Alexander's behavior towards Aliyah became increasingly erratic. One moment, he was cold and distant; the next, he was lashing out at her for minor mistakes. Aliyah struggled to understand his motives, but she refused to back down.
Meanwhile, whispers spread throughout Thompson Industries. Employees began to resent Aliyah's rapid rise, questioning her qualifications and Alexander's favoritism.
"Who does she think she is?" one employee muttered. "She's just a former CEO, not some kind of superstar."
Alexander overheard the whispers on his way to his office, his expression darkening. He knew he was the cause of Aliyah's loss but exceptional skills and determination that had earned her the job. But he couldn't reveal his true feelings, not even to himself.
As tensions escalated, Aliyah found herself isolated, facing hostility from her colleagues. Alexander's behavior only added to her frustration.
"Mr. Thompson, I've completed the report," Aliyah said, her voice steady.
Alexander's gaze swept over her, his eyes lingering on her face. For a moment, Aliyah thought she saw something there, something almost like... admiration. But it vanished, replaced by his usual scowl.
"It's inadequate," he growled. "Redo it."
Aliyah's eyes flashed, but she bit back her retort. She knew she had to prove herself, no matter the cost.
As Aliyah left Alexander's office, John caught up to her. "Hey, Aliyah, don't let him get to you," he whispered. "He's just... complicated."
Aliyah's gaze met John's, searching for answers. "And who are you?" she asked.
John smiled. "Sorry, my bad. I'm John Evans. I work in the ICT unit."
They were talking about a certain lady, and I came to see her for myself.
"I see," Aliyah replied. "So, have you seen whatever you were looking for?"
John nodded. "Yeah, I have. And she's not so bad, actually. I kinda like her."
Just then, Alexander emerged from his office, his eyes narrowing as he spotted John and Aliyah chatting. His anger was palpable, his death stare sending a shiver down John's spine.
"Uh, Aliyah, I should get back to my post," John whispered, backing away. "Our boss just gave me the deadliest look. He's clearly angry."
Minutes later, Alexander strode over to Aliyah's desk, his expression stern. "I didn't hire you to chat, Aliyah. You're here to work. So, do that."
Aliyah's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, sir."
Alexander's response was curt. "Whatever."
He turned and walked away, leaving Aliyah feeling frustrated and uneasy.
Aliyah's day was going downhill until the delivery guy appeared at her desk with a surprise package. Her eyes widened as she accepted the bouquet of flowers and card.
"Thank you!" she exclaimed, her smile genuine.
The delivery guy nodded and left. Aliyah's eyes sparkled as she read the card:
"Thinking of you, Aliyah. -Gerald"
Her heart skipped a beat. Gerald's thoughtful gesture lifted her spirits.
Just then, Alexander came out from his office, his expression softening as he approached Aliyah. He had come to apologize for his earlier behavior.
But as he overheard Aliyah's conversation with the delivery guy and saw her radiant smile, something shifted inside him. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched.
He turned on his heel, abandoning his apology. Aliyah, sensing his presence, looked up to see Alexander's retreating back.
"Mr. Thompson, do you need anything?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.
Alexander's response was curt. "No."
He disappeared into his office, leaving Aliyah bewildered.
Closing time had finally arrived, and Aliyah breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped into the elevator. Alexander entered alongside her, his presence commanding attention. They stood apart, silence between them.
The elevator lurched to life, but suddenly jolted to a stop. The lights flickered and died, plunging them into darkness.
Aliyah's heart skipped a beat. "What's happening?"
Alexander's voice was calm, but laced with concern. "Looks like we're stuck."
No network signal on their phones made them useless. The darkness seemed to shrink the space, forcing them into uncomfortable proximity.
Aliyah's breathing quickened, her senses heightened. Alexander's presence, once intimidating, now felt strangely reassuring.
"Are you okay?" Alexander asked, his voice low and gentle.
Aliyah nodded, though he couldn't see her. "Y-yes."
The darkness stretched out, an uncomfortable silence between them. Then, Alexander spoke.
"Aliyah, I..." He paused, his words lost in the darkness.
Aliyah's heart pounded. What was he going to say?
What had just happened? And why did Alexander's mood swing so wildly?
Alexander's voice cut through the darkness, his tone unexpectedly sharp. "Aliyah, who were you talking to earlier? John, from ICT?"
Aliyah's confusion deepened. "Yes, he's your employee. Why?"
Alexander's pause was palpable. "And what's your relationship with Gerald?"
Aliyah's defenses rose. "What business is it of yours?"
The air seemed to vibrate with tension. Alexander's voice dropped, his words laced with accusation. "I make it my business to know what's going on in my company. And I don't like seeing you flirt with other men."
Aliyah's anger flared. "Flirt? You're the one who's always pushing me away! And what's with the questions? Are you my boss or my keeper?"
The darkness seemed to amplify their emotions, their words hanging like challenges.
Alexander's voice rose, matching Aliyah's intensity. "I'm your boss, and I won't tolerate any distractions. Least of all, romantic entanglements."
In the heat of the moment, Alexander's restraint snapped. He grasped Aliyah's arms, pulling her close. Their lips collided, a fierce, passionate kiss.
Aliyah's initial resistance melted, her anger surrendering to desire. But as the kiss deepened, reality intruded.
Just as suddenly, Alexander released her. The lights flickered back to life.
Aliyah's eyes blazed with anger and confusion. She stormed out of the elevator, leaving Alexander looking stunned.
"How dare you!" she spat, her voice echoing through the corridor.
Alexander looked at her with pleading eyes, I'm sorry.
Save it, Aliyah said and walked away.
Alexander trudged into his penthouse apartment, his mind still reeling from the elevator encounter. He dropped onto his bed, defeated, lost in thought.
Ryan walked into Alex's room, concern etched on his face. "Dude, what's wrong? You look like you've lost your last dollar."
Alexander rubbed his temples, trying to massage away the tension. "It's Aliyah I kissed her man.
Why would you do that? Ryan asked
Because she's...different." I thought giving her a job at my company was going to be a good compensation but I was wrong.
Ryan's curiosity piqued, he sat beside Alexander. "Different how?"
Alexander's eyes drifted, reliving the moments in the elevator. "She challenges me, pushes me. No woman has ever kept me on edge like her."
Ryan's expression turned thoughtful. "You're not used to being challenged, are you?"
Alexander shook his head. "No. And it's unnerving."
Ryan's next question hung in the air like a challenge. "Do you have feelings for her, Alex?"
Alexander's pause was telling. He didn't know how to answer. "I...I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ryan's eyes widened in surprise. "You're not sure? That's a first."
Alexander's laugh was laced with self-deprecation. "I know. Me, Alexander Thompson, unsure about a woman. It's laughable."
Ryan's expression turned serious. "Maybe it's time to explore those feelings, Alex. You can't keep running from them."
Alexander's gaze met Ryan's, his eyes searching for answers. Was Ryan right? Was it time to confront his emotions and face the truth about Aliyah?