Destiny's P.O.V
I have so much more to do today. It's already Monday noon, and the weight of everything feels like it's pressing down on my chest. The project for the new deal officially kicked off this morning, and I now understand why this company has been so successful for years—every detail, every deadline is meticulously planned. There's no room for slack. I appreciate the structure, but that doesn't make the workload any lighter.
When I arrived at my desk earlier today, a bouquet of fresh roses and a letter greeted me. A smile curled my lips the second I realized they were from Liam. He must have come in early just to place them there. The small, thoughtful gesture was undeniably sweet.
I brewed his favorite coffee as a thank-you and handed it to him when he passed by my desk.
"Thanks for the flowers," I said softly.
He gave me that familiar, easy smile. "Anytime, Destiny."
The warmth from that smile lingered through the rest of the morning, making the day seem a little less overwhelming.
***
By lunch, the cafeteria buzzed with chatter as employees shuffled in, but I found myself retreating to a quiet corner with my plate of food. I just needed some peace. Taking a deep breath, I picked up my spoon, hoping to savor the silence, but within moments, two familiar figures settled across from me: Alexis and Katie.
"Looks like someone forgot about us, Katie," Alexis teased, her tone dripping with mock sarcasm.
I let out a soft laugh, knowing exactly where this was going. "I didn't forget! There's just so much to do with this new project. I didn't have a second to breathe."
Katie smiled sympathetically. "We figured. It's been crazy for everyone. Don't mind Alexis. You know how she likes to stir things up."
"Oh, absolutely," I said with a grin, digging into my meal.
Then Alexis leaned forward, her mischievous expression sharpening. "But how was London? I mean, come on Liam never takes anyone with him on business trips. What's that about?"
Her words made me pause. It's true. He rarely takes anyone along on trips, so why had he insisted on bringing me? I cleared my throat and offered what little explanation I had. "Well, he said since I'm his PA now, I had to be there."
Alexis's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned back, crossing her arms knowingly. "Oh, now I get it..." she murmured, loud enough for me to hear.
"What?" I asked, narrowing my eyes in suspicion.
She gave me a sly smile. "Oh, nothing. Let's just say... some things are starting to make sense."
Katie shot Alexis a warning glance. "Don't start, Lex. Let the poor girl eat in peace."
We finished our lunch quickly, exchanging more banter, but that strange look Alexis gave me stayed in the back of my mind.
***
Later that afternoon, I was deeply absorbed in my work when I received a text from Alexis saying she was coming over. Moments later, she appeared, standing in front of my desk with a stack of documents in her hands.
"I need to get these signed by Liam," she said sweetly. "I know it's your job, but I need to discuss something with him anyway, so I'll take care of it."
I chuckled. "Sure, go ahead."
But before she could open the door to his office, I stopped her. "Wait, he's not back from the meeting yet. He should be here in fifteen, maybe twenty minutes. You can wait with me if you want."
She nodded and plopped down in the chair next to mine. Her expression was full of mischief again, and I braced myself for more questions.
"So... how was London?" she asked, picking up where we'd left off at lunch.
"It was good. We closed the deal faster than expected, in just two days," I said proudly.
Alexis tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm... and what about the third day?" she asked, feigning innocence.
I froze. The memory of that day flooded back, Liam and I, exploring London together, going to the amusement park and riding the London Eye. The two of us laughing, completely at ease, like the weight of the world didn't exist.
"I... we..." I stammered, trying to piece together an answer.
Alexis grinned like a cat that had caught a mouse. "Ohhh, so he *took you out*, huh?"
I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. "He... uh... yes, we went to the amusement park. And the London Eye," I mumbled.
Her eyes widened in shock. "*He* took you to the London Eye?!"
I nodded sheepishly, and she gasped dramatically. "Pinch me, Destiny! I need to know if I'm dreaming."
I rolled my eyes, but I did as she asked, pinching her lightly on the arm.
"Ouch! It's real!" she exclaimed, rubbing the spot with exaggerated pain.
She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "So... did you two kiss?"
My heart jumped to my throat. "N-No! Why would we... I mean, of course not!" I stammered, my face growing hotter by the second.
Before Alexis could tease me any further, Liam's voice rang out from behind us.
"What's going on here?"
We both shot up from our seats like kids caught misbehaving. Liam stood there, looking between us with a puzzled expression.
"I, uh, needed your signature on some documents," Alexis said, smirking. "And... I may have been asking Destiny some important questions."
Liam's brows furrowed, but he said nothing, walking into his office. Alexis threw me one last mischievous grin before following him inside.
"See you in a bit, Destiny!" she called over her shoulder.
I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept drifting back to that conversation. Why did Alexis seem so certain there was more between Liam and me? Was she seeing something I wasn't ready to admit?
After a few minutes, I realized I still needed Liam's signature on another file. I hesitated at his door, wondering if I'd be interrupting, but finally, I knocked.
Alexis opened the door with a wide grin. "All yours, Destiny," she said, stepping aside.
She threw a teasing glance over her shoulder as she added, "Liam, don't forget to enjoy yourself. And if you need advice... you know where to find me!"
"Alexis!" Liam barked, his face turning an impressive shade of red.
She laughed all the way to the elevator, leaving me standing awkwardly in the doorway. I stepped inside, clutching the file to my chest.
Liam cleared his throat, trying to recover his composure. "What do you need?"
"Just your signature on this," I said, handing him the file.
As he signed it, he accidentally knocked over the pen stand. Both of us bent down at the same time to pick everything up, and before I knew it, his hand was on my wrist.
In one swift motion, he pulled me onto his lap.
I gasped, my heart racing as his arms wrapped firmly around my waist.
"Liam—"
"Why did you hang up on me last night?" he murmured, his voice low against my ear.
I could feel the warmth of his breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
"You don't have to worry about me," I whispered, my voice shaky. "I know how to take care of myself."
His hand traced gently along my arm, his touch leaving a trail of goosebumps. My mind screamed at me to pull away, but my heart begged me to stay.
I closed my eyes, letting myself melt into him. His chin rested on my shoulder, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.
Just as his lips hovered inches from mine, a loud voice shattered the moment.
"What the fuck?!"
I jumped off Liam's lap, my heart hammering in my chest. Alex stood in the doorway, looking utterly shocked.
Mortified, I grabbed the file and bolted from the room.
I needed air. I needed space. And most of all, I needed to figure out what the hell was happening between me and Liam.