One Night Stand With a Stranger

in the city. The very thought of Lucas, reigning at the top, living comfortably while she had struggled to rebuild her life, ign

isitions was demanding, but it granted her insight into the inner workings of her former fiancé's empire, insight she would use to her advantage. And today, a

re and conveyed confidence and authority. Her hair was pulled back in a loose chignon, highlighting her sharp cheekbo

to see Ethan Harper, her boss and mentor, striding toward her. He was in his late f

had no idea of her personal history with Lucas, but he trusted her s

d herself to stay calm at the mere mention of Lucas's name

need to show them that Synergy is a better partner for their future

eyes fierce. I'll ma

eted by gleaming marble floors and panoramic windows overlooking the city. Everyth

d meet Lucas and his executive team. She inhaled slowly, steadyi

s Th

ably tailored. He exuded confidence, as if he owned not only the room but the world beyond it. When

there was an edge to it, a hint of

practiced this moment, prepared herself for the inevitable confrontation.

s she took her seat at the table, she noticed how his gaze lingered, as if trying to dec

d, his tone attempting to sound casual, thoug

coolly, folding her hands on the tab

ood. She wanted him to feel every ounce of discomfort, to realize that the wo

de, was calculated to destabilize him. She could see the subtle tension building in his posture, the way his jaw clenched whenever she gain

am with a curt nod. But as she gathered her things to le

ay I have

him, to walk out without a second glance. But she wasn't here to run; s

llowed him to his office, a private corner enc

eaning against his desk as he studied

oice a mixture of curiosity and somethin

People tend to, when they're be

ed almost regretful. Almost. "Elara, that was... a comp

voice laced with steel. "You made

him. "I'm not here to revisit the past. I'm here because Synergy sees

muscle ticking in hi

. "And if you were smart,

r, something else shifted in his expression-a glimmer of something that reminded her

gh, and for a fleeting moment, she saw vulnerability there

But she forced herself to stay grounded, to remember that his words, howe

voice barely more than a w

ers tense. "Mara... we ended thi

rag her into his regrets. She had no symp

o you choose to be with-that's your business. But don't expect me to feel sorry

as if realizing the depth of her resolve. He straightened, his expression hardening

r. "You might think you have the upper hand, but remember-I'm not the same

crossing me," she replied, a ghost of a smile tuggi

words hanging heavy in the air. The moment she stepped out of the building, she felt a surge

buzzed. She looked down to see a message from the nanny

. This was her purpose now. She was no longer defined by heartbreak or betrayal, but by the fierce love she held for h

be challenges ahead