Melanie Scott prided herself on her ability to strategize, not just in business but in life. After weeks of constant battles with Rhys Edwards, she decided she needed to regroup and regain control of her emotions and focus. Fighting him head-on was exhausting, and she knew it was time to change the rules of the game.
Sitting in her penthouse, the view of the city sparkling below her, Melanie sipped her wine and scrolled through her calendar. It was packed with meetings, conferences, and presentations for the next few weeks, but nothing that couldn't be delegated. For once, she wanted to do something for herself. Something that didn't involve Rhys or their cold war.
An idea struck her, and a sly smile played on her lips. "Let's see how he handles silence," she murmured.
The next day, Melanie instructed Dana to clear her schedule for a month. She didn't give a reason, and Dana didn't ask, though her eyes widened in surprise.
"Are you okay, ma'am?" Dana asked tentatively.
"I'm fine, Dana," Melanie replied with a calm confidence. "Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words."
Dana nodded, not entirely understanding but trusting Melanie's judgment.
---
Two days later, Rhys Edwards strode into his office, his dark suit perfectly tailored, and his presence commanding as always. His assistant, Ian, followed him closely, rattling off updates and schedules.
"Any news on Melanie Scott?" Rhys asked abruptly, interrupting Ian's report.
Ian paused, caught off guard. "Uh, actually, sir… she's gone quiet."
Rhys stopped in his tracks, turning to face Ian. "What do you mean, quiet?"
"She's canceled all her meetings and hasn't been seen in the office for two days. Word is she's taken a vacation, but no one knows where."
Rhys's jaw tightened, and his brow furrowed. "Vacation?"
"Yes, sir. A full month, from what I've heard."
A mix of confusion and annoyance flickered across Rhys's face. Melanie Scott didn't strike him as the type to take impromptu vacations. She thrived on being present, controlling every aspect of her business. The thought of her suddenly disappearing felt… unsettling.
He dismissed Ian with a wave and sat at his desk, staring at the skyline. A vacation, he thought. Was this her way of conceding defeat? Or was she plotting something? Either way, the silence was maddening.
---
Meanwhile, Melanie was lounging on the pristine beaches of the Maldives, the sun warming her skin and the sound of waves crashing in the background. She'd chosen the location for its seclusion and beauty, far from the chaos of the city and her ongoing feud with Rhys.
For the first time in years, she allowed herself to relax. No emails, no calls, no meetings. Just the ocean, a good book, and the occasional cocktail.
But as peaceful as it was, Melanie couldn't completely escape her thoughts. Rhys's face lingered in her mind more than she cared to admit. The way his icy gaze challenged her, the sharpness of his words, and even the rare moments when his lips twitched in amusement.
"No," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. "I'm not thinking about him."
---
Back in the city, Rhys was anything but relaxed. He tried to focus on his work, but Melanie's absence gnawed at him. Meetings felt dull without their usual sparring. Deals lacked the thrill of outmaneuvering her.
"Why does her silence bother me so much?" he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Ian knocked on his office door and entered cautiously. "Sir, you have the quarterly report meeting in five minutes."
Rhys waved him off. "Cancel it."
Ian blinked in surprise. "Cancel… the quarterly report meeting?"
"Yes, Ian. Cancel it," Rhys snapped, his tone sharp.
Ian nodded quickly and left, leaving Rhys alone with his thoughts. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. For the first time in years, he felt… restless.
---
As the days turned into weeks, Melanie thrived in her self-imposed exile. She explored the island, made friends with a few locals, and even picked up snorkeling. Each day felt like a small victory, a step closer to reclaiming herself.
But the silence also allowed her to reflect. She thought about her best friend Rachael, the struggles she'd endured to get where she was, and yes, even Rhys.
"Maybe I needed this more than I realized," she admitted to herself one evening, watching the sunset.
---
By the end of the month, Melanie returned to the city rejuvenated and ready to face the world again. Her arrival caused quite a stir. Employees at Scott Enterprises buzzed with excitement and relief.
Dana greeted her at the entrance with a stack of files. "Welcome back, ma'am. You look… different."
"Good different, I hope," Melanie said with a smile.
Dana nodded. "You seem… lighter. Happier."
Melanie chuckled. "Let's just say I've had some time to think."
As she walked into her office, Melanie couldn't help but wonder how Rhys had reacted to her disappearance. She didn't have to wait long to find out.
---
That evening, Rhys showed up unannounced at Scott Enterprises. Melanie was in the middle of reviewing reports when Dana burst into her office, looking flustered.
"Mr. Edwards is here," she whispered.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. "Rhys Edwards? Here?"
Dana nodded. "He's in the lobby, demanding to see you."
Melanie smirked, setting down her pen. "Let him in."
A moment later, Rhys stormed into her office, his presence as commanding as ever.
"Enjoyed your little vacation?" he asked, his tone cold but his eyes betraying a hint of curiosity.
Melanie leaned back in her chair, unfazed. "Immensely. You should try it sometime."
Rhys narrowed his eyes. "You think you can just disappear and leave the game? That's not how this works."
Melanie stood, walking around her desk to face him. "Who said I left the game, Rhys? Sometimes, the best moves are made in silence."
Their gazes locked, the tension between them crackling like a live wire.
"You're infuriating," Rhys muttered, his voice low.
"And you're predictable," Melanie shot back, a sly smile tugging at her lips.
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of their unspoken words filling the room. Finally, Rhys turned on his heel and left, his frustration evident.
Melanie watched him go, her heart pounding in her chest. As much as she hated to admit it, their encounters left her exhilarated.
"Let the games continue," she whispered to herself, a spark of determination in her eyes.