Sitting at her desk again, she attempted to immerse herself in the work once more. However, her thoughts consistently returned to Alexander. Dealing with him was becoming increasingly difficult with each interaction. The clear boundaries she had set between them were becoming less distinct, and she was uncertain how much more she could handle.
In the evening, Natalie completed the updated presentation. She sent it via email to Alexander, hesitating for a second with her fingers on the keyboard, contemplating whether to include a note. A personal matter. Something to disrupt the formal atmosphere that had dominated their communication. However, in the final moments, she chose not to. She opted for simplicity, ending with a brief statement, "Feel free to ask for anything else."
Tired yet unable to relax, she collected her belongings and exited the workplace, feeling the refreshing cool night air on her skin. While she moved closer to the parking garage, her phone vibrated inside her purse. She extracted it, her breath hitching as she noticed a message from Alexander.
"Thank you for the information." I will go over it this evening. Take a break, you've been putting in a lot of effort. —A. Pierce"
Natalie gazed at the screen, feeling her heart race at the straightforward message. It wasn't a lot, but it felt... unique. More intimate. The professional boundary they had been striving to uphold was starting to diminish, whether they acknowledged it or not.
As she drove home, she put her phone back in her bag, her mind racing with thoughts. The bright lights of the city blurred as she stared out the window, consumed by thoughts of Alexander. She had repeatedly reassured herself that she was capable of managing the situation, that she could maintain a strictly professional approach. However, she was starting to understand that it was no longer solely about him. It also pertained to her - her emotions, her longing, and the barriers she had constructed around herself for a prolonged period.
…
Alexander was on his way home when he gets a message from his father "already in your house, where are you?"
Oh gosh not now Alexander thought in his mind and a while he decided to reply "on my way"
"Son, you appear very overwhelmed." Victor exclaimed when he saw Alexander.
"Had a busy day at work." Alexander indicated for his father to explain why he had come.
Victor picked up on the clues and started to say, "Regarding the family gathering..." but Alexander interjected before he could complete his thought, saying, "I understand you're hoping I'll bring a guest."
Yes, and I presume you are aware of the individual we are thinking of. Amelia is ideal for this position. She was a good match for both the family and the business. Victor spoke sternly with a serious expression on his face.
Alexander, with a hint of anger, told his dad, "I have already informed you about my past relationship with Amelia." I have no desire to bring her.
"It's more than just your own desires, Alexander. The focus is on the future of the family. "We require stability and someone who comprehends our environment." Victor retaliated. The tension in the air is palpable.
I acknowledge that, however, I must be able to decide for myself. Alexander stated that he was not willing to retreat.
"I'm thinking of someone else." She may not come from the same social circles, but she holds significance in my life. Alexander thought to himself
"Alexander." Victor shouted bringing Alexander back for his thought.
"This is about me and I will make the decision, dad, excuse me." Alexander said and stormed out of the living room.
The following day, Natalie reached the office early, wishing to steer clear of Alexander until the day began. She required some time to refresh her mind, to concentrate on the last details for the investor pitch. However, upon her arrival at the office, a note was waiting for her on her desk. She felt her heart skip a beat upon seeing his recognizable handwriting.
"Natalie, I need you to stop by my office prior to the meeting." "We must address some final details quickly. —Alexander"
She gulped, attempting to calm her anxiety. She had to remember that it was simply a matter of business. Same as all their previous meetings. However, the pain in her chest indicated otherwise. She could no longer resist the strong attraction, and no matter how hard she attempted to suppress it, she was aware that everything would eventually reach a climax.
Upon her arrival at his office, Alexander was already sitting at his desk, with papers scattered in front of him. When she walked in, he glanced up with an unreadable expression on his face.
"Good morning," he said with a neutral tone in his voice. Shut the door.
After a brief pause, Natalie complied with his request, hearing the gentle sound of the door closing in the silent room. She went to his desk, attempting to overlook how her heart raced when she saw him.
"Last night, I examined the presentation," Alexander stated, with his gaze fixed on the papers before him. "It's firm." "Great work. You did a fantastic job."
"Thank you," she responded, her voice softer than usual. The tension remained thick between them, and she refrained from speaking further to avoid exposing her true emotions.
Alexander leaned back in his seat and finally made eye contact with her. Quietly, they looked at each other, with unexpressed ideas hanging in the tense air.
He started speaking to Natalie with a gentle, unsure tone in his voice. I've been thinking deeply.