Unmasked Power

The morning after

The night had been warm with laughter and easy conversations. Annabelle and her roommate, Cassie, stayed up later than usual, sprawled on the couch with takeout containers scattered on the coffee table. They shared silly memes, complained about their bosses, and teased each other about their hopeless love lives. By the time they finally called it a night, the city outside had gone quiet, its usual buzz softened into a distant hum.

Morning came too quickly. Annabelle’s alarm blared, dragging her out of the soft cocoon of sleep. She groaned, pulling the blanket over her head before forcing herself to get up. Cassie was still asleep, her messy hair peeking out from under her blanket.

Annabelle padded to the small kitchen in her oversized T-shirt, the one with the faded print she’d had since college. She made herself a quick breakfast—scrambled eggs and toast—while sipping black coffee to fight the lingering sleepiness.

After a shower, she stood in front of her closet, mentally preparing for the day. She chose a fitted navy blouse tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt, pairing it with low heels. It was professional, but the subtle gold necklace she added gave it a touch of her personal style.

By the time she stepped out of her apartment, the city was wide awake—cars honking, people rushing, and the faint scent of fresh bread drifting from a nearby bakery.

At work, the atmosphere buzzed with Monday-like energy even though it wasn’t Monday. Annabelle greeted a few colleagues in the hallway before settling at her desk. She was halfway through checking her emails when a meeting reminder popped up.

In the conference room, the team was already gathering, murmuring over presentation slides and notes. And then he walked in—Ethan Carter. Crisp suit, confident stride, the kind of presence that pulled all the air out of the room. He took a seat at the head of the table, his eyes briefly meeting hers before moving on. It was just a second, but Annabelle felt the faintest spark crawl up her spine.

“Alright, let’s get started,” he said, his voice deep, calm, and in control.

She exhaled slowly, reminding herself that this was just work. Nothing more. At least, that’s what she kept telling herself

She looked at him.

That voice—deep and smooth, like it had been made to command attention.

Those eyes—blue, endless, like the ocean could drown her in one look.

The trimmed beard, the way his suit hugged his broad shoulders… oh my God. On him, it wasn’t just clothing—it was power.

Annabelle. Focus.

What are you doing? Listen to what he’s saying, not how good he looks saying it.

A soft whisper tickled her ear.

“Intimidating much?”

She startled, glancing sideways. Her colleague was leaning close, smirking.

“He’s so hot and—ugh—I can’t even explain. But…” She glanced toward Ethan with a dramatic sigh. “You can’t talk to him.”

Annabelle smiled, suppressing a laugh, but her pulse was still racing for an entirely different reason.

“Miss Annabelle.”

Her head snapped toward him. Ethan’s gaze was locked on hers, unreadable but sharp.

“I believe I asked for your opinion,” he said, voice calm yet carrying the weight of a command.

Every pair of eyes in the room shifted to her.

Her mind blanked.

She hadn’t heard a single word he’d said in

the last two minutes.