AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Happy New Year, Everyone!
May this year be the beginning of your best life and be an answer to all your prayers. I hope 2024 was kind to you and left good memories to be cherished for a lifetime. Be thankful for the blessings and people you're taking forward in this new year and be thankful to the ones you've lost but got to know.
What better day than to update a chapter on the first day of the year?
My New Year resolution for this book is to be more consistent, write smaller author notes (I'm kinda breaking it already, aren't I?), and most of all, complete this book. Let's face it, it's been long overdue.
I'd like to edit it in this same year but let's not be unrealistic ð
All I ask from you is to stick by this story as you've done all along and shower all the love you have through comments, votes, and suggestions.
You all have been so kind to me in this amateur writing journey of mine, I hope you'll continue to do so in the coming years too.
P.S. Elijah and Hannah are in for one hell of a year.
Enough said, on to the story now.
Enjoy!â¤ï¸
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Song: 'Let Me Love You' by DJ Snake
I used to believe
We were burnin' on the edge of somethin' beautiful
Somethin' beautiful
Sellin' a dream
Smoke and mirrors keep us waitin' on a miracle
On a miracle
Say, go through the darkest of days
Heaven's a heartbreak away
Never let you go, never let me down
Oh, it's been a hell of a ride
Driving the edge of a knife
Never let you go, never let me down
Don't you give up, nah, nah, nah
I won't give up, nah, nah, nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
Don't you give up, nah, nah, nah
I won't give up, nah, nah, nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
(Oh, baby, baby)
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ELIJAH'S POV
"She kissed me."
"Atta boy! Way to go," He airpunched, "But too much information." He scrunched his face in disgust.
"On the cheek." I proclaimed.
"Huh, that's it?" He gave me a confused look. "After so many years of experience, a simple peck on the cheek is turning you on?"
"It was so spontaneous and surprising." Ignoring his lame remarks, I answered in a haze of my own, "I'm not turned on." I rolled my eyes; I had to get that out of the way to knock the smile off of his face: "I just don't remember when was the last time a girl kissed me on the cheek, you know."
"Probably your mother. Oh, Elena kisses your cheeks too," he shrugged.
"What are you, an idiot?" Why am I asking this? I know he is. "You don't understand, Andy. There wasn't anything lustful or sexual about it; it was just an excited hug followed by an innocent peck on my cheek. It made her so happy that I took her to her mother's grave; that's it. That's all I did, and her face lit up like I got her an expensive gift or something," I explained to him.
He didn't say anything but just smiled knowingly at me, a suggestive smile that is.
"Now, I don't want to be a dick and say I told you so, but I told you so," he blew up on his fake glasses and pretended to wear them.
"Maybe you were right this time." Ugh, I don't believe I am actually saying this, "Maybe I figured her out all wrong."
"Finally. I'm glad it's working out for both of you. I'm happy for you, man," he raised a toast.
"Well, not really," I raked a hand in my hair. "It's complicated." It's probably the sexual tension in my body that's forcing these thoughts in me. It's been a while since I've slept with someone.
"But it's a start." Is it? I'm not sure. "Especially now that you both have talked it out and you know she's not a "gold digger"; another thing I told you so," he said as a matter of fact.
"That's there, but I still don't know why she married me; she won't tell me either." I won't say it's bothering me, but still, it's something that's on my mind.
The thought of getting to know about it through my way crossed my mind a thousand times but I refrained myself. I don't know why but I want her to trust me enough to tell me by herself.
It's weird that I'm thinking this but I do.
"Give her some time; she'll open up eventually, and so will you," he said sincerely. "Maybe I've drank too much, but trust me, I can see your future with her," He tried acting all sober.
"It's just coffee, man."
"So, how does that make a difference?" He chugged it all in one go like a beer. I shook my head.
No wonder he and Hannah get along; they're both so dramatic.
"I should get going." I got up from his kitchen bar stool.
"So, soon? Let's have another round, bro." He just doesn't know when to stop.
"No thanks, I have to drive," I retorted, playing along.
"Oh boy, her wit is rubbing off on you," It surely isn't, is it? "That girl is something."
