The next morning, Elara woke with the weight of yesterday's chaos still heavy on her chest. But to her relief, the day at the office flowed surprisingly smoothly. No strange looks, no awkward whispers—just the hum of work and the usual rhythm of tasks. It was almost enough to make her believe she could breathe again.
Almost.
Just as she was organizing some reports, a low voice summoned her through the intercom.
"Elara, my office."
Her heart gave a nervous jolt. Kane rarely called her directly. She smoothed her skirt, ran a hand through her auburn hair, and headed to his office.
The door clicked softly behind her, and she froze at the sight.
Kane sat slouched in his chair, the usually immaculate CEO looking anything but composed. His tie was loosened, two shirt buttons undone, and one hand pressed against his forehead as though fighting off a headache. Even like this—maybe especially like this—he looked devastatingly attractive, a picture of masculine weariness.
Elara cleared her throat gently. "Any work for me, sir?"
Kane's eyes lifted to hers, dark and sharp despite the fatigue shadowing them. "Yes. I need you to get my suit dry-cleaned. And buy a few shirts—Tom Ford only. I'll come to the store later for some other things. I hope everything is clear."
Elara nodded briskly. "Yes, sir. Everything will be done."
"Oh, and—" His voice dropped lower, more commanding. "Take Gabe with you. He'll help with the store and directions."
"Yes, sir."
She hurried out, cheeks warm from the intensity of his gaze. After checking her mails one last time, Elara gathered her things and headed down to the main gate. There, leaning casually against a sleek black car, was Gabe.
He straightened immediately, opening the door with a polite smile. "Here, ma'am. I was told to be your driver today."
"Thank you," Elara murmured, slipping into the seat.
Their first stop was the dry-cleaner's, where she dropped off Kane's suit. Then the car whisked them toward the mall. As they stepped inside, Elara's nerves fluttered. Shopping for Kane felt oddly personal—like stepping further into his private world. She had noticed he wore only crisp white shirts, always perfectly pressed, always commanding attention. Naturally, she reached for five of the finest white Tom Ford pieces.
But halfway through, doubt crept in. She hadn't actually confirmed the color with him. What if he wanted blue? Or black? She bit her lip and reached for her phone, deciding to call—
And collided, hard, with someone coming around the corner.
The world seemed to freeze.
James.
Her breath caught, her chest tightening painfully as her past rose like a ghost before her. James—her ex. The man who had shattered her heart. And standing proudly at his side, her hand looped possessively through his arm, was Milli.
Milli's eyes glittered with smugness. She leaned forward, lips curling into a smile laced with venom. "Hello, Elara. How are you? It's been so long seeing you."
Her tone dripped jealousy, and she deliberately lifted her hand, flashing the sparkling engagement ring that caught the mall's bright lights.
Elara's stomach twisted. Of course. Milli wasn't just flaunting James—she was flaunting victory.
"I'm great," Elara answered evenly, though her voice threatened to crack.
Milli's smirk deepened. "Oh, really? Doesn't look like it. You've grown so thin."
James flinched, elbowing her sharply. "Milli." His tone was a warning.
But Milli only leaned closer, her false sweetness cutting like glass. "Oh, Elara, I know it must hurt—to see your ex and his fiancée together. Being over someone isn't easy, is it? But it's been five years now. You should move on. Have a boyfriend."
The sting was sharp, her words cruel.
Elara inhaled slowly. She would not give Milli the satisfaction of seeing her break. "Actually," she said, her chin lifting with quiet defiance, "I do have a boyfriend. I moved on a long time ago. So don't mistake my calmness for being clingy."
Milli's expression flickered, but she recovered quickly, her lips twisting. "Oh? Then I'd love to meet him. Surely you're not here alone. Where is he?"
As if on cue, a familiar voice cut through the air, deep and commanding.
"Elara."
Her heart skipped a beat. She turned, and there he was. Kane.
Dressed in all black—tailored suit, polished shoes, tie knotted just enough to frame his broad chest. He looked like power incarnate, and heads turned as he approached. His dark eyes scanned her face, then flicked briefly toward James and Milli.
An idea struck Elara, bold and reckless. She reached for him.
"Milli, James," she said, forcing steadiness into her tone. "This is my boyfriend, Kane."
Kane froze for half a heartbeat. Surprise flickered in his gaze, but to her immense relief, he didn't contradict her. Instead, his lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile.
"Yes," he said smoothly, sliding his hand behind her back, his palm resting lightly against her waist. "I am her boyfriend. As a matter of fact, we're going to marry soon."
Elara's skin erupted in goosebumps at his touch, at the calm certainty in his words. Her heart pounded wildly. She glanced up at him, silently thanking him, and he gave the smallest, almost imperceptible nod.
Milli's jaw slackened, her composure cracking as she took in Kane's striking looks, his sheer presence. Her eyes darted between them, and for once, she seemed lost for words.
James extended a stiff hand. "James," he said.
"Kane," he replied, shaking it firmly, his dark gaze never wavering.
Milli forced a brittle smile. "Well, Elara, since you and your… fiancé… are so happy, you must join us next week . We're making our engagement official with a party. Consider this your invitation."
Her voice was sugary, but jealousy burned beneath it.
"Of course," Elara replied coolly. "We'd be delighted."
Milli looped her arm tighter around James's, her smile faltering as she tugged him away. James cast one last glance at Elara before muttering a quiet, "Goodbye."
And then they were gone.
Elara exhaled shakily, relief flooding her. She turned to Kane, guilt rising. "I'm so sorry," she blurted. "I shouldn't have called you my boyfriend. I just—"
Kane held her gaze, his expression unreadable. "I don't mind."
The words stunned her.
"But next time," he added, his tone dipping into that calm authority she was beginning to recognize, "try not to involve me in such situations without warning."
She nodded quickly. "Of course, sir. It won't happen again."
But then, unable to stop herself, she added softly, "Will you… come with me next week? To the engagement party?"
Kane studied her for a long moment. Then, to her astonishment, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Very well. I'll go."
Her chest warmed with gratitude, her pulse still racing from the encounter. She had no idea why Kane had played along, or why he had agreed so easily. But one thing was certain—next week's engagement party was going to be far more complicated than Milli could ever imagine.