When love found her

Episode 8.The Woman Who Knew Too Much

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Ethan’s office. Dalia’s heartbeat still hadn’t returned to normal since last night. Her lips tingled when she remembered the kiss, the way he held her like she mattered.

What have I done?

She tried to bury herself in work, typing faster than necessary.

But every time she glanced at Ethan’s glass-walled office, her pulse betrayed her. He hadn’t looked at her since he walked in, no smirk, no teasing comment, nothing. He went straight into meetings, his expression unreadable.

Maybe he regretted the kiss.

The thought stabbed her.

Dalia was still wrestling with the idea when the elevator chimed. A pair of sharp heels clicked across the marble floor—confident, loud, expensive.

Everyone in the room looked up.

Dalia froze.

A tall, stunning woman walked in, wearing a fitted cream suit and red lipstick that could stop traffic. She had flawless confidence,like someone who lived her whole life being wanted and obeyed.

“Good morning,” the woman said with a polished smile. “I’m here to see Ethan Stone.”

Dalia swallowed. “Do you… have an appointment?”

The woman leaned closer to Dalia, voice dripping with familiarity.

“No. He never needed one… with me.”

Before Dalia could ask further, Ethan’s office door opened.

His expression changed instantly, surprise, followed by something like annoyance… or regret.

“Lena,” Ethan said stiffly.

Lena.

The way she walked to him , like she had been here a thousand times—made something tighten in Dalia’s chest.

“I missed you,” Lena purred, sliding her arms around Ethan in a hug that lasted too long.

Ethan didn’t hug back.

“Why are you here?” Ethan asked, jaw tightening.

“Is that how you greet your fiancée?”

The room went silent.

Even Dalia’s heartbeat stopped.

Fiancée?

Ethan’s eyes flicked toward Dalia fast—like he knew exactly how that word would hurt her. Dalia blinked hard, forcing her expression to stay neutral despite the explosion in her chest.

“We are not engaged,” Ethan said sharply.

Lena only smiled like he was being dramatic.

“Your father promised me you would come to the merger dinner tonight. I flew all the way from Milan for this.”

Dalia tried to swallow the rising panic. Fiancée? Dinner? Promises? This wasn’t just a random woman. This was someone tied to his world, his family, his empire.

Ethan stepped aside, creating space between them.

“I don’t care what my father promised. I make my own decisions.”

Lena’s gaze sharpened—and then fell on Dalia. Slowly. Assessing.

“And who is this?”

Dalia straightened her shoulders. “Dalia Brooks. Executive assistant.”

“Hmm.” Lena arched a brow. “Cute.”

The word felt like a slap.

Before Ethan could speak, Lena intertwined her arm with his again.

“Anyway, we’ll finish this conversation in private.”

“In my office?” he asked coldly.

“No,” Lena said, eyes flicking toward Dalia once more. “Some things shouldn’t be discussed in front of employees.”

Dalia understood the message perfectly.

You don’t belong in his world.

Ethan hesitated, then followed Lena into his office. When the door closed behind them, Dalia realized she had been holding her breath.

She felt something inside her crack.

Inside the office, Ethan’s POV

Lena paced.

“You kissed her.”

Ethan froze. “That’s none of your business.”

“Oh, please. The way you looked at her, it’s obvious.”

Ethan clenched his jaw. “We’re not happening, Lena. Not now. Not ever.”

“You think your father will let that little girl be the face beside yours?” Lena asked. “He’s spent his life building the Stone empire. You don’t get to throw it away for someone who doesn’t even belong to this world.”

Ethan’s hands curled into fists.

“She belongs where I say she does.”

Back at her desk , Dalia’s POV

Her vision blurred, but she kept typing.

She shouldn’t care. It was one kiss. One moment.

Ethan and she lived in different universes. He had power, legacy, a family who made decisions for him. Dalia? She was nobody.

The office door opened again.

Ethan stepped out.

His eyes found hers.

Concern. Desire. Conflict.

“Dalia,” he said quietly, approaching her desk, “can we talk?”

Before she could answer, Lena appeared behind him, looping her arm through his.

“We really need to go, Ethan. The dinner awaits.”

Dalia lowered her gaze.

Ethan hesitated.

“Dalia

“It’s okay,” she interrupted softly, forcing a smile. “You should go.”

He didn’t move for a long second.

Then he left with Lena.

The elevator closed.

Dalia’s heart shattered for the first time in years.