âYes.
Iâve forwarded them to your email; you can review them whenever you like,â Hilliard responded, nodding.
âAlright.
â
Jenniferâs spirits dipped, a shadow of frustration crossing her face.
Hilliardâs early departure meant he would be leaving without her.
By day, their roles were strictly professional-boss and secretary.
After hours, they were an engaged couple, albeit one not yet united by mutual feelings.
Jennifer had accepted the engagement, but she had not yet granted her forgiveness to Hilliard.
Hilliard had vowed to woo her for a year, not a day less, as a testament to his commitment.
If he faltered, it would prove he wasnât the one for her.
Jennifer saw this period as a test of his earnestness.
Lost in thought, she didnât notice Hilliard approaching her desk until he stood before her.
She cleared her mind and, feigning indifference, inquired, âWhy the rush today? Where are you off to?â
Hilliard took a moment before he responded, choosing instead to position himself directly in front of Jennifer.
Leaning down slightly, his hands found the armrests of her chair as he met her gaze intently.
Feeling the intensity of his proximity, Jenniferâs heart raced.
She managed to maintain a semblance of composure and asked, âWhatâs going on? You havenât answered my question.
â
With a smile, Hilliard queried, âMiss Turner, is this question from my boss or my fiancée?â
His tone remained cool, yet his demeanor had softened somewhat, betraying a more approachable side.
In recent times, Hilliard had devoted himself to understanding the subtleties of affection, becoming adept in matters of the heart.
Jennifer noticed the transformation; he seemed more charming than ever.
Meeting his gaze, she questioned, âHow do these roles differ to you?â
âIndeed, thereâs a distinction,â Hilliard mused, recalling the advice from the love manual.
He offered a sly grin.
âAs your secretary, my post-work plans are my own.
However, as your fiancé, I owe you honesty about how I spend my time.
â
âYouâre quite the smooth talker.
Where did you pick up such charm?
It seems youâve become quite the flirt.
â Jennifer rolled her eyes at his smooth talk, though her face betrayed no irritation.
Ignoring her sarcasm, Hilliard pressed, âSo, whoâs inquiring? Miss Turner, or Jennifer?â
âIn the office, before I approve your early departure, youâre my secretary.
Our interaction is professional,â Jennifer stated, her tone firm.
âA leader deserves honest answers, donât you agree?â
Disappointment flickered in Hilliardâs eyes as he stood upright, his response grave.
âI donât agree.
My personal life after hours is not for Miss Turnerâs ears.
âJennifer found herself at a loss for words.