Billionaire Temptation

Chapter 3:Meeting

In the aftermath of that fateful night, Eleanor found solace in the quiet of her apartment, her thoughts in turmoil. She needed solitude, a sanctuary to unravel the complex tapestry of emotions that Alexander's reappearance had woven. The hot water from the shower did little to wash away the fog of feelings clouding her mind.

As the water cascaded over her, memories of their childhood together resurfaced. They had been inseparable, like two halves of a whole, closer than friends, closer than siblings. Eleanor had always been the older, wiser one, protecting him from life's uncertainties. But Alexander's return had been a shock, and he was not the boy she remembered.

Physically, he was still unmistakably Alexander – those piercing blue eyes, that chiseled jaw – but there was a newfound intensity about him that left her bewildered. It was as if he had shed his old self and emerged as a more intricate version of the person she once knew. His confession of love... it had caught her off guard.

Her mind drifted back to the day she had left for New York at the age of twelve, forced to follow her mother after her parents' painful divorce. It had been unfortunate timing – Alexander and his family were away on vacation, and she hadn't been able to say a proper goodbye. Instead, she had left her favorite pen on the windowsill of his room and penned a letter, the memory of which now haunted her.

Her fingers traced the wet tiles of the bathroom wall as she relived the words she had written.

---

Dear Der,

The years we've spent together have been some of the happiest of my life. I know our families are going through difficult times, and my dad's decision to choose a younger woman over me and my mom has been hard to bear.

Please promise me that you won't let Carl and Sean bully you again, alright? Remember what I always told you: don't show your weakness. Be strong and stand tall. I have faith in you, Der.

I'll miss you every day, but I believe we'll meet again someday. And when that day comes, I hope you'll still be the same kind, caring, and wonderful person you are now.

Take care of yourself, my dear friend.

With all my love,

Eleanor

---

The weight of those words hung in the steamy bathroom air as she turned off the shower and stepped out onto the bath mat. She had meant every word when she penned that letter, but life had carved unexpected paths since then.

Now, those memories felt like fragile shards of the past. Both Alexander and she had grown and evolved in their own ways. Their reunion had torn down the emotional barriers they had so carefully erected.

Determined to find clarity, she wrapped herself in a towel and ventured into the bedroom. Her phone lay on the bedside table, silently urging her to address the messages that had gone unanswered. The time for avoidance was over; it was time for a difficult conversation.

With a deep breath, she picked up her phone and dialed Alexander's number. The phone rang, each tone resonating with the weight of the impending dialogue.

"Hello?" his voice came through, tinged with both hope and uncertainty.

The impending meeting with Alexander weighed heavily on her mind as she initiated their second encounter. It was essential for both of them to address the tumultuous emotions and unanswered questions that had arisen since their reunion. Alexander, too, recognized the necessity of this conversation.

"Alexander," she began, her voice steady but her heart racing, "we need to meet."

A moment of silence followed, and then he responded, "I agree, Eleanor. Let's meet tomorrow morning at my office, 9 am. I've been awaiting your response."

As the evening morphed into the early hours of the morning, sleep remained elusive. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, causing her to toss and turn in her bed. By the time the clock read 8:30 am, her eyes felt heavy, and panic began to creep in.

In haste, she stumbled out of bed, exhaustion etched across her face. The need to prepare for the meeting rushed through her, overriding her weariness. She rushed into the bathroom and turned on the shower, its rhythmic flow of water providing a sense of urgency.

The warm water cascaded over her as she tried to shake off the remnants of sleep and anxiety. She couldn't afford to be late for the meeting with Alexander, given the significance of their pending discussion.

With determination born of necessity, she completed her shower, her mind focused on the imminent encounter. She stepped out, hastily drying herself, and wrapped a towel around her body.

As she made her way to the kitchen, her stomach protested with a low growl. Time constraints left no room for a proper breakfast. She opened the fridge and grabbed a piece of cold bread, taking hurried bites as she contemplated the situation.

She needed to be alert and composed for the meeting, to convey her thoughts and emotions to Alexander in a clear and measured manner. While the cold bread did little to quell her hunger, it would have to suffice for now.

Each bite of the bread served as a reminder of the meeting's significance. She couldn't allow her emotions to run amok. She had to be rational, honest, and assertive in her communication with Alexander.

With her makeshift breakfast finished, she wiped her mouth and took a deep breath. The moment had arrived to face uncertainties and confront the truths that needed addressing.

Her apartment held an air of anticipation as she left, the future of her relationship with Alexander hanging in the balance. There was no turning back now. She ventured out into the morning light, ready to confront whatever lay ahead.

For the meeting, she chose the simplest and most comfortable attire, prioritizing practicality over style. The sleepless night had left its mark, and she didn't want her appearance to detract from the important conversation. Her eyes still bore the weight of fatigue, and she applied a thin layer of concealer to mask the prominent dark circles beneath them. This meeting was about more than appearances; it was an opportunity to lay bare their emotions and concerns.

With her makeup in place and simple attire chosen, she felt as prepared as she could be for the pivotal meeting with Alexander. The journey to his company would offer her time to collect her thoughts and focus on the task at hand.

Eleanor had driven for half an hour before reaching Alexander's company headquarters. As she pulled into the sleek, modern complex, it was evident that this was no ordinary workplace. Alexander's company was a masterpiece of architecture, a testament to his success and ambition.

The skyscraper stretched majestically towards the heavens, its glass exterior catching the morning sun in a dazzling display. Upon entering, she encountered a meticulously landscaped oasis, featuring a serene water feature and flawlessly groomed gardens. The entrance boasted grand revolving glass doors, ushering visitors into a world of opulence.

Inside, polished marble floors gleamed, illuminated by elegant designer chandeliers. Adorning the walls were tasteful artworks, and behind the reception desk, impeccably dressed staff stood at the ready.

But it was the lobby's crowning jewel that captured her attention — a resplendent crystal chandelier, suspended from the lofty ceiling, casting shimmering reflections all around. The entire space exuded sophistication, a testament to the empire Alexander had meticulously crafted.

As she waited for the elevator doors to open, a striking woman caught her eye. This striking woman approached from the side, her presence commanding attention in the opulent surroundings. Her ebony hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her lips bore a bold shade of crimson, accentuating their fullness. She was dressed in a tailored suit that hinted at both power and sensuality, a combination that demanded respect and admiration.

Eleanor couldn't help but wonder about her role in Alexander's life. Her striking appearance and air of authority suggested that she held a significant place within this world of luxury and success. In the midst of her own emotional turmoil, Eleanor found herself intrigued by this enigmatic figure.