Daniel's POV
I had just gotten to the company, still wondering why Annabel had left the party so early yesterday.
I had specially invited her; she should have at least spared me some time.
But no—I was simply told she had left when I asked about her.
Was she actually trying to avoid me again?
And what hurt me most was that I noticed Lucian was not present after her disappearance. They must have left together, probably to go have a good time.
I was not having it.
My chest was burning.
Who does she think she is?
I pressed the elevator button and walked in. Just when it was about to close, someone rushed in and stopped it.
I raised my head to see who it was and met Annabel. From her face, I could tell it all—she was not expecting to bump into me.
"Mr. Stroke… I'm sorry, I will take another elevator," she told me, her eyes buried down.
She made a move to leave, but I stopped her.
"Annabel, you don't have to leave," I told her.
She paused for a moment before she tried to leave again.
But my voice came out rough and stern. "It's an order. You won't dare to defy your CEO's order."
Without saying a word, she turned and joined me in the elevator, her eyes showing how much she was holding back from challenging me.
The elevator closed and began to send us on our way, leaving us in silence, just the sound of our heartbeat and the odd noise that came from Annabel's throat.
My eyes dropped to her body, seeing how tense she was. "Annie, what's wrong? You left yesterday without saying a word."
"Uh… I'm sorry, Mr. Stroke. I felt sick, so I had to leave," she said, avoiding eye contact with me.
She felt sick.
What a clumsy excuse.
I moved closer, just enough for her to meet my eyes, but she turned away.
A deep growl escaped my throat. "Annabel, what's wrong with you? You have been acting awkward lately."
She flipped her neck, turning to meet my gaze for the first time.
Her lips parted to say something, but she held back for a moment, swallowing hard. "I was just sick, that's all."
My brow arched. "But you don't look sick to me. In fact, you looked much healthier when I saw you wrapped in Lucian's arms yesterday."
She lifted her chin. "It was a girl sickness."
"Uhhh…"
I stepped closer, covering the space between us. "So tell me, how do you feel now?"
She blinked several times, stepping back while I kept moving closer until her back touched the coldness of the metallic elevator wall.
Her breath hitched.
"Mr. Stroke… you need to step back. This is a public space," she stuttered.
But I did not move back. Rather, I wrapped my arms around her waist. "Public space, huh? This public space is my space. I own this building." My voice showed arrogance, but I didn't care anymore.
She tried to push me away, but I held her wrist, lifting her hands to touch the wall as I pressed my body against hers.
Hovering my lips over her face, she tried to fight back, but her body failed her, surrendering to my touch.
I ran my nose along her skin, taking in that particular strawberry mixed with vanilla scent that always drives me crazy whenever I'm close to her.
Our eyes locked, not ready to leave each other.
Her breath became heavy. I dragged my lips to the shell of her ear. "Stop fighting this," I whispered, my eyes almost shut.
She swallowed hard and parted her lips.
I stepped back a little just to take a better view of her tempting lips. My eyes fluttered in excitement, ready to claim her mouth.
Our lips got closer, breathing in each other. We were close to kissing when the elevator jerked and stopped.
It opened. Only for us to see Lucian staring at us with a sullen look.
A flush of adrenaline tingled through our bodies, separating us immediately.
Annabel pulled away in anger, giving me a resounding slap.
My eyes widened in shock as I held my cheek, feeling the tang of blood in my mouth.
What was that for?
Is she scared that her little boyfriend caught her flirting with their boss?
We stepped out of the elevator, and Lucian entered without saying a word, but I could see it on his face.
Jealousy.
He could have said a lot, but he wouldn't dare challenge his boss.
Annabel walked out without turning back.
But my voice stopped her in her tracks. "Annabel." My tone was strong and commanding.
She stiffened immediately, then turned, but her eyes still didn't meet mine.
I moved closer to her, dipping my hands in my pockets. "My secretary will send you some files. Review them and send an outstanding design along to me." I exhaled roughly. "I need feedback before the day runs out."
She turned to me immediately, Her eyes widened, blazing with defiance. "Today?"
"Yes… Today."
She wrinkled her brow. "How do you expect me to come up with a design in just a day?"
My mouth curled into a wicked smirk. "You'll figure it out. If you find anything difficult, meet Brenda."
She opened her mouth to challenge me, but I left her standing there without turning back.
The look on her face gave me a satisfaction I never knew I needed.
She felt like tearing me apart.
But she couldn't. She knows I'm in charge.
And at this point, I'm done chasing her.
After a long day, it was time to leave for home. But Annabel had yet to report the file or email me any design.
Could it be that she defied my orders?
Or could she still be in her office?
I messaged Leo to find out if Annabel had left the building… but he reported that she never left.
What could she still be doing around?
I tried to call her, but stopped myself, I didn't want to be too pushy.
Without hesitation, I gathered my stuff and went to the garage, where Leo was waiting for me as usual. "Leo, we are not leaving. I want us to pick someone up," I told him.
He gave a slight bow and turned off the engine.
Just then, Annabel came out, looking pale, maybe from the load of work I had given her.
"Follow her," I commanded Leo.
We got to where Annabel was standing. "Annabel, hop in. We'll be dropping you off."
But she did not look my way. She simply stood like I was invisible.
"Annabel, it will soon rain, and I don't think your cab will arrive soon."
As if my words struck her hard, she eased her shoulders, rolled her eyes, and marched around, slamming the door shut as she sat beside me. "Thanks."
Just thanks?
Funny.
I tapped Leo, and we zoomed off.
The car remained silent, just the weight of the air.
Without looking at her again, I picked up my tablet, scrolling through my screen and replying to emails just to keep myself away from her.
After a while, she broke the silence. "Mr. Stroke…" She held back a little before continuing. "I'm sorry for hitting you earlier."
My chest loosened. I closed my tablet and faced her. "You don't look like you mean your words."
"I mean it. I take full responsibility for my actions."
I glanced at her. "Then prove it."
She shifted back. "How?"
I leaned forward, lifting her chin.
"Kiss me."