The weekend getaway was coming to a close, yet Natalie couldn't help but feel that something had changed between her and Alexander. Following the scavenger hunt, they went back to their typical positions: him with his distant, commanding CEO demeanour and she as the practical assistant. Still, there was a silent tension that persisted between them, something that neither could completely overlook.
Sunday morning came with a shiny, cloudless sky, the fresh mountain air invigorating after a restless night. The last day of the retreat was meant to be relaxing—a final group activity before returning to the city. Natalie intended to go about her day as usual, stay low-key, and go back to work without thinking too much about the odd weekend she had experienced. However, upon entering the common room, she discovered Alexander standing alone near the window, looking out at the extensive forest with his back turned towards her.
For a change, he wore a basic black sweater and jeans in a casual style, but he still exuded the aura of a billionaire CEO. Although his stance remained stiff, there was a noticeable change in him today. He appeared... far off. More than ever before.
Natalie briefly thought about leaving him so he could muse undisturbed. However, his still and silent stance caused her to hesitate. Despite her misgivings, she approached him and stood next to him.
"You're awake early, "she whispered, shattering the quietness.
He looked at her quickly, his face impossible to interpret. "I was unable to fall asleep."
"I also don't," she admitted as she looked out of the window at the faraway rolling hills. I find the fresh air to be too much for me. I am used to living in cities.
Taking his time, Alexander waited before responding. Still, he gazed at the horizon, his eyes seeming distant, lost in thought.
He whispered softly that he respects those who can live in such a way. People who are unconcerned about constant surveillance by the world.
Natalie was surprised by the vulnerability she saw in him. This was not the Alexander Pierce she knew—the confident, arrogant leader who demanded people's focus everywhere he went. This individual was entirely changed. Despite their wealth and power, the individual seemed a bit isolated and alone.
"You chose this way," she murmured, trying to understand. You built Pierce Industries from the ground up. "You rank among the most impactful individuals on a worldwide scale."
"He softly murmured that isolation comes with that power," he replied. "Natalie, I am not perceived by people." They are watching the billionaire. The heading. The circumstances. No one looks beyond that.
His words hung in the atmosphere, brimming with unspoken importance. Natalie didn't know what to say. Prior to this, she had never viewed Alexander in such a way—as someone who might be lonely while carrying the weight of his accomplishments. He always seemed self-assured and unreadable. However, right now, standing beside him, she was able to see the weaknesses in his defenses. The first realization occurred when she saw that Alexander Pierce was not as invincible as she had originally thought.
Softly, she enquired the reason for sharing this with her, heart pounding.
His penetrating blue-eyed gaze shifted in her direction. Since you're the first person in a long time who isn't intimidated by me.
Natalie paused, unsure of how to respond. His words held a weightiness, a depth she had not expected. She consistently felt proud of her skill in handling difficult personalities and not letting influential people intimidate her. Nevertheless, this was different. This focused on establishing connections rather than displaying power or control.
She took a moment before choosing her words carefully and said, "I have no cause to be afraid of you." "You are undeniably testing." Dominating, arrogant, and forceful. "She said she isn't afraid of you."
There was a pause of silence as Alexander gazed into her eyes, as if trying to unravel a puzzle. Unexpectedly, he let out a quiet chuckle, his laughter tinged with a hint of bitterness.
"He shook his head, stating that most people wouldn't have the courage to speak those words to him face-to-face." "They might be too afraid of losing their employment, or something even more severe."
"I am not like most people," she replied confidently.
"No," he said in a contemplative tone. "You're not."
They stayed silent for a while longer, sensing the dense tension between them that was not uncomfortable. Natalie began to see a new side of Alexander, uncovering his human nature beneath his assertive and controlling facade.
As the situation was beginning to quiet down, their colleagues walked into the common room, breaking the peaceful silence with their laughter and chatter. Natalie immediately stepped away, distancing herself from Alexander, and he seemed to also withdraw, rebuilding the walls as quickly as they had collapsed.
With a positive attitude, the facilitator eagerly proposed starting the last activity, appearing oblivious to the nervous atmosphere in the room.
The leader assembled the team in a circular formation and went over the last task, which was a trust-building exercise as everyone had anticipated. Natalie let out a groan upon hearing the instructions. The assignment required them to team up once more, but with one person blindfolded and the other guiding them through an obstacle course.
Natalie was paired with Alexander once more by coincidence. She couldn't decide if the universe was teasing her or setting up their meeting for a reason.
"Sarcastically, she said, "I'm entrusting you with this," as she handed him the blindfold.
Alexander had a cunning grin. "I will put all my efforts into stopping you from falling."
She gently touched his skin with her fingers while she covered his eyes with the blindfold. Despite feeling her heart rate rise from the touch, she forced herself to focus. This was just a joint project, nothing more. She couldn't afford to be distracted.
While guiding him through the track and offering small tips to manoeuvre around obstacles, she observed his calm demeanour. For once, Alexander was not the one in charge—he had to depend on her entirely. However, he was not opposing. He had faith in her.
Upon finishing the race, she removed the blindfold, and their gazes briefly connected. This time, his gaze held a softer, more open quality that was different from before. He was finally showing vulnerability to her, as though it was a new experience for him.
"Thank you," he whispered softly, his voice genuine.
Natalie beamed as she sensed the unusual bond between them strengthening. "At any moment."
As the day progressed and the retreat finished, Natalie couldn't help but dwell on the change that had taken place between them. It was slight, yet unquestionable. Alexander Pierce, the man known for his aloofness, began to open up to her.
However, while they were getting ready to return to the city, Natalie couldn't rid herself of the sense that this was only the start. The situation between them was far from being resolved, whatever it may have been. She felt a mix of excitement and fear due to him being completely different from her ideal man.