"Ms. Daniels, he'll be with you shortly," his secretary informed her, placing a glass of water in front of her.
"Thank you," she whispered, watching the secretary leave her alone in the bright, empty conference room.
The isolation felt unsettling, almost like she was awaiting an interrogation. Situated at the far end of the office, the room was separated from others by a thick glass wall, offering a clear view to outsiders.
Taking a sip of water, her gaze caught him approaching. As he drew nearer, she couldn't ignore the flutter in her heart—this was the man who had stolen it.
Despite lacking conventional handsomeness, he was attractive,his demeanor drew people in, especially women, and his wealth only added to his allure. Their eyes locked briefly, and in that timeless moment, she felt his gaze pierce through her. Her breath caught, heart pounding, his presence enveloping her until it faded into a cold stare.
"Did you come alone?" Alex asked, stepping into the room to find her seated in silence, unbuttoning his jacket he took a seat opposite her.
"Yes... why?" Her voice remained cool and composed.
"I expected you to have a representative or a lawyer," he remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Did he see her as weak, incapable of handling her own business? Besides, there was nothing to it—just her signature, and they would go their separate ways. Seeing as he was without a lawyer either, she was glad she hadn't brought one.
"I didn't think I needed one," she replied curtly, meeting his gaze squarely.
Alex's eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned back in his chair, folding his arms.
"Hmm," he murmured, tapping his fingers thoughtfully on the table.
"My request is straightforward, and I am perfectly capable of protecting my interests," she assured him.
Alex's lips twitched, almost forming a smile, but his expression remained inscrutable. He nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I will grant you the divorce," he finally declared, his unwavering gaze fixed on her, "but on one condition."
A smile tugged at the corner of her lips, quickly suppressed. Typical. How had she not seen this coming? Men like him hated to be without control.
"What condition?" she asked coolly, tilting her head slightly as she studied him across the table. She had anticipated something of this sort—it was classic him, trying to assert control even in the final moments of their marriage.
Leaning closer across the table, as if proximity would convey his message more effectively, he looked directly at her. "I want to give our marriage another chance," he declared, his voice firm yet tinged with a mix of longing and frustration.
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. This wasn't what she expected to hear. She turned his words over in her mind, a mix of excitement and doubt swirling within her.
He wouldn't offer this if there wasn't something in it for him. He was meticulous, never making a decision unless it benefited him somehow. She loved him, but as much as she longed to be with him again, it felt too good to be true.
"Why?" Uncertainty colored her tone. "You do realize we're here to dissolve our marriage, right?"
"I understand," he assured her, his voice softening slightly. "But I want a chance to redeem myself."
Their marriage had been built on a lie, doomed from the start. Despite her desire to have him by her side, she couldn't fathom how she could ever trust him again.
"It's not that simple," she countered. "I'm not sure I can just... forgive and forget."
His expression hardened at her words, but she held his gaze steadily. She needed him to understand that what lay ahead was more important than any games he might be trying to play.
"I'm not asking for forgiveness or for you to forget," he said, his tone resolute. "I'm asking you to give this marriage another chance."
For a moment, she almost thought she was going to get an apology, but of course, the almighty Alexander Sterling apologizes to no one.
It wasn't exactly too hard to do, go through whatever games he had already worked out as long as she got her freedom and the money she requested for.
"Is that all?" she responded, matching his gaze, so he would know she wasn't intimidated.
"You'll have to come back home," he insisted, his voice firm and resolute.
The shock on her face was palpable. "For what purpose would I be moving back to your house?"
"Our home," he corrected firmly before continuing.
"I believe we started off on the wrong foot," he said, his clasped hands flickering on the table to emphasize his point. "And I would like to explore every possibility of saving our marriage."
"Meaning?" She queried, hoping for something she knew wasn't likely.
"I'd like us to work on fixing our marriage... for the next three months," he finished slowly.
"Three months?" she whispered in shock and disbelief. He just kept dropping bombshells; he was clearly toying with her emotions.
