Billionaire Temptation

Chapter 4: Shiara

As I gazed at the stunning woman beside me, the phone suddenly rang. My first instinct was to reach for my own phone, as the ringtone sounded remarkably similar to mine. However, it became apparent that the call was coming from the woman's phone as she retrieved it from her bag.

"I'm at the elevator now," she said into the phone. "I'm almost there, Alexander."

The mention of his name sent a shiver down my spine. The elevator emitted a soft *ting* as its doors began to open. I couldn't explain it, but in that moment, my heart seemed to skip a beat. I gestured for the woman to go ahead, allowing her to step out of the elevator first.

As I watched her walk away, her figure disappearing down the hallway, I couldn't help but wonder about the connection between this woman and Alexander. It was clear that their relationship went beyond a simple business partnership. The complexities of Alexander's life were becoming more apparent, and I knew that our meeting held the potential to reveal even deeper layers of the man I once knew.

The hallway beyond the elevator was sleek and pristine, much like the rest of the building. The walls were adorned with elegant artwork, and the soft carpeting underfoot absorbed the sound of my footsteps as I followed in the direction the woman had gone.

My thoughts raced as I approached the entrance to Alexander's office. This meeting held significant weight for both of us. It was a chance to address the past, to understand the changes that had occurred over the years, and to confront the emotions that had resurfaced.

With a deep breath, I pushed open the door to his office and stepped inside. The room was a blend of modern aesthetics and functionality. Large windows offered a panoramic view of the city skyline, and the spacious desk was meticulously organized.

Alexander sat behind the desk, engrossed in his work, but he looked up as I entered. Our eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Emotions swirled within me, a mixture of curiosity, apprehension, and a hint of something else that I couldn't quite define.

"Eleanor," he said, his voice holding a warmth that I remembered well. "Thank you for coming."

I nodded, taking a seat across from him. The distance between us felt both tangible and symbolic. There was so much to say, so many unspoken words between us, but for now, we sat in silence, the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future hanging in the air.

"Seat here," Alexander offered, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.

I took the proffered seat, my eyes wandering around his office. The opulence and grandeur of the space were beyond my expectations. I knew Alexander had come from a wealthy family, but what I was witnessing now suggested that he had prospered many times over.

The view from his office was breathtaking. Towering skyscrapers stretched into the horizon, and the city below buzzed with life. It was a stark contrast to the small town we had grown up in, and it made me realize just how far Alexander had come since our childhood.

His desk was a marvel of modern design, sleek and uncluttered, with a high-end computer and a scattering of papers neatly arranged. The room was adorned with tasteful artwork, and shelves displayed awards and achievements that spoke of his success.

Alexander took his seat behind the desk, his gaze never leaving mine. There was a sense of intensity in his eyes, as if he was trying to read my thoughts. I couldn't help but feel vulnerable under his scrutiny.

"How have you been, Eleanor?" he asked, his voice soft yet filled with genuine concern.

I shifted in my seat, still grappling with the emotions swirling inside me. "I've been... well, considering the circumstances."

His eyebrows furrowed slightly, a gesture I remembered well from our childhood when he was trying to figure something out. "I know this must be difficult for you. It is for me too."

I nodded, acknowledging the complexity of our reunion. "A lot has changed since we last saw each other."

Alexander leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Eleanor, I need you to understand that I didn't plan for any of this. Meeting you again, these emotions... It caught me by surprise too."

I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions at his words. Confusion, curiosity, and a hint of longing all swirled within me. "Alexander, why did you say those things that night? About... loving me?"

He sighed, his gaze dropping to his desk for a moment before returning to meet mine. "I meant every word, Eleanor. But I also knew it was a lot to take in. That's why I wanted to talk to you, to explain."

I leaned in closer, wanting to understand the truth behind his words. "Explain what, Alexander?"

He hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. "There's so much you don't know, Eleanor. About my life, about what's happened since you left. But before I say anything else, I want you to know that I never stopped thinking about you."

His confession hit me like a wave, and for a moment, all I could hear was the pounding of my heart. It was a testament to the depth of our shared history, a history that had been interrupted but not forgotten.

"I never stopped thinking about you either," I admitted softly, my voice filled with sincerity.

Alexander's eyes softened, and he reached across the desk, his hand coming to rest on mine. "Eleanor, there's so much I want to tell you, but it's a long story. Will you hear me out?"

Alexander and I were engrossed in our conversation, our hearts heavy with the weight of our shared history and the possibility of a future together. I couldn't help but voice a question that had been lingering in my mind.

"I didn't understand why you loved me that quickly, Alexander," I began, my voice trembling with the emotions that had been bubbling beneath the surface. "We were so young back then, and you never..." I paused, gasping for air to steady my racing heart. "You never showed any of those feelings before."

Alexander's eyes bore into mine, understanding the depths of my confusion. "Because everything was too late."

"Too late for what, baby?" came an unexpected voice that shattered our intimate moment. We both turned our heads, and our eyes met the sight of a woman who had just emerged from the restroom in Alexander's office.

"Shiera."