THE OTHER WOMAN
The office buzzed like a disturbed hive.
Whispers followed Elara the moment she stepped out of the elevator. She kept her head high, heels clicking confidently across the marble floor, even though her chest felt tight.
Serena Blackwood had arrived.
Everyone knew it before they saw her—designer perfume in the air, high-pitched laughter, entitlement trailing behind her like a crown.
"Elara."
That voice.
Elara turned slowly.
Serena stood near Lucien's office, arms folded, eyes sharp with judgment. She wore a fitted white dress, expensive and calculated—innocent but deadly.
"I heard you moved into Lucien's penthouse," Serena said sweetly.
Elara's heart skipped, but her face remained calm.
"I'm his assistant," she replied. "Work calls."
Serena laughed. "Work doesn't require overnight stays."
People nearby pretended not to listen—but they were.
Elara met her gaze. "If you have a problem, talk to him."
"Oh, I will," Serena smiled. "But first—"
She stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"Know your place."
Elara's lips curved. "Funny. I was just about to tell you the same thing."
Serena's eyes flashed. "You think you're special because you work close to him?"
"No," Elara replied calmly. "I think you're threatened because you don't."
The slap came without warning.
Gasps filled the room.
Elara's head snapped to the side, cheek burning.
Silence crashed.
Slowly, she turned back, eyes dark.
"You touched me," Elara said quietly.
Serena smirked. "What will you do? Cry to Lucien?"
Elara didn't raise her hand.
She raised her voice.
"Everyone here should know," she said coldly, "that Serena Blackwood just assaulted an employee."
Phones came out.
Lucien's office door flew open.
"What's going on?"
His gaze landed on Elara's red cheek.
Something dangerous flickered in his eyes.
"Serena," he said slowly. "Did you do this?"
She scoffed. "She provoked me."
Lucien stepped closer to Elara.
"Did you?" he asked her softly.
Elara shook her head. "I defended myself."
Silence.
Lucien turned to Serena.
"Apologize."
Her eyes widened. "Lucien—"
"Now."
Serena clenched her fists, humiliated.
"I'm sorry," she muttered.
Elara met her eyes.
"Louder."
Serena swallowed. "I'm sorry."
Lucien faced everyone.
"Get back to work."
The crowd dispersed.
Lucien leaned close to Elara.
"Come to my office."
Inside, the door shut.
"You shouldn't have let her hit you," he said quietly.
"I needed witnesses," Elara replied. "I'm not weak."
His gaze lingered on her cheek.
"You're reckless."
"And you like it," she shot back.
A ghost of a smile touched his lips.
"Be careful," he warned. "You're walking into a war."
Elara lifted her chin.
"Then I'll learn to fight."
Lucien stared at her for a long moment.
For the first time…
He looked impressed.