"No," she replied firmly, turning to face him, her resolve evident. "I'm done."
"Okay then... I guess you're stuck with me," he retorted.
Despite her attempt to remain composed, she couldn't help but feel he held the upper hand, knowing all too well the power he had over her.
He moved to a large table adorned with bottles of wine and glasses, the faint clink of glassware breaking the silence. Pouring himself a drink, he took a substantial sip before pouring another glass and approaching her. He placed it in front of her seat before taking a place beside her, waiting for her decision.
"I don't understand... If you need redemption, why don't you just let us get on with the divorce and go our separate ways?" she asked, her voice sharp like the edge of a knife.
Alex sighed, the sound heavy in the quiet room. The scent of his cologne, woody and familiar, lingered in the air.
"For better or worse," he responded simply.
"Why give up on something with so much potential?" His hand gestured questioningly, his eyes caressing her as he cast a subtle yet suggestive glance at her.
She rolled her eyes, frustration simmering beneath the surface. The taste of bitterness was almost tangible on her tongue.
"Since when did you care about your vows?" Their marriage had been a whirlwind, one she thought was romantic and spontaneous, has now become a source of regret.
The only thing binding them was that piece of paper with their signatures and a stamp that officially bound them together.
His gaze remained steady, unyielding. "I admit my mistake," he said, sitting straight in his chair, the leather creaking softly.
His eyes locked with hers, a storm of determination in their depths. Yet his words caressed her skin, almost tender.
"Why now?" she queried, her voice tinged with a mix of anger and sorrow.
She'd been gone for almost two years; not once did he try to reach her or find her. The late afternoon light cast long shadows across the room, adding to the heaviness she felt.
"You had plenty of time to make amends when things were still salvageable."
"You left," he stated, his tone firm, almost echoing in the stillness.
"I left because you're selfish. I left because you care about no one but yourself. I left because you took me for a fool," she paused, her voice trembling.
The memory of the last words he spoke to her was heavy in her heart. "I left because I loved you, and you fooled me," but she dared not say that last part aloud.
"I never asked you to leave," he reinforced. He didn't see any reason why she had chosen to pack up and leave. He didn't try to find her because she had chosen to take that decision alone, just as he knew she would find her way back.
Frustrated, she stood up to distance herself from what sitting so close to him was doing to her. She could barely concentrate on what he was saying, instead fixated on his hard face emotionless yet his words were like knives going through her.
"One month" summoning the last of her resolve to attempt negotiation, but deep down, Rachel knew how futile it would be. Getting to his feet he made his way towards her leaving a reasonable but yet mind shattering distance towards her.
"Rachel, there's no negotiating" he declared, his words cutting through the air with finality. Her jaw clenched, but she maintained her resolve.
"Besides I think we both have unresolved issues to settle" as he casted her seductive glance that left goosebumps as his eyes moved over her.
"There isn't," she retorted firmly, meeting his gaze head-on but he could sense her uncertainty beneath all that wall she had built towards him.
"Are you sure?" he challenged,casting her a questionable and cold glance that sent shivers down her spine. His proximity unsettled her, but before she could react, his hands were cradling her face, his fingers tracing the curves of her cheeks, his breath caressing her skin.
"Alex!" she whispered weakly.
A tiny smirk forming across his face knowing fully well the emotions he was evoking within her,in a matter of seconds he had backed her against the wall.
His lips descended on hers in a long, sweet kiss, her body betraying her as her eyes closed, her senses surrendering to the familiar touch. The world around her melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the passion they once shared.
When he finally broke away, she muttered weakly, "What are you doing?" her voice laced with confusion and desire.
He said nothing as his hands continued to explore her skin,tracing the curves of her body, his fingers leaving trails of fire wherever they touched.
"Admit it," he whispered, his lips teasing hers, his eyes burning with intense desire. Gently cupping her buttocks he laid feathery kisses on every inch of her face as he whispered softly in her ears.
