in slowly and took a seat.
"Only three?" one of the ladies asked.
"Looks like it," the other replied.
I leaned back slightly, studying the room.
"The CEO will be conducting the interviews personally," A female worker announced.
My brows lifted. The CEO?
The door opened.
"Miss Becket?"
I stood up immediately.
"That's me."
"Please, go in."
I adjusted my bag and walked toward the office.
The door felt heavier than it should have as I pushed it open.
I stepped in and found him already seated.
Victor Hale. The CEO of Hale Group.
Even before he spoke, I could tell the kind of man he was. Calm. Confident. Or maybe I was just assuming.
"Sit," he said.
I did.
He picked up my file and glanced through it.
"Impressive," he said.
"Thank you."
His eyes lifted to mine.
Then slowly… they moved from my face to somewhere else.
This man was assessing me, and I didn't like it. I straightened slightly, feeling uncomfortable.
He stood up from his seat and circled the desk slowly, closing the space between us.
Too close.
"You're more beautiful in person," he said, leaning on the edge of his desk.
I met his eyes, every instinct screaming that he was about to cross a line he would regret.
"This job requires… closeness," he continued, his voice low. "Understanding and loyalty."
Before I could react, he dragged the chair closer, and his hands moved to my chest, fumbling with the top button of my blouse.
If he touched me one more time, he would hate himself.
"Let me have you, and the job is yours," he whispered, still pressing against me, fingers brushing the fabric.
I couldn't hold back a smirk.
Then my hand shot out.
SLAP.
The sound cracked through the office.
He froze, eyes wide, hand hovering mid-air.