The Billionaires Forgotten Vow

Valemont City – Vortiger Tower, 8:47 A.M. The glass walls of Vortiger Tower shimmered like a blade in the sunlight, piercing the skyline of Valemont. Inside, the twenty-ninth floor buzzed with urgency, a sleek war room of suited professionals clicking heels, flashing tablets, and murmuring acronyms. But when Selene Avenel stepped out of the elevator, time seemed to pause. She was dressed in soft charcoal gray, her high-waisted slacks sharp, her blouse tucked and flawless. The neckline dipped modestly, her long black coat draped over one arm, and a silver bracelet flickered on her wrist, an old gift, long worn. She walked like she had something to prove. Because she did. Eight years ago, this man had promised to never forget her. Today, he wouldn’t even recognize her name. “Ms. Avenel?” a young assistant approached with rehearsed cheer. “Mr. Vortiger is waiting. This way, please.” Selene nodded politely, hiding the slight tremor in her fingers. The office they walked toward was more throne room than boardroom, dark marble floors, wide panoramic windows overlooking the city, and a single black desk that stretched like a boundary line between power and the rest of the world. He stood before it, tall and silent. Cassien Vortiger. He hadn’t changed. Not really. Still broad-shouldered, severe, deliberate. His tailored suit was unbothered by time zones or pressure. His jawline could cut glass. But it was his eyes that made her breath catch. Cold. Sharp. Blue like steel pulled from ice. Not even a flicker of recognition. “Ms. Avenel,” he said, extending a hand. His voice was deeper now. A little slower. “I’ve heard you're the best.” Selene smiled with practiced ease, sliding her hand into his. “Only when I care about the result.” “Let’s hope you do,” he replied coolly. “Take a seat.” She sat across from him, heart pounding behind her ribs. Her hand still tingled from his touch eight years gone, and his touch still undid her. But he didn’t remember. Not the promise. Not the fire. Not the kiss behind the chapel. Nothing. “Your consultancy profile was impressive,” he said, sliding a document toward her. “But I hired you because Everett swears you’re a fixer. This merger can’t afford sentiment.” “Good,” Selene replied smoothly, flipping open the file. “Neither can I.” Cassien studied her for a moment longer than necessary. There was a flicker in his gaze. A tilt of his head. No recognition but something unsettled. “Where did you say you’re from?” he asked suddenly. “I didn’t.” He didn’t press. She didn’t offer. The meeting lasted an hour. She navigated it flawlessly. Logic, precision, calm detachment. But under the table, her nails pressed half-moons into her palm. Every word from him, every casual glance, every clipped syllable twisted her inside out. He didn’t remember her name. But she had never stopped remembering him. By noon, she was seated at her temporary office just a few doors down. Her coat hung neatly behind her, and the city stretched below, oblivious. She finally allowed herself to breathe and then, without warning, the door clicked open. Cassien stood there, holding two coffees. Selene blinked. “That’s… unexpected.” He shrugged slightly. “You didn’t take the espresso earlier. Thought I’d offer something less hostile.” She hesitated. “Thanks.” He handed her the cup and lingered a second longer. “You remind me of someone,” he said quietly. Her throat tightened. “I get that a lot,” she lied. Cassien nodded faintly, then left without another word. The moment the door shut, she sank into her chair, coffee untouched. Later that evening, she stood in front of her hotel mirror, peeling off the day like old skin. She removed her makeup gently, revealing a faint scar near her temple faint but real. A remnant of the night she lost everything and the boy she loved walked away. Except now she knew he hadn’t walked. He had forgotten. The doctors had said something about blunt trauma. A probable memory loss. Still, he could have searched. He could have tried. But he didn’t. And now Selene Avenel formerly Selene Morane was back. To make him remember. To make him choose. And maybe, if her heart allowed it… To find out if there was anything left worth saving.