The Man From Her Past
939 Words
Anna knew something was wrong the moment she walked into Black Enterprise.
The hallway was too quiet.
Too empty
Usually, the activity in Black’s Enterprise was massive, assistants moving quickly, phones ringing.
But today…
Silence.
Anna stepped out slowly, as she took every step, her heart beat a little faster
Then she saw him.
Leaning against the wall outside the conference room like he owned the building.
She got Goosebumps instantly.
Victor Hale.
He looked the same.
Tall.
Well-dressed.
That same arrogant smile she used to mistake for charm.
Well, well, well, he said.
Look who married a billionaire.
Why are you here? Anna said, frightened.
Victor Smirked.
Business.
This is a private floor.
And yet here I am.
Anna tried to walk past him, refusing to show how uncomfortable she felt.
Victor stepped in front of her.
Blocking her path.
The smell of his expensive cologne made her chest tighten with old memories she wished she could erase.
You look good, Anna, he said slowly, while looking at her from head to toe.
Marriage suits you.
This made her more angry.
Move.
Victor chuckled.
Still the same attitude.
You lost the right to speak to me a long time ago, she said
His smile faded slightly.
You mean when you ran away with your father’s inheritance?
Anna’s eyes flashed.
You tried to steal it.
Victor leaned closer.
And you tried to ruin me.
She felt anger rise in her chest.
You ruined yourself.
Then Victor smiled again.
But this time the expression held something darker.
You really think you belong here? He asked quietly.
Anna looked at him with cold eyes.
I work here.
No, he corrected.
You married into it.
And that bothers you?
Victor leaned even closer.
It amuses me.
Anna forced herself not to react.
Excuse me.
She tried to walk past him again.
This time he grabbed her wrist.
Let go.
You always did underestimate me, Anna.
Her heart began to race.
Victor…
Did you tell your new husband what you used to do? He asked.
Anna froze.
What are you talking about?
Victor tilted his head slightly.
The investments.
Her stomach dropped.
How do you know about that?
His smile widened slowly.
Oh, Anna…
I know a lot of things about you.
She got scared.
She had kept that part of her life buried.
Hidden.
No one at Black’s Enterprise knew she had once been an investor, when her father was alive and money was the least of her problems.
Especially not the fact that she had once put millions into a company that almost collapsed.
A company she didn’t even realise belonged to Triston Black.
You were so proud of that investment, he continued.
You said it was the smartest decision you ever made.
Let go of me.
What would your husband say if he knew you once lost millions gambling on a failing company?
Gamble? You don’t know what you’re talking about.
Victor leaned closer.
Oh, I do.
He lowered his voice.
And I’m going to make sure everyone else knows too.
Anna’s chest tightened.
You wouldn’t.
Victor smirked.
Watch me.
Before she could respond…
She heard footsteps.
Take your hands off my wife.
Victor released her instantly.
Anna turned.
And there he was.
Triston Black.
Standing at the end of the hallway.
Tall.
Cold
His expression is completely unreadable.
But his eyes…
His eyes were cold enough to freeze the room.
Victor gave a slow clap.
Well, well, he said casually.
Speak of the devil.
Triston walked forward slowly.
When he got close to them, he didn’t even look at Anna first.
His full attention remained on Victor.
Why are you here? Triston.
Victor slipped his hands into his pockets.
I have a meeting with the board.
Triston looked at him and smirked.
“You won’t.”
Victor smiled.
Oh?
You’re not welcome in my building.
Anna had never heard his voice sound like that before.
Quiet.
Deadly.
Victor chuckled.
You might want to check with your board of directors.
Triston stepped closer.
The two men now stood only inches apart.
You have ten seconds to leave, Triston said.
Victor looked him straight in the eyes.
And if I don’t?
For a moment…
No one spoke.
Then Triston finally looked at Anna, cold but assuring.
“Go to my office.”
Anna hesitated.
I…
Now.
The authority in his voice left no room for argument.
Anna walked away quickly, though she could still feel Victor’s eyes on her.
Inside Triston’s office, Anna was shaking.
Her heart still raced from the confrontation.
From Victor’s threat.
From Triston’s presence.
Five minutes later, the door opened.
Triston walked in.
He closed the door behind him slowly.
Anna turned.
Is he gone?
Yes.
She let out a small breath of relief.
Then she noticed something strange.
Triston was looking at her differently.
Not like a boss.
Not like a partner in a contract.
Something else.
Something more intense.
What did he say to you? Triston asked.
Anna hesitated.
Nothing important.
He looked at her suspiciously.
Anna.
The way he said her name sent a strange shiver down her spine.
You’re lying.
She looked away.
It’s not worth discussing.
Silence filled the room.
Then suddenly.
Triston stepped forward.
Close.
Too close.
His voice lowered.
You don’t deal with men like him alone.
Anna looked up.
I can handle myself.
I know.
But you won’t have to.
Her heart skipped.
Why?
Triston leaned closer.
Because, he said quietly,
You’re mine for the next fifty-seven days.
Anna’s heart pounded fast.
And I protect what belongs to me.
The way he said it… didn’t sound temporary at all.
- Writer
