Forbidden hearts

Chapter two

The city lights blurred thirty stories below the executive boardroom, but thirty-year-old Jace Sterling wasn't looking at the view.

He stood near the head of the massive quartz conference table, smoothly fastening the buttons of his charcoal vest. He possessed a commanding, effortless presence that made people sit up straighter whenever he entered a room. Outwardly, he looked like a ruthless, focused businessman ready to inherit a multi-billion-dollar legacy. Inwardly, his mind was entirely elsewhere. He was mentally tracing the lines of Clara’s laugh, counting down the exact minutes until he could leave the corporate noise behind and hold her.

The heavy oak doors clicked open, and Marcus Sterling walked in. The formidable patriarch of the Sterling family moved with the slow, deliberate confidence of a true leader.

The moment his commanding frame crossed the threshold, the room fell into a respectful silence. Without a word being spoken, the legal assistants and junior executives immediately bowed their heads, gathered their files, and quickly exited the room as a sign of deep respect for the elder Sterling.

Marcus walked over to clap a heavy, supportive hand on Jace’s shoulder. A rare, genuine expression of pride softened his sharp features.

"You handled the quarterly review perfectly today, Jace," Marcus said, looking at his son with undeniable satisfaction. "The board was completely captivated. You prove to me every single day that the future of this empire is safe in your hands."

Jace excelled in the boardroom, but his respect for his father was absolute. "Thank you, Father. I learned from the best."

"And you’ll surpass me soon enough," Marcus smiled, his voice rich and full as he adjusted Jace’s silk tie with a fatherly touch. "This family has sacrificed everything to build this foundation. I want you to enjoy your life, son. Don't spend all night looking at data spreadsheets."

Right behind him, Eleanor Sterling stepped into the boardroom, looking exquisitely elegant in a tailored cream suit. Her eyes were warm with adoration as she smiled at her son.

"He is exactly like you, Marcus. If I don't drag him out of this office, he will turn into a corporate statue," Eleanor said softly. She walked over, smoothing the shoulders of Jace's vest with a gentle, motherly touch. "Jace, sweetheart, you look incredibly handsome. Try to remember there is more to life than just closing deals."

Jace walked over, leaning down to give his mother a warm embrace and a kiss on the cheek. "I was just about to head out, Mom. I promise, no work tonight."

Suddenly, a bright burst of energy filled the quiet boardroom as eighteen-year-old Maya Sterling skipped into the room. She was dressed in a stylish, trendy outfit, her long hair bouncing as she rushed straight over to her older brother, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist."

Tell me you're finally done being a boring CEO for the day, Jace," Maya giggled, looking up at him with adoring eyes. "You promised you'd look at the car options for my college graduation next month!"

Jace laughed warmly, his cold exterior melting completely as he hugged his little sister back, affectionately ruffling her hair. Despite his intense corporate focus, Maya was his absolute soft spot, and he fiercely protected her. "I didn't forget, Maya. I'll look over the list first thing tomorrow morning, I promise. I'll even help you pick out the custom interior colors."

"You better," Maya smiled brightly, her eyes lighting up with excitement before she turned to her mother. "Mom, make him promise. He always gets completely lost in his corporate world."

Eleanor laughed softly, tapping Maya's cheek lovingly. "He will keep his word, sweetie. He always takes care of you."

She reached into her bag and handed Jace a small velvet box containing a stunning, vintage gold watch. "Your grandfather wanted you to have this when you took over the primary accounts. Wear it tonight."

Jace buckled the watch onto his wrist, feeling the immense weight of his family’s love and history. He took a moment to look at the intricate ticking hands, appreciating how much trust his parents placed in him.

Suddenly, the side door connected to the tech suite swung open, and thirty-year-old Leo Brooks walked out. He had a pair of wireless headphones draped around his neck, his dark hair messy in an intentional, stylish way that completely contrasted the formal corporate environment. He held a sleek tablet under his arm and wore a confident, easy smirk.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Sterling, I’ll make sure he actually leaves the building," Leo joked, leaning against the doorframe and nodding respectfully at Marcus and Eleanor. "I'm locking down the executive server in five minutes anyway."

"Hey, Leo!" Maya waved cheerfully, always happy to see her brother's best friend.

Marcus chuckled warmly, gesturing for the family to give the two men space. "Keep him out of trouble, Leo. You two enjoy your evening. Go get some dinner." He turned back to Jace, giving him one last proud nod. "We’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow, son."

After his family walked out, Jace turned to his best friend, a genuine smile breaking through his professional mask. "Thanks for the save."

"Anytime, man," Leo grinned, tossing his tablet onto the table. "You had that distant look all through the final meeting. Go see your girl. I’m heading out to meet Eliana in a bit anyway."

Jace grabbed his suit jacket, his chest tightening with pure anticipation. Ten minutes later, he was stepping into his sports car, the engine roaring to life as he pulled out of the private garage.

He was driving toward the luxury executive suite on the other side of town, completely focused on the woman waiting for him.