Chapter 14: Back to Reality
The familiar scent of rain-soaked streets greeted Auri as she stepped off the plane and back into her hometown. The city had changed little in the months she had been away, yet she felt different. She was refreshed, untamed, and determined to reclaim the life she had paused for a vacation.
No distractions, no complications, she whispered to herself as she hailed a cab. Just me, my career, and my life.
Auri smiled to herself, thinking back to the islands, the boat rides, the late-night swims, and the bar at the resort. Memories of Dante, the heated confrontations, and Olivia's kind smile lingered faintly—but she shoved them aside. Her vacation had been a chapter of freedom, exploration, and self-discovery. Now it was time to return to reality.
Her new apartment welcomed her with quiet familiarity. Sunlight streamed through the windows, dust motes floating lazily in the morning light. She unpacked her bags methodically, each item a reminder that she was back in control.
Her phone buzzed with a notification from a professional job portal she had applied to weeks before: "Congratulations! You have been shortlisted for the Secretary position at Sterling Enterprises."
Auri's heart leapt with excitement. Sterling Enterprises was a well-known company, respected and influential. She had dreamed of landing a role like this—where her skills, intelligence, and tenacity could shine.
This is perfect, she thought. Time to focus on my career.
Three months later, Auri's life had settled into a comfortable rhythm. She wore crisp blouses, perfectly pressed skirts, and her hair neatly tied back in a professional bun. Her desk at Sterling Enterprises was spotless, her calendar organized, and her work ethic impeccable.
Today was especially exciting: she would finally meet her new boss. Auri had heard whispers around the office about his reputation—sharp, demanding, yet fair—and she was eager to make a good impression.
The moment she entered the executive floor, her heart skipped a beat. Standing at the head of the glass-walled office was none other than Adrian—the same charming, teasing man she had met at the resort months ago. He looked exactly the same, confident and poised, yet something in his eyes softened when he saw her.
"Auri?" he asked, stepping forward.
"Adrian…" Auri breathed, a mixture of surprise and delight warming her chest. "I didn't expect… here?"
He laughed, that familiar grin lighting up his face. "Looks like fate has a sense of humor. Welcome to Sterling Enterprises. I hear you're our new secretary."
Auri smiled brightly. "Yes, sir. I'll do my best."
Adrian's eyes twinkled. "I'm sure you will. You always do."
Their conversation flowed naturally, laughter and easy banter filling the space between professionalism. They reminisced briefly about the resort, exchanged playful remarks, and shared updates about life since the vacation. Despite her position as his secretary, Auri felt a thrill at the familiarity, at the connection that had remained even after months apart.
Before she returned to her desk, Adrian leaned closer. "Here," he said, handing her a small slip of paper. "Number. Call or text anytime—professional or not. I'd love to catch up."
Auri's fingers brushed his briefly as she took the paper, heart fluttering. "Thank you," she said softly, smiling. "I'll keep it professional… mostly."
Adrian chuckled, eyes sparkling. "Mostly, huh? I like the sound of that."
Back at her desk, Auri placed the number in her drawer, trying to focus on the mountain of paperwork before her. Yet she couldn't help but steal glances toward Adrian's office, watching him handle client calls, draft contracts, and move with the ease of a man in control.
This is my life now, she reminded herself, closing her laptop momentarily. Career, independence, and freedom. No vacations, no distractions… no Dante.
Despite the professional environment, Auri found herself enjoying the presence of Adrian. He was attentive, easy to talk to, and surprisingly kind in a way that made her smile even during long, tedious tasks. They shared lunch breaks, brief chats in the hallway, and inside jokes that reminded her of their vacation camaraderie.
Yet she was careful—maintaining boundaries, keeping the professional tone intact. After all, he was her boss.
As the days passed, the routine of work settled into a comforting rhythm. Auri excelled in her duties, gaining the respect of her colleagues and the attention of Adrian, who seemed increasingly impressed by her competence and charm.
One afternoon, Adrian approached her desk with a small stack of documents. "Looks like you've been busy," he said, leaning slightly against the edge of her workspace.
Auri looked up, smiling politely. "Just trying to stay on top of things."
Adrian smiled back, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "Well, you're doing an excellent job. Sterling is lucky to have you."
Her cheeks warmed, but she quickly returned to sorting the documents. Focus, Auri. Focus on work. This is reality now. Not a vacation, not a fling. Just your career.
Evenings found Auri returning to her apartment, curling up with a book, reflecting on the past months. The memories of Dante and the resort were still there—sweet, dangerous, and intoxicating—but she had distanced herself. She reminded herself daily why she had returned: to reclaim her independence, to enjoy life on her own terms, and to grow in her career.
Yet deep down, she knew that the quiet moments, the unexpected interactions with Adrian, and the lingering memories of the man she had left behind would complicate her carefully constructed reality sooner or later.