Entangled with the CEO

Chapter One

Arianna's POV

“We are sorry to disappoint you, Miss Kent, but we are looking for a piece that tells a more powerful story through the artwork –something intense and with depth, not some amateur work.” Mr Evans, supervisor of the Gold Art Circle team, said coolly after my presentation.

I exhale deeply, trying my best to stay composed. “With all due respect, sir, if I remember correctly, this theme is based on the portfolio that–”

“Miss Kent,” He interrupted, staring at me from the top of his glasses. “Not to downgrade your work, but this idea is creative enough. We need originality, something bold and innovative, rather mind-blowing.”

“This idea is original. Purely, my idea. No one has worked on something like this, and I can prove it if you'd just give me a chance.” I defended my voice firm despite the knot tightening in my stomach. I refused to let myself crumble–not in front of him, not in front of his team.

Mr. Evans shook his head, clearly unimpressed. “I am highly disappointed, Miss Kent. I expected more from you, especially considering your role in McLeod Industries’ Creative Branding and Innovation team… and your so-called Mega Sales award.”

“Mr Evans,” I said quickly, stepping forward. You made the right choice in choosing me. Just give me a chance to...”

“I don't give second chances.” He said curtly. Then he rose from his seat and left the room with his team, leaving the heavy silence in their wake.

Panicked but determined, I followed after him, still explaining, still trying to salvage something — anything — without even watching where I was going.

Then it happened.

A sudden collision. A gasp. The sharp, scalding spill of black coffee soaking through my white blouse like ink on paper.

“I am so sorry.” The lady who tripped and spilled her coffee on me said, apologising profusely. I ignored her, rushing over to the elevator in hopes of catching up with the director, but it was too late. He was gone.

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I stared at the closed doors. My heart pounded, heavy with disappointