Natalie's heart quickened as she heard Alexander's drawn-out words.
"What message are you trying to get across?" Quietly, Natalie enquired, her voice barely audible, feeling the nervous energy buzzing beneath her skin.
Alexander paused for a moment, his gaze narrowing as he searched for the appropriate words. A heavy and expectant silence hung in the air between them. At last, he uttered words.
"You've changed things, Natalie," he murmured, speaking softly yet resolute. I was caught off guard, and I'm not sure how to handle the situation.
Natalie gasped in shock due to the silence in the room. This was not only related to work, but also involved the connection forming between them through exchanged looks and unspoken feelings.
Natalie began speaking, but she was unsure of how to reply. Although she wanted to keep her distance and retreat professionally, her instincts compelled her to withdraw, but a portion of her was reluctant to surrender and pushed back against the impulse.
"I acknowledge that this is difficult," Alexander commented as he moved away from the window and walked deliberately and precisely towards his desk. I can no longer overlook it.
Natalie recognised she was at a critical point as the words he spoke resonated with her. She had the option to leave, disregard the conversation, and maintain a professional connection. Alternatively, she could recognise the powerful bond that existed between them and the overwhelming strength she experienced whenever they were in close proximity.
However, right as she was ready to make a decision, the hallway was filled with the sound of footsteps, and surprisingly, there was a knock at the door.
Both of them pivoted; the magic of the moment shattered. Lucas, the assistant of Alexander, peeked his head in as the door slightly opened.
"Apologies for the interruption, Mr. Pierce, but the board is calling urgently," Lucas informed, shifting his gaze from Alexander to Natalie.
Alexander tightened his jaw in annoyance at the interruption, yet still gave a brief nod. "I will accept it shortly."
When Lucas vanished, the intensity of the discussion lifted, creating an eerie feeling of loose ends. Alexander glanced back at Natalie, his expression now impossible to decipher.
"We will resume this conversation at a later time," he stated, with a more cautious tone than previously.
Natalie nodded, appreciative of the break but also feeling oddly disturbed by it. As she walked back to her desk, her mind was racing after leaving his office.
The following day, Natalie awoke with an unshakeable restless energy. The talk she had with Alexander had made her uneasy, but it wasn't solely because of that. The situation was reaching a critical point between them. They had been avoiding their feelings for weeks, but now their attraction was becoming more apparent.
On Saturday morning, she dedicated her time to tidying up her apartment, in the hope that the simple chore would declutter her mind. Natalie grabbed her phone and asked Karen if she wanted to drink coffee.
"See you at our regular meeting place." Karen replied via text message.
Natalie smiled, thankful for the diversion. Perhaps spending time with her friend could assist her in navigating the turmoil she was experiencing.
Upon Natalie's arrival at the café, Karen was already sitting down and drinking her coffee. As soon as Natalie took a seat, Karen glanced at her knowingly.
"Go on, spill it," Karen urged, leaning in with a smile. "I can sense that something is not right."
Natalie let out a sigh while mixing her coffee. "The situation is difficult."
"Always with you," Karen playfully mocked, her tone positive and supportive.
Natalie paused briefly, uncertain about how much information to share. Karen had always been her go-to person, the one she could rely on for anything. She informed her of the events.
After hearing it, Karen's eyes widened, showing a mixture of shock and worry.
"Are you saying that your boss, the boss you've had feelings for, mentioned that you've 'altered' things between the two of you?" Karen enquired, reclining in her seat. "What happens next?" Did he really just leave it hanging?
Natalie gave a nod. "I'm unsure of what to do now." I mean, a part of me is aware that this is dangerous. He is the one I answer to at work. If this doesn't go as planned, it could destroy everything.
"What about?" Karen urged.
- Nevertheless... Natalie confessed with a barely audible voice that she couldn't stop thinking about him. Whenever I am with him, it feels like... I'm not sure, but there's this irresistible force that I can't resist.