"Say it..." he whispered in her ears as he continued to tease her with his lips,his warm breath driving her crazy sending logic far away from her as her body continually responded to his every command.
With a surge of determination, she pushed him away, her heart pounding in her chest. "Stop!".
She hurried to the table, where the necessary paperwork lay waiting. Flipping over the document, she hastily scrawled her name across the dotted lines.
This had all been a game to him—a cruel manipulation that had ensnared her heart. She berated herself for ever believing that their time together had meant anything more to him than a means to an end.
Her fingers trembled as she signed, desperate to reclaim her dignity and freedom.Her legs felt like jelly as she struggled to compose herself, gathering her belongings she hurried out the door, away from him and the wreckage of her shattered illusions.
*****
Sitting in the living room, with the only light coming from the flickering television she wasn't actually watching, Rachel sat in the dark, lost in thought. The room was silent except for the low hum of the TV and the occasional chirping of crickets.
Her mind and body still reveled in the euphoria of his kiss, the taste of his lips lingering like a bittersweet memory.
She traced the ghostly echoes of his hands on her skin.
"What are you still doing up?" a voice said from behind her, Rachel's heart skipped a beat, snapping her back to the present. She glanced over to see Stacey, her friend, towering above the couch with a sleepy yet worried look in her eyes.
The soft light from the hallway cast a gentle glow on Stacey's face, highlighting the concern etched in her features.
"Did I wake you?" Rachel asked, glancing at the television set, worried it might have been too loud. Her voice was barely a whisper, as if speaking louder might shatter the fragile moment.
"No, no... just came down for a glass of water," Stacey replied warmly.
She walked around and settled beside Rachel on the couch, the cushions sinking slightly under her weight. The fabric of the couch was cool against Rachel's bare legs, a stark contrast to the warmth she felt from Stacey's presence.
"You know you can't hide the truth from him forever," Stacey said after a few moments of silence, each of them staring blankly at the moving pictures on the screen.
Rachel sighed, knowing her friend was right. "I know, but when we come to that bridge, I'll cross it," she said, trying to assure herself.
But she knew it was going to be hard to keep secrets, especially living with him under the same roof.
She feared how he'd react when he learned the truth, especially with his determination to seek justice for the accident.
Stacey seemed to have more to say to convince her, but seeing how Rachel shut that particular conversation down, she simply didn't want to push it.
She turned to face the television screen once more, leaning into the soft couch and adjusting the throw pillows to make herself comfortable.
"You know we can always find another way," Stacey said, her supportive gaze on Rachel .
Stacey's hand lightly touched Rachel's arm, the touch was warm, comforting, and brought a sense of reality back to Rachel's drifting thoughts.
Rachel forced a reassuring smile. "I know," she replied, her voice cracking slightly.
Stacey had been her steadfast support since she arrived in the city, offering a home and investing in her bakery business.
She knew Stacey would go all out to support her, but this was her cross to bear, and this was the easiest and fastest way to handle thing's asides gaining her freedom to explore other possibilities outside of him.
She ran her hands through her hair, the familiar motion calming her racing thoughts. The strands felt silky between her fingers, a small comfort in the turmoil of her mind. She leaned back against the couch, trying to anchor herself in the moment.
Alex Sterling didn't scare her; what worried her most was how he affected her. He knew it and seemed determined to use it to his advantage. The little display in his office was a stark reminder of why she was having second thoughts about going ahead with his idea of reconciliation.
Her nights were haunted by memories of his kiss, leaving her heart racing and her body drenched in sweat and burning desire.
Her days were filled with subtle reminders of him, no matter how hard she tried to forget.
She could fight him legally, but that wouldn't do her any good. Unlike him, she didn't have the luxury of having bloodthirsty lawyers at her beck and call.
Stacey turned to face Rachel before carefully making a suggestion.
"If he's trying for another chance, why don't you try to meet him halfway?" she asked gently.
