Morning arrived sooner than Natalie had expected. Throughout the night, she had been constantly going over her chat with Karen, pondering whether her friend's assessment of Alexander's changing behavior was accurate or if she was simply overanalyzing the situation. While dressing, she attempted to rid him from her mind. She had tasks that needed to be completed and she required her concentration.
Walking into the office, she was welcomed by the typical sound of keyboards clicking and quiet conversations discussing deadlines. The day appeared to be typical—the hope was for no surprises. Sitting at her desk, she started reviewing her emails when her phone vibrated once more.
**Alexander:** *I require your presence in the meeting room at 10 for the presentation review. Get ready to talk about the updated forecasts.
Natalie let out a sigh as her heart unexpectedly thumped. Yesterday, she had only recently encountered him, but it felt as though she could not find any respite from being around him. She composed herself, reassuring herself that this was simply her job. However, deep inside, she understood that was not the sole factor causing her pulse to speed up.
She entered the meeting room promptly at 10 a.m. Alexander was already present, going through documents at the front of the table. He had a sharp suit and a powerful presence. Upon her arrival, he looked up and their eyes locked briefly, showing that familiar intensity where he seemed to perceive beyond just seeing his subordinate in front of him.
He greeted Natalie with a gesture to take a seat. "Let's review these figures."
Sitting in front of him, she spread out her notes. For the following hour, they carefully reviewed each slide, chart, and his manner remained professional, occasionally bordering on cold. However, there was a clear tension that could be perceived subtly. He would stare at her for a moment longer than necessary, his tone would become gentle when speaking directly to her, and every time their hands accidentally touched while exchanging papers, she felt a sudden jolt of energy.
The meeting concluded without any major issues, just a few slight changes needed. As she got up to go, Alexander once again spoke, halting her by the door. "Starting softly, he said, "Natalie, I value your dedication." I want you to understand that."
His sincere tone took her by surprise. She wasn't accustomed to receiving personal information from him, even if it pertained to work. "Thank you," she responded, sensing the gravity of his words more than she wanted to acknowledge.
In the evening, Natalie went back to her apartment and couldn't get Alexander's words out of her mind. How come receiving just a simple acknowledgment from him felt so heavy? She shook her head, attempting to concentrate on dinner as her phone vibrated. Karen sent a message.
**Karen:** *How is the boss doing?*
Natalie rolled her eyes but then smiled, swiftly typing a response.
*Natalie:* *As per usual.* Thoughtful and controlling.
Karen wasted no time in responding.
**Karen:** *Is it still warm?*
Natalie chuckled silently without giving a reply. Although she recognized Karen's teasing, there was a slight part of her that couldn't help but acknowledge the truth. She was beginning to develop feelings for him - a strong, inexplicable attraction that she couldn't control.
As she was about to throw her phone on the couch, a new message appeared. This time, Karen wasn't the one.
**Alexander:** *Well done today. The final revisions must be shown to me by tomorrow.
A regular work message caused a stir in her because he contacted her outside of business hours. After a brief pause, she looked at the screen and then quickly typed a brief response.
**Natalie:** *You will receive them before midday.*
There was nothing out of the ordinary, yet she couldn't ignore the sense that he was discovering additional excuses to remain in contact with her beyond the normal work hours.
While sitting on her bed holding a book, she found herself thinking about her parents. They had always been encouraging of her, motivating her to pursue her aspirations. The sudden loss of them had crushed her, and even after years, the pain remained.
Frequently, she pondered about their potential opinions of her current status: accomplished in her profession yet cautious in matters of the heart and connections.
Once again, her phone vibrated, interrupting her train of thought. The one who did it was Karen.
**Karen:** *On my way. We must have a conversation.
Natalie creased her forehead. Karen rarely made unannounced appearances unless she was troubled about something.
Fifteen minutes later, Natalie answered the doorbell to see Karen standing there with two bottles of wine, looking worried.
"You're not very skilled at concealing things, you're aware of that, right?" Karen stated as she pushed past her into the apartment.
Natalie closed and opened her eyes quickly. "What is it that you are explaining?"
Karen placed the wine on the counter before turning to confront her. "You." - "You." You're experiencing something, and I don't believe that everything is okay. Leak.
Natalie paused, defensively crossing her arms. "It is not a big deal." I've only been occupied with my job.
Karen squinted her eyes. "Are you occupied with work, or occupied with your boss?"
Natalie's cheeks turned red. "It is not as it seems."
"Isn't it?" Karen grabbed a glass and poured herself some wine into it. "Ever since the retreat, your behavior has been odd." "Something happened, correct?"
Natalie sighed, acknowledging that she couldn't indefinitely evade her friend's questions. "It's... complicated."
Karen drank her wine, waiting for Natalie to share more information.
Natalie admitted, as she sat down, that there had been a shift in Alexander. "It's no issue, simply..." I don't know. I'm not certain if the change in his behavior, showing more attention towards me, is just my imagination or if it's actually happening.
Karen raised a single eyebrow. How should I pay attention? "Is he demonstrating curiosity?"
Natalie lifted her hands up high. I don't know at all! Could it be? He continues to be just as careful as before, but I have a feeling that there could be more going on with him lately.
Karen shot her a look filled with understanding. "What is *your* perception of it?"
Natalie stopped briefly. I am not certain. You know, he is my boss. I need to avoid thinking about him in that way.
"Do you really love him?" "Karen inquired."
Natalie fell silent, her mind overwhelmed with thoughts she had tried to avoid.
"Is my love for him genuine?" She whispered without realizing it.
Unexpectedly, Karen inquired, 'Have you?'.
She denied it, but there was an unmistakable bond between her and Alexander. It wasn't just his eye contact or subtle movements, but the persistent thoughts of him that she couldn't get rid of, even though she knew she should.
She gave a disapproving look and replied, "No way, he's not my type at all, you know."
Karen moved to the front, her expression becoming serious. Nat, be careful. If this man is genuinely interested, you need to decide if it is worth taking the risk.
Natalie gave a nod to show that she agreed with her friend. The situation with Alexander and her was far from simple. Although she tried to push him out of her mind, he consistently pulled her towards him.
She questioned how much longer she could endure.
Alexander in his penthouse, staring at the city skyline. Again, his family was urging him to find an appropriate partner and tie the knot with someone who met their expectations for the Pierce family legacy. They didn't understand that it wasn't as easy for him.
Especially now, with Natalie on his mind more often than he wanted to admit.