"I'll see you in the office, Andy."
"Elijah, listen!" He stopped me and caught up with me, a look of seriousness evident in his eyes, "Now I appreciate all the unnecessary information you've given me, but keep it to yourself next time unless you're both making me an uncle, okay?" He said without blinking and patted my shoulder seriously.
My mind pondered on the idea of his bizarre request, and my heart skipped a beat. When I didn't answer immediately, his face broke into a smirk, and he wiggled his eyebrows at me.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?" Shaking the very graphic images of his request, I left.
Like that will ever happen.
While I drove home, I couldn't stop thinking about the time we spent in the cemetery today. Graveyards have always been a depressing place for me; it's a tangible reminder of a loss.
But for her, it's not.
She was so happy to be there; she talked nonstop with her mom like she was there in person. If it was before, I would've definitely judged her, but now that I know her a little better; I understand it.
She introduced me too. It was unusual but not awkward.
'Mom, meet Elijah, my part-time husband. He's just promised to behave himself, so I think it's the right time to introduce you both.'
Thinking back to it, a faint smile made its way onto my lips, her teasing eyes fluttering something within me.
I left her alone when it got too emotional for her; I knew she needed space and wanted to be alone. While I waited for her nearby, my thoughts wandered off to the dark places associated with this place. Painful memories that are always at the back of my head and are hard to escape from.
Thankfully I didn't have to dwell too long in my misery since she came back soon after.
'You alright?' I asked, seeing her wet eyes and red nose.
'Mhm,' she nodded at me with a content smile, 'Are you?'
"Yeah, let's get going." I started walking without meeting her eyes.
"Always so secretive, always so uptight." She mocked in a brooding voice, "Won't hurt to let go once in a while," she said earnestly. Walking beside me, she tried peeking through, but I held my ground and refused to meet her eyes.
Her gaze pierces deeper than what I allow people to see; it is a dangerous ground to walk on. I don't think my walls can withstand the intense energy she possesses without knowing it.
She's something else. I thought I knew myself well, but having her near me introduced me to a new side of myself. The control I've always had over people varies thin when it comes to her; she holds the power to make me do things that I didn't know I was capable of.
Around her, my body has a mind of its own, and so do my hands. It's like she has my reins in her hands.
How did things change so quickly?
She asked me not to touch her, and I couldn't keep my hands off her for even five minutes. This need to always have her around and close to me is growing more and more despite my futile efforts to hold back.
And honestly, I don't think I'm making any efforts to create distance in the first place. I'm doing the opposite.
I like having her around me, awkward and oblivious, in a zone of her own and not caring one bit. She's happy the way she is, doesn't pretend, and doesn't want to impress anyone either.
Most of all, she doesn't want to impress me.
She has an endearing innocence about her, unlike most women I've been with. Well, it's unfair to them since I've just slept with them and never got to know them, but at the same time, that's what they wanted to begin with. They might have wanted more, but I've never been interested in taking it further.
With Hannah it's different, everything is being taken further and beyond on its own.
It would've been the same for her as well if it was not for the circumstances or the absolute fact that she doesn't give a damn about me. I had locked away my heart from any such emotions for a long time, it's surprising how she is unlocking all those doors.
She's attractive but not a supermodel type that I'm always surrounded by; people aren't taken aback by her beauty to only want to know her for that.
She is more than that.
She's... real.
It's her personality that lures people to get to know her; she grows on you effortlessly, and she just crawls her way to you without you knowing. She has a purity to her that's become a rare quality to find in people.
Unlike other women, I am actually finding myself wanting to know more about her; I want to know the reason for the restraint and sadness in her eyes. She has the most beautiful pair of eyes that I've ever seen. It's not like I haven't seen eyes like hers before, but there's something in them that makes it harder for me to look away, she captivates my soul.
The way her eyes gleam with happiness or playfulness when she's not holding back puts me at ease, giving me hope that everything will be alright; her carefree smile has the power to heal the world.
To heal me.
I've tried to despise her, to ruin her, to hurt her; I swear I've tried it all, and unfortunately, succeeded too, but one thing that I'm unable to do is hate her.
