Natalie was welcomed by overcast skies on Thursday morning, mirroring her gloomy mood. The growing conflict between her and Alexander escalated daily, but conversing with Karen made the issue stand out even more. During most of the morning, Natalie was in a state of confusion, carrying out her tasks without thinking, as thoughts of Alexander continuously occupied her mind.
While sitting at her desk, attempting to concentrate on a client proposal, the ringing phone interrupted her.
**Alexander:** "Plan to convene with the marketing team at 11. I need you to be here."
Another meeting. Another chance to be near him, exchanging meaningful glances and feeling the weight of their unspoken bond. With force, she dropped her phone onto the table and released a deep breath.
Still, while preparing for the day ahead, she found herself encountering a strange sensation of anticipation intertwined with the unease she was reluctant to acknowledge.
While in the meeting, Alexander remained cool and collected and participated in strategic talks with the marketing team as if everything were normal. Nevertheless, Natalie was more conscious of his existence than she had ever been previously. Every time he spoke, she found herself glancing at him, and when she expressed her thoughts, she was sure he was staring at her longer than needed.
That evening, Natalie and Karen enjoyed a meal at the charming restaurant they love, situated in the heart of the city. Sitting down, a relaxed vibe enveloped them, but Natalie noticed her friend's interest in Alexander.
Karen raised an eyebrow as she sipped her wine. "Have you been informed of any developments concerning the CEO?"
Natalie let out a breath, sliding her plate aside. Honestly, it is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook. Each time I believe I am capable of managing it, an occurrence arises, resulting in us experiencing these moments that seem... I have no idea, accused.
Karen hunched over. "In what way were they charged?"
Natalie paused. It feels like there is a connection between us. Both of us are aware of it, even though we are not vocalising it. I sense it whenever we are by ourselves. And I am aware that he also feels the same way.
Karen gazed at her with a more serious expression on her face. Nat, we are entering a risky area. If you proceed, you are putting everything on the line—your job, your career. You've put in too much effort to reach this point.
Natalie acknowledged, running her hand through her hair. "That is the reason why I have not taken any action." However, it's not as easy as simply steering clear of him. He is the one I report to at work. We collaborate on a daily basis.
Karen let out a sigh, her gaze becoming more gentle. I understand. But you have to determine your goals in this situation. If it's only physical attraction, it's okay, but if emotions are getting involved, you have to proceed with caution."
Natalie nodded, her mind in a whirl. Although she understood Karen's point, the boundaries between her professional and personal life were starting to blur, making it increasingly challenging to control her emotions.
After Karen left, later that night, Natalie sat on her couch with a glass of wine. This time, her thoughts wandered to her parents instead of Alexander.
She recalled their smiles and how they always supported her throughout her journey.
She had just completed her studies when the accident took them away from her existence.
A night like this one, rainy just as before, was when they drove back from a friend's dinner party. In an instant, everything changed when a truck skidded on the slippery road. She had received the phone call at midnight. She was devastated as her world fell apart.
Natalie had been their sole offspring, but now she was by herself. Alone in every possible way.
Without Karen, she wasn't certain how she would have managed to get through those initial months. Even after all this time, Natalie continued to depend on Karen's unwavering support and steadfastness.
Looking out the window, she took a deep breath, watching the rain begin to fall. She couldn't allow things to escalate with Alexander due to financial constraints. She had already suffered many losses in her life; she couldn't afford to lose her career as well.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Alexander was at his own house, holding his usual glass of whiskey. The sight from his penthouse was amazing, but he hardly paid attention to it this evening. He was not thinking about work for a change; his thoughts were elsewhere.
Natalie was the one it was with.
He quietly thought, "I didn't mean for things to escalate like this," as he closed his eyes and ran his finger through his hair.
Since she started working at Pierce Industries, he has been impressed by her strong work ethic and keen intellect. She stood out from the rest—more determined, more practical. However, at some point, his admiration transformed into a more intense feeling that he couldn't completely manage.
He was aware of the dangers. His career was established by his ability to control by keeping a specific distance from others. His family had instilled that idea in him since he was young—avoid getting too close; don't allow anyone to get too close. That's why they were very selective about his choice of spouse, always striving for a marriage that would enhance the family's image.
Fully aware that Natalie was not the kind of woman his parents would endorse. She was not part of their world. However, she was the sole individual who could stir any emotion within him.
The phone on the table next to him vibrated. The one who was his mother.
**Mother:** "We must have a discussion regarding the upcoming event. Have you made a decision on who you will bring?"
Alexander glared at the message, feeling a surge of annoyance rising within him. They constantly tried to encourage him to enter into a relationship with someone from high society, always urging him to commit to someone "appropriate," possibly Amelia.
However, Natalie was the only female occupying his mind.
The following day, Natalie made an effort to avoid drawing attention to herself, concentrating on her duties.
As the day came to a close, she almost managed to persuade herself that the upcoming weekend would provide the necessary solitude she craved. However, just as she was getting ready to depart for the day, her phone vibrated once more.
**Alexander:** "Remain here for a while. We must have a conversation about something."
She felt her heart lurch. She couldn't pinpoint it, but there was something unique about the tone of the message.
She collected her belongings and walked to Alexander's office, sensing that familiar anxious tension just below the surface.
Upon her entrance, he stood near the window with his back facing her, as city lights created long shadows in the room.
"Without turning around," he said quietly to Natalie.
"Can I help you?" Although her voice remained calm, internally she was far from steady.
There was a momentary pause in sound. Next, Alexander shifted his gaze towards her, his eyes meeting hers with a strong intensity that caused her heart to beat faster.
"I have been attempting to understand something," he murmured, his voice barely audible. I believe it is time for us to have a conversation.