Rachel frowned, her eyes questioning.
Stacey shrugged slightly, her expression conveying an I'm just saying sentiment.
"No, there's too much at stake," Rachel muttered, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Stacey leaned forward, her face softening with concern. "You can't just think that way," she said, trying to remain positive. "Maybe he's changed."
"He didn't want me then, what makes you think he'll want me after finding out?" The room fell silent again, the only sound the low hum of the television.
Rachel's heart was heavy with doubt, but Stacey's unwavering support gave her a glimmer of hope.
Rachel wanted to believe him, to believe that this wasn't just an act. But how could she be sure? Men like him hated being out of control; they liked to fix things. And once that was done, there was no guarantee he'd stay. She feared she'd be left broken all over again.
Rachel shook her head, frustration bubbling up inside her. "There's no maybe!" she said, her voice rising. "Why are you even supporting him after everything he's done?"
Stacey reached out and covered Rachel's hand with hers, her touch warm and reassuring."I'm not supporting him, Rachel. I'm supporting you. I just don't want you to close off every possibility for happiness because of what might happen."
Rachel's anger softened, her voice apologetic. "I didn't think you were." Her relationship with Alex was a sensitive subject that always hit some nerves.
Stacey squeezed her hand gently. "I do understand, more than you know. But sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith. Not for him, but for yourself. Maybe this time, things will be different."
Rachel looked down at their intertwined hands, feeling the weight of Stacey's words. Could she really take that risk again? Could she afford not to?
"I don't know if I can," Rachel whispered, her voice barely audible.
"You don't have to decide now," Stacey said softly. "Just think about it. And remember, I'm here for you, no matter what you choose."
She rose, fetching a glass of water from the kitchen and returning with a glint of excitement in her eyes.
"You could make him fall in love with you," Stacey said, plopping down on the couch again.
She gave Rachel a look that suggested she thought it was a real possibility.
Rachel chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, that's not possible," she replied, though Stacey's optimism was endearing. "And I don't want to live a life waiting for someone who may never change."
As tempting as that sounded, she knew it was something she couldn't do. The possibility that he wasn't capable of loving her was too heart-wrenching to put herself through.
"Alex is a different breed of man," she said, brushing the hilarious idea off.
He has lots of women at his beck and call, switching through them like clothes. Why didn't she see the red flags? She bet he treated all those other women the same way. She wondered if they were also as naive as she was to fall in love with him.
"And besides, I don't want to live a lonely and boring life," she finished off.
Stacey nudged her playfully. "You have me," she pointed out, pride in her tone. "And we can be lonely and boring together in his mansion, surrounded by Gucci and Prada," she joked, trying to lighten the mood.
A hard laugh erupted from Rachel at her friend's comment and how she came up with such ideas.
Stacey's confidence and adventurous spirit, despite her own rocky past, had always been a source of inspiration for Rachel. After her own tumultuous divorce, Stacey had thrown herself into life with renewed vigor, going on dates, and embracing every new experience. Her life was a whirlwind of excitement, and she never hesitated to share that joy with Rachel.
"You're hot, sexy, and intelligent." Stacey added, trying to lift her mood. "Besides, he's not invincible to Rachel's Magic," she finished off, wiggling her fingers in front of her.
Rachel couldn't help laughing at her friend's idea, blushing at her friend's compliment. It did feel good to be thought of that way.
"And if he is, it's not like you've not got men drooling all over you," Stacey chimed in, trying to remind her she's got options.
Stacey hadn't let Rachel have a moment of peace since she moved, always trying to set her up on dates. The men were nice and all good-looking, but somehow she just wasn't into it.
Rachel laughed, the tension easing slightly. "Okay, okay... you've made your point. Let's just go to bed." she said picking up the remote and turning of the television before any more ridiculous ideas popped into her head.
Stacey nodded in approval, but she could see that Rachel's thoughts were elsewhere, still tangled up with Alex.