Signed Without Love

Episode 4: Hidden In Plain Sight

Arielle got to the building ten minutes early.

She liked being early. It gave her time to breathe, settle her nerves, and remind herself why she was there. She adjusted her black skirt and red shirt, the fabric sitting neatly against her tall frame. Her heels clicked softly as she walked, her hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. Simple glasses rested on her nose, giving her a composed look even if her nerves said otherwise.

She walked in and immediately felt small.

The lobby was busy. People moved fast, dressed sharply, speaking in low voices. Everything looked expensive and perfect.

She gave her name at the reception. The woman checked her screen and nodded.

“You can wait in the lobby. Someone will come for you,” she said.

Arielle thanked her.

As she walked away, she heard movement behind her. Voices, respectful greetings.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Welcome.”

“Good to see you.”

She slowed and turned slightly.

Through the glass doors, people bowed and stepped aside. She couldn’t see the man’s face, only his dark, expensive suit.

Whoever he was, he was important.

Curiosity distracted her.

And then she bumped into someone.

She gasped as she fell. The next moment, they both went down. She landed on top of him.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” she said quickly.

Strong hands grabbed her arms and pulled her up.

“Ma’am, step back.”

“Be careful.”

The man was helped up, and guards moved him into the elevator.

Arielle’s heart raced. Her face burned. She hadn’t even seen him.

One guard looked at her sharply.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came for an interview,” she said quickly. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t careful.”

He studied her, then stepped aside.

“Watch where you’re going.”

She nodded and hurried off.

Behind her, whispers followed.

“She fell on Mr. Jay.”

“So clumsy.”

Her chest tightened.

I wish the ground would swallow me, she thought.

She sat in the lobby, hands shaking.

“Get it together, Arielle,” she whispered. “Breathe.”

Upstairs, Jay entered his office.

Mark and Daria followed. They had seen the CCTV.

“Are you okay?” Mark asked.

“I’m fine,” Jay said, adjusting his cuffs.

Daria handed him a jacket. “You should change.”

He took it.

“Send flowers to my mother,” he added. “The usual.”

“Right away.”

“Arielle Laurent.”

Her name was called.

She smoothed her dress and followed the woman into the conference room.

She was still taking everything in when the door opened again.

Jay walked in.

Her breath caught. It was him, the man she had gone on two dates with. The realization hit her hard.

He sat down, calm and unreadable.

Their eyes met briefly.

No recognition.

To him, she was just the clumsy girl who had fallen on him earlier. Her glasses made her look different.

The interview began. She answered every question clearly and confidently, though she was scared she wouldn’t get the job.

After some minutes, she was asked to step outside.

Inside, discussions followed. Jay had already decided. Her CV was strong, she arrived early, and she answered well.

An hour later, she was called back in.

“We’d like to offer you the position.”

Relief washed over her. She smiled, but her mind raced.

Why didn’t he recognize her?

She felt conflicted. She got the job, but now wanted to end the contract.

She was told she could start immediately. Documents would be sent later, including salary and job details.

She was shown her desk, and Daria gave her her assignments.

While sorting out files, she got a text from Jay:

“I’d like to see you by 8:00 p.m. I need to discuss something. I’ll pick you up.”

That made things easier because she had also been wondering how to tell him that she suddenly needed to see him.

She spent the day in handover sessions, following Daria, serving lunch, and observing quietly until closing time.

That evening, she got ready and waited.

He came to pick her up as promised. This time, he drove himself. The ride to the restaurant was quiet.

After a long silence, they arrived. The place was elegant, but all she could think about was what she had to say.

They sat.

The waiter took their orders.

While waiting, Elle finally spoke.

“You said you wanted to talk,” she said.

“Yes,” Jay replied.

“Before that, I also have something to say.”

“What is it?” he asked.

“I want to end the contract.”