I just can't.
She has broken all my defenses one by one, and she's unaware of it. I know she thinks I'm rigid and uptight, not that she cares. If only she knew how much I already have let go, that too without realizing it.
If I'm not careful enough, I might just let her in, something that no one could achieve, but I'm afraid she can.
Something tells me it won't be a bad thing.
The memories I've cherished all these years and the ones that prick like thorns are fading, very slowly yet evidently she's taking over my heart and mind, and I'm letting her.
Ugh, Hannah, What are you doing to me, how long before you break me down?
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"I think we're off to a good start," Dad said as soon as the presentation ended.
I saw Hannah take a breath of relief that she was holding back throughout her presentation; the trauma of presenting in the same office in front of the same people flashed evidently in her eyes.
I know I promised her, but I have yet to prove to her that I meant it. I don't want to see this fear in her eyes every time we're working together. I don't want others' eyes to make her uncomfortable with their judgment because of my stupidity.
I know how uneasy she was today; the way people stared at her and whispered, it forced her to relive the trauma; it showed in her presentation also. Her confidence has taken a mega hit; she faltered in her words too; her tone was shaky, and so were her hands. She made minor but substantial errors; she was quick to rectify them, but it was just an indication of the state of her mind.
All because of me.
I don't understand when did I start to care for such things? Since when did I start giving a damn?
"Everyone, please be seated," people were leaving once the meeting was over.
All of them stopped right in their tracks and looked at me in anticipation, including her. Her face broke down into a frenzy at what I had to say.
Does she think I'll insult her again?
"Is there anything else you want to add, Elijah?" Dad asked cautiously, ready to diffuse the situation if things got out of control.
I messed up big time.
Only I can fix this.
"I do," raking the room, my eyes briefly met with hers. She immediately looked away and clenched her eyes shut, the hurt and fear of a broken promise settling in on her face.
"The last few days have been quite eventful in this company; I'm sure you all agree. And I know how much you all have enjoyed the gossip around it," my rigid eyes roamed around the people present, and all of them bowed their heads in embarrassment.
"Do not think that I'm oblivious to whatever goes on in this office and outside of it too. No one's exempt from the rules of this company. I assume neither of you would want your dirty laundry out in public," as my deadpan statement spread across the room, I saw people gulping hesitantly for being caught.
Eva, on the other hand, was scrutinizing me, and I hardened my eyes at her to let her know she was not exempt from what I was saying.
Well, that should get the message across to her and to the rest of them.
"No one is allowed to harass their fellow colleagues in this company, whether you're a janitor, or someone from upper management, or even me. Otherwise, strict actions will be taken."
"That being said," with my face not giving away anything, I looked at the only person whose head was bowed down the whole time, "I'd like to apologize to Ms. Evans for my outburst. It was unprofessional and uncalled for. I hope you can move past this and agree to work with me as my assistant?"
When did apologising become so easy for me?
Flabbergasted faces turned my way, eyes forgotten to blink as they second-guessed themselves if they were hearing correctly or assuming things.
Hannah was no different than the rest, a look of shock persistent on her face. I can see her inner turmoil, her confused eyes looking everywhere to gauge if I'm joking or being serious, her mind refusing to believe what I just said, might I add publicly.
I don't think I have ever seen my dad taken aback either, but right now I can tell my confession has taken him by surprise too.
"That's a very good decision, Elijah; I'm proud of you, son." His eyes reflected the appreciation of his words. I know for him this is bigger than this moment; it's about this marriage and his imposed decision. I can see relief on his face. "Welcome back, Hannah." She finally looked away from me and nodded at him hesitantly, still unsure as to what was going on.
The environment inside the conference room was hostile as no one knew what to do after that. It's the first time I've ever done anything like this; otherwise, all these people ever heard from me is business. Half the time I don't even reply to their greetings or their advances to start a conversation, so I can understand their reaction.
Hannah hasn't said anything either, nor am I expecting her to.
Honestly, I hadn't planned this at all; apologizing to her publicly was never an option. But seeing how much it has affected her credibility and confidence, it came from within me without thinking.
And I don't regret it!
