The day dragged on, my mind replaying yesterday's encounter with Lucas Dane and Alexander. Every time I thought of his protective gaze, my cheeks warmed. What was happening to me? I wasn't supposed to feel anything beyond the contract… and yet, I couldn't help it.
Later that afternoon, I received a message from Lucas:
"You seem distracted today. Coffee?"
I frowned. Of course he wouldn't let it go. Just as I was about to delete the message, a shadow fell over me.
"Who's that?" Alexander's voice was low, controlled, but with an edge that made my heart skip. He had appeared silently, as if he could read my every thought.
I froze. "No one," I lied quickly, shoving my phone into my bag.
Alexander's eyes narrowed. "You know I don't like secrets, Emilia."
My pulse quickened. He was standing so close that I could feel the warmth radiating off him. I swallowed, forcing myself to stay composed. "It's nothing," I murmured.
But it wasn't nothing. Lucas was trying to flirt. Alexander was… Alexander. His presence alone made my heart race.
Hours later, I caught a glimpse of him talking to someone outside the office. He laughed—a soft, private laugh I had never heard before. I blinked. That was not the cold, distant Alexander I knew.
And then it hit me—perhaps Alexander wasn't as untouchable as I thought. Perhaps… he had feelings he refused to show.
Before I could dwell on it, my phone buzzed. A colleague was reporting a small mishap with my parents' business—nothing major, but enough to spike my stress. I looked up, only to find Alexander's shadow looming near my desk.
"Everything okay?" he asked, his voice unusually gentle.
I blinked. His tone, his presence… it made me forget my worry, my stress, even Lucas. "Y-yes," I stammered.
Alexander leaned closer, resting a hand lightly on the back of my chair. "Remember," he murmured, "contracts aren't the only things that matter. I'm… watching out for you."
My heart skipped a beat. Watching out for me? Not just because of the contract… but because he wanted to?
I turned back to my work, trying not to dwell on it. But deep down, I knew something had shifted. This misunderstanding, this small jealousy, had opened a door I didn't think I'd ever unlock.