FATE
888 Words
CHAPTER 10
Power. Proximity. Possession.
---
Hazel’s POV
I had barely slept.
Not because the bed wasn’t soft or the sheets weren’t silk.
But because of him.
The cold shoulder. The tension at dinner.
The way he looked at me like I was an error in his perfect life.
It hurt more than it should’ve.
But I was done letting him get to me.
At 7 a.m. sharp, I sat on the sleek penthouse sofa, dressed immaculately in a fitted blouse and pencil skirt, laptop open, notepad ready.
He wanted professional?
He’d get ice-cold efficiency.
The elevator dinged.
Alexander stepped out like a magazine cover — black suit, silver tie, storm in his eyes.
He walked past me without a single glance.
I stood. “Good morning, sir.”
Silence. Not even a nod.
My chest tightened… but I forced a smile and sat back down.
Fine. I’m invisible? Then I’ll be flawless while doing it.
---
AW Empire Holdings – Conference Floor
The schedule was packed, but one name jumped out and made my stomach twist: Damien Carter.
My skin still crawled remembering his hand at my waist, that grin like he owned the world.
I set the boardroom early, making sure every paper, every chair, every glass of water was in place. I wouldn’t give him a single excuse to get close.
But of course, the devil showed up early.
“Angel,” he greeted, stepping far too close, eyes dragging over me. “Still working for the Ice King? How’s the view from his penthouse?”
I stepped back instantly. “Please take your seat, Mr. Carter.”
He chuckled, the sound low and amused. “Still fiery. I like that.”
And that’s when the air shifted.
The door opened.
And he walked in.
Alexander.
Sharp. Commanding.
Eyes instantly locking on Damien… then on me.
For one breathless moment — everything in the room froze.
And then he moved — silent, deadly, taking his seat like a king claiming his throne.
“Let’s begin,” he said. His voice? Frost and thunder.
---
Alexander’s POV
I saw the way Carter looked at her.
Like she was a treat. Like she was available.
Like she was his to touch.
My fingers curled into a fist under the table.
She stood too close. Too trusting.
But her posture — rigid, alert — told me she was trying.
Trying to stay composed.
Trying to act like it didn’t shake her.
And I hated that she had to pretend.
The meeting passed in a blur of numbers and voices. But all I could see was Carter — grinning. All I could hear was Hazel’s voice in my head.
Good morning, sir.
The words had warmth.
And I ignored her. Like a fool.
---
After the Meeting
“Miss Hayden, stay,” I said coldly.
The others filed out. Carter smirked at her before leaving, and my jaw ticked.
She stood still, spine straight, hands clasped.
She didn’t meet my eyes.
“Sir?”
I wanted to yell.
I wanted to grab her wrist, to demand why she let him close.
Why she made me care.
Instead, I bit it all down.
“Next time,” I said sharply, “stay by my side. Understand?”
She blinked. “Yes, sir.”
That wasn’t what I meant.
But I couldn’t find the right words.
“Dismissed.”
She turned to go.
And I let her.
Like I always do.
---
Hazel’s POV
“Stay by my side.”
The words looped in my head like a broken song.
Was it protection?
Possession?
Or something worse — something dangerously in between?
I didn’t know.
But I knew one thing: my heart had stopped being neutral the moment I stepped into his world.
---
That Night – Penthouse
Dinner was quiet again.
He didn’t speak. I didn’t ask.
Afterward, I sat at my desk in my room, staring at my journal.
Then I wrote:
> Day 10: He’s colder than ever… except when he’s not. Today, he told me to stay by his side. I don’t know if I should feel safe… or owned.
I hate that I even care.
A soft knock startled me.
I turned — heart leaping.
But it wasn’t Alexander.
It was Raymond.
---
Raymond’s POV
She opened the door with surprise, wearing a soft sweater, notebook in hand.
“I just wanted to check on you,” I said smoothly. “You looked… tense today.”
She nodded. “Just a lot going on.”
I leaned against the doorframe, lowering my voice. “He’s changing, you know.”
“Who?”
“Alex. Around you.”
She looked away. “He’s cold. And confusing.”
I chuckled softly. “You haven’t seen him when he’s in denial. That’s his worst habit.”
I stepped closer. “But if he hurts you—”
Her eyes met mine. Vulnerable. Curious.
“I won’t let him,” I whispered.
---
Just down the hall…
Alexander stood in the shadows.
Watching.
Listening.
Jaw tight.
Hands clenched.
And something in his chest burned.
She’s mine.
---
To be continued…
🔥 Is Hazel caught between two storms? Will Alexander finally act… or lose her to the one man who never plays fair?
💬 Comment "Ready for 11!" if you're hooked.
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