I hope it'll help her bring her A game now that she is suffering because of me.
Whatever is going on in our lives should not affect our business.
Or at least that's what you're telling yourself. Nothing is about business anymore.
"Dismissed." With pin-drop silence, everyone was up and about, Hannah too. Dad patted my shoulder before leaving the room.
Casey, my secretary, started collecting the meeting material, and I gathered my laptop and the rest of the things, meanwhile completely ignoring Andy's indecent gestures before he took off too.
Andy wasn't even a part of the meeting; he was just waiting for me to get done with this one before we went for another for which he was required.
Casey and I were about to leave the conference room too when its door busted open, halting our steps.
"You go ahead, Casey." Nodding, she hurried away immediately.
My eyes never diverted from the ones looking back at me with rage. I stepped back from the doorway and leaned against the table to hear what she has to say.
She has a lot to say, I expected this reaction.
"You psychopath! What were you thinking?" She lashed out as soon as we were alone.
She walked towards me and made a futile attempt to angrily push me with her hands on my chest.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I warned sternly yet calmly, taking hold of both of her wrists in my hands.
Still seething with anger, she wriggled her wrist for me to let go, but I didn't budge one bit and waited for her to calm down.
"I thought it would make you happy?" searching her eyes, I said a few moments later once she cooled down.
"Happy, what's there to be happy about?" She looked at me with disbelief and once again tried to jerk her hands away, but my grip was much more firm. "Do you even understand how this reflects on me, on us? You've given people more ammunition to talk now than before, Elijah. Why don't you think before doing anything, ever?"
"No one will talk about anything; I'll make sure of it," I tried to affirm her.
"What would you do, threaten them again? You can't do shit! You can't hold people's mouths because they work for you, dammit," she retorted.
She really doesn't know how powerful I am. I actually can make their mouths shut.
"Don't challenge me; you don't know what I can do." I pulled her closer and whispered; she didn't seem to mind because she didn't resist.
"What was the need of all this? We had already talked about this," she probed, coming more closer now. "I accepted your apology; I came back to the office. I was hoping we had left that behind us," she complained, meeting my eyes.
"Left it behind, huh?" I confronted, "Your presentation said otherwise. You were more nervous today than you were on your first day in this company. You were so antsy and agitated; everyone could see it and tell what was wrong." I pointed out.
"I... It would've gotten better with time," she shrugged, knowing very well she didn't believe it herself.
"There's no margin of error for my assistant." letting go of her wrist, I held her waist instead. "She has to be perfect."
"Perfect and talk of the town," she rolled her eyes, trying to act unbothered by our closeness, but the erratic thumping of her heart was giving it away. "I'm tired of answering people, Elijah. You're unapproachable; I'm not. I have to be around them and live it all every day. It's embarrassing. And it's not like they listen to what I have to say; they assume what they have to, and now thanks to you they'll get even more leverage." God, how I want to kiss away this pout of hers.
"I don't care what people think."
"Well, I do. And I suggest you start doing it too.
"Why?" It's so hard to not get lost in her beautiful eyes.
"Because..." she tried to reason.
"Because?" I intensified my gaze, and she looked away nervously.
"Because I say so." She said smugly, meeting my eyes again.
"That's not a valid reason."
"The more people will know, the more they will suspect. It'll complicate things more than they already are," she said seriously.
"The merger will be announced in the upcoming months. What are you planning to do then?"
"I know that," she said apprehensively, "but I'm not thinking about it yet," she shuddered.
"Fair enough; I guess you have a little more time to learn and train. First lesson: don't give a damn about what people say."
"I don't get it. Why are you being nice to me?" me neither, baby girl, me neither, "Is this another trick of yours?" The mistrust and alarm were clear in her tone.
"Would you rather I do the opposite instead? I made a promise to you; I'm just keeping my words." I said with a blank stare.
You're such a liar; grow a pair!
"This is awkward; you normally wouldn't even talk to me, and now you're helping me; it doesn't add up." she tried to analyse.
"I don't have much choice, now do I? You're literally standing between my legs," I said with a straight face and observed how her almond eyes widened. I fought the smile trying to break out at her reaction.
