Auren stands at the threshold, tall and graceful, like a finely crafted statue made with meticulous precision.
The light filtering through the doorway gently outlines her silhouette, accentuating the elegant lines of her body. Her long legs make her posture even more regal, and the subtle movement of her hair adds an almost mystical allure.
But what captivates the most are her eyes—large, deep, incredibly expressive. They seem to pull you into their abyss, hiding a thousand stories, a thousand emotions. Thick, long lashes cast shadows on her cheekbones, making her gaze even more mesmerizing. Those eyes alone can melt ice or, conversely, make someone feel vulnerable. There is something enigmatic within them—something impossible to decipher at first glance, yet irresistibly compelling to unravel.
Her face is like a masterfully painted portrait. Smooth, radiant skin with a subtle warm undertone resembles the petals of the most delicate flowers. A delicate nose, slightly upturned at the tip, adds a playful touch to her features, while her full, sensual lips seem made for whispered confessions and daring remarks. Their natural hue enhances her raw beauty, one that requires no embellishments. Every movement of her hands, fluid and confident, betrays an inner strength. She is a perfect balance of elegance and defiance, with a touch of untouchability that makes her all the more alluring and unforgettable.
As she steps inside the house, her grace does not go unnoticed. Her movements are light, almost like a dancer's, and her proud posture speaks of someone who will never allow herself to be broken. Even in this house, heavy with painful memories, she looks as if fate itself is guiding her forward.
She stands at the threshold, hesitating to cross it. The house before her—once familiar, once a place she thought of as hers—now feels like a collection of bitter memories. The silence in the corridor presses down on her, and childhood recollections flood back. Every detail of this house is familiar, yet now alien. Everything that happened here will remain in her memory forever, turning this place into something dark, filled with unspoken words. She listens to the quiet hum of life beyond the door, and with each passing second, her resolve weakens.
Her mother, who once served here, could not protect her, and for a long time, Auren could not understand why she endured such a fate. She had always felt out of place in this house, and now, years later, the weight of returning is almost suffocating. She hesitates for a second, as if trying to escape what awaits her. Every part of her resists taking that step.
Yet, as soon as she pushes the door open and steps inside, her eyes scan the familiar yet subtly changed rooms. Everything appears the same, but something in the air feels different. She finds herself uncertain of where to go once again, her gaze instinctively searching for her mother.
Then, her eyes stop on the living room.
He is there.
Sitting in the dimly lit room, in an armchair, with a laptop on his lap, engrossed in work. Auren narrows her eyes, trying to get a better look at him. He does not seem to have noticed her presence, but as if sensing her gaze, he lifts his head, and their eyes meet.
Auren's heart stutters. Memories of him rush in unexpectedly.
The boy from her past is gone.
Before her stands a man.
He's become so handsome.
Kael Dantes.
His black hair is neatly styled, with just enough carelessness to make him even more attractive. A few strands fall over his forehead, adding to the air of mystery surrounding him. His dark eyes—deep like an endless abyss—study her intently. Cold, yet perceptive. It feels as if he can see right through her, catching even the smallest change in her expression, every emotion she tries to hide.
Tall and well-built, his presence radiates strength and control. Broad shoulders, a toned physique—not just the result of good genetics, but of discipline and restraint. Even as he sits in a relaxed posture, he looks like someone who is always in control.
When he takes a step forward, stepping into the sunlight, his dark hair catches a faint warmth, and his eyes gleam as they assess her with an unreadable expression. There is no surprise in his gaze, no joy—only sharp attention, as if he is trying to remember her or understand why she is here.
That look—cold, yet irresistible.
"Did you get the wrong door?" he asks.
Auren involuntarily shivers at the sound of his voice.
Low. Calm. Velvety.
It rolls over her skin like a slow shiver, sinking deep inside and leaving behind an unfamiliar sensation.
She meets his gaze, keeping her composure, but something inside her shifts.
"I don't think so," she replies evenly, looking him straight in the eyes. "I'm here for a reason."
"Auren?"
Her mother's voice, filled with surprise, echoes from the corridor.
Auren smiles at the sight of her.
Kael, hearing the name, raises his brows slightly, now observing her with interest.
Auren shifts her gaze back to him, finding him watching her just as intently. Something new flickers in his eyes—faint surprise mixed with curiosity. Just moments ago, he looked at her like a stranger, but now his gaze seems to delve deeper, matching memories to the present.
"Mr. Kael, I'm sorry for interrupting," Auren's mother says, addressing him respectfully.
Kael fnally looks away—but not before his gaze lingers on Auren's face for a few more seconds.
"I didn't expect to see you here again," he says calmly.
Auren feels her fingers tremble slightly as her mother takes her hands.
"You've changed so much…" her mother's voice is hoarse, and Auren sees the way her lips tremble.
"It's been many years, Mom," Auren replies, her voice softer than she expected.
Kael stans nearby, watching their reunion with distant indifference.
"Are you back for good?" her mother asks cautiously.
Auren shakes her head.
"Not yet."
Her mother pauses for a moment, then suddenly says:
"Mr. Kael, you needed an assistant, didn't you? Auren could help you."
Auren immediately turns to her mother with a stunned look.
Kael studies her, his gaze narrowing slightly.
"I need a professional, not… a temporary replacement."
Auren narrows her eyes.
"You don't even know what I'm capable of."
Kael meets her gaze with a faint smirk.
"I doubt it."
Auren's lips curve into the barest hint of a smile.
As if she has already won the first round.
She presses her lips together, realizing that their conversation has already turned into some kind of game, where both try to assert dominance. She never intended to take this job, but now her pride is on the line.
Kael seems to be provoking her on purpose, and she does not like it one bit.
"You must think too highly of yourself if you believe I want to work for you," she says defiantly, crossing her arms.
Kael tilts his head slightly, watching her, the corner of his lips lifting ever so slightly.
"Why so defiant?" her mother sighs, though there is no true reprimand in her voice, only worry.
"Mom, why would you suggest that so suddenly?" Auren rolls her eyes. "I have no intention of working with him."
She glances briefly at Kael, who continues to appear fully focused on his laptop screen.
"And you're right," he replies coolly, not looking up. "You wouldn't suit me."
Auren's eyes narrow.
Irritation surges inside her once more.
***
The evening was slowly turning into night.
Auren sat at the kitchen table, a laptop open in front of her. From the kitchen came the gentle sounds of her mother cooking, filling the space with a cozy atmosphere.
Deep in her job search, Auren browsed through websites, sending her résumé to various companies. She was starting to lose hope of receiving quick responses, but she knew she couldn't stop.
Lines of job requirements flickered on the screen: experience in marketing, a strategic mindset, analytical skills… Her gaze caught on one particular listing.
The position seemed interesting. She began reading more carefully but suddenly noticed something odd:
"Secretarial experience required, strong communication skills."
"Hm…" Auren frowned. "Why would a marketing job require secretarial experience?"
It didn't make much sense. But she shrugged. The requirements weren't too specific, and the job looked promising. She sent her résumé.
"Mom, do you think I should even hope for these jobs?" Auren closed her laptop and rubbed her forehead tiredly. "I can't seem to find the right one."
"Don't worry," her mother replied gently as she continued cooking. "You'll find a job that suits you."
A few days passed.
Auren had already forgotten about that particular résumé as she went about her daily routine. But then, unexpectedly, her phone vibrated, notifying her of a new email.
An interview invitation.
She stared at the screen in surprise.
"So soon?" she muttered, frowning.
Usually, responses didn't come for at least a week.
But still… This was a chance.
She decided to prepare for the interview, unaware that this step would change her life.