Karen nodded, her demeanour turning solemn. Nat, you must be cautious. This is not simply a casual workplace romance. If you aren't cautious, it might backfire on you.
"I understand," Natalie remarked, running her fingers through her hair. "But I'm unsure how to put an end to it."
"Perhaps you don't have to put an end to it," Karen said, catching her off guard. Perhaps you simply need to determine your desires and position. If there is a deeper connection, you should understand your mutual direction.
Natalie pondered her choice of words. She couldn't determine if her feelings for Alexander went beyond attraction, but it was a sense she could no longer disregard.
The buzzing sound interrupted Natalie's thoughts as Karen's call came in.
"Urgent situation." Karen said with a sigh, "I need to leave, Nat. There's an emergency."
Natalie expressed sadness, saying, "But it's the weekend; I can't even spend some alone time with you."
Karen said, pursing her lips, "You're familiar with the way I work."
Natalie whispered to herself as she said goodbye to her friend, acknowledging that being a paramedic is challenging.
Alexander was present in an exclusive meeting with his parents.
Alexander originated from a well-off, influential family. The pieces were famous not only among business circles but also within high society. His dad, Victor Pierce, was a successful businessman who created the family's wealth from scratch, known for his incredible drive. Isabella, his mother, represented elegance, organising high-profile events that drew in the city's upper class. She used to be a socialite, always impeccably dressed, with an icy attitude that could alienate those who didn't meet her high expectations.
While they were talking about business like always, his thoughts continuously drifted back to Natalie.
"Alexander, are you paying attention?" Isabella's piercing voice broke through his thoughts.
He blinked and redirected his focus to the table. "Yes, I hear you."
His mother, constantly looking perfect, scowled at him. "We were having a conversation about your upcoming plans." You cannot continue to evade this.
"What are you referring to?" Alexander enquired, even though he was fully aware of the direction this conversation was heading.
"Marriage," his father interrupted. Alexander, you are not getting any younger. It is essential that you begin to contemplate your future with seriousness. The reputation of our family hinges on this.
Feeling the well-known burden of their hopes, Alexander tightened his jaw. For years, they had been encouraging him to get married, always thinking of a woman from their social circle, someone appropriate.
However, the only woman who currently consumed his mind was far from meeting their expectations.
"I will handle it," Alexander stated in a terse tone. "I don't want you to plan out my life."
His mother let out a deep sigh, showing obvious frustration. We are not attempting to organise anything, Alexander. Our sole aim is your well-being and happiness.
Alexander echoed, his empty voice asking, "What is the ideal choice for me?"
If they only had knowledge that the woman he was attracted to was the final person they would ever endorse.
The following day, Natalie came to work feeling uneasy. She understood she couldn't escape Alexander indefinitely, and following their incomplete discussion, she was uncertain about the outcome.
As she sat down at her desk, her phone vibrated with a notification.
Alexander: "There is a conversation we must have. I need you at my office within 15 minutes.
She experienced a feeling of anxiety in her stomach. She expected it, but she didn't feel ready.
A quarter of an hour later, she stood outside Alexander's office, her hand hovering over the door handle. She took a deep breath before knocking on the door.
"Come in," he said from inside.
When Alexander walked into the office, he was at his desk, but his attitude had shifted; he seemed more focused and serious now.
"Mentioning for her to sit down, he addressed Natalie."
She continued on, the tension in the atmosphere increasing with each passing moment.
"Thinking about what we talked about, there's something I want to share," Alexander mentioned, moving closer. "I need details on where you stand."
Her heart beat rapidly within her chest. "Where do I stand?"
"Certainly," he replied, his gaze brimming with intensity. I think I can no longer overlook our situation.
Natalie's breath caught in her throat. A tense vibe lingered between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts and emotions they had been disregarding for weeks.
Alexander inched closer, never breaking his gaze from hers. "Natalie, please tell me your thoughts." What do you want?