She looked down to find that we have next to no distance between us and gasped. She tried to retreat, but I stood up to my full height and towered over her, putting a stop to all her plans to create space between us.
"I didn't realize, I'm sor..."
"Shh," I cut her off with a finger on her lips. "It's not a trick." I slowly slid my finger down, pulling at her bottom lip. "And I certainly didn't mind," I whispered audibly enough for her to hear.
A shiver ran down her spine at my words, her eyes persistent to dive deeper.
In a daze, she involuntarily licked the same spot where my finger left a burning touch merely seconds ago, the action knocked the breath out of my body; I sighed audibly.
With a burning desire, my hands encapsulated her soft cheeks, my thumb caressing them with fragility. She leaned into my touch, and on a whim, her eyes closed, her breathing got heavy, and her lips parted expectantly. Her petite hands held onto my suit jacket for support, bringing me much closer to her luscious lips, tempting me to kiss them beyond my restraint and never let them go.
My breath fanned her needy lips and her face neared mine on its own, only a few centimeters separating us.
With that, I leaned closer.
"Sorry, no touching, remember," I raised my hands in surrender and stepped back.
I almost smirked at her agape expression when she opened her eyes with confusion and embarrassment. I bet she wasn't expecting that.
Two can play this game; she'll get what she asked for.
The truth is that if there wasn't a knock on the door, I was definitely not stopping. No guy ever wants to be left high and dry. And right now I'm definitely high and most certainly not dry.
"Come in," I said composing myself, which wasn't hard, but I could tell she was still disheveled by the amount of blood rushing on her face.
"Sorry to interrupt you lovebirds," Andy opened the door with his hand covering his eyes, "but we got to go, man."
"You go ahead; I'll meet you there directly," I said to him without breaking eye contact with her.
"Okay, boss," he saluted, "Hannah, you lucky dog, you really have him wrapped around your little fingers, don't you?" Peeking through his fingers, he winked at her, leaving her in a more blushing mess than she already was.
"Shut up, Andy," we said together, and he left us alone.
"Come on, I'll show you to your old but new office." I walked out of the conference room, and she followed me out like a lost puppy.
I can get used to this.
Shut up, man, you love it when she's a feisty kitten.
People were trying to peek at us, but a lot more subtly this time when we stepped into the presidential elevator.
Hannah is still nervous; she is tapping her foot lightly on the floor. I don't know if she's still feeling the heat of the moment we just had or if it's because of her claustrophobia or if it's the prying eyes of the people that are still bothering her.
I stepped near her and held her hand in mine.
Her questioning eyes shot up at mine, but she didn't jerk my hand away this time. Thank God.
"You've got this." Looking straight ahead, I intertwined our fingers. I don't know why I said this, but it seems like she needed it.
"I do this every day, multiple times," she reasoned, but the way she wrapped her fingers with mine told me she liked the comfort of our holding hands.
"I know." I tightened my grip more possessively.
And the rest of the elevator ride went silently.
"Now that I'm your assistant again, do I have to make your coffee again?" she asked innocently as we walked towards her office.
"Yeah, sometimes, maybe more."
"And those filings and reports, that too?" I opened the door of her office, and she entered.
"Yeah, that's a part of your training." I leaned against the doorframe and crossed my arms. "Late nights too," I answered, knowing what she had to ask next.
Her eyes settled on the only thing lying on her table, a small box.
I observed keenly as she picked it up skeptically and with a hint of curiosity and opened it.
Her eyes lingered on the object inside, and a look of awe along with something else that I can't quite recognize settled in them.
"I can't take this," she closed the lid and shoved it towards me. Why is her first reaction always negative?
It's the watch that she liked in LA.
"Yeah, you can," I said as our eyes danced together, a mutual whirlwind brewing with them. "Welcome on board, Mrs. Norman." My face didn't give away any emotion, but the expression she gave was priceless.
I don't know why, but deep down I've started to like the sound of my name next to hers.
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Author's note 2.0:
Hope you enjoyed this lighthearted yet wholesome chapter.
Drop a vote and comment on your favorite moment before you leave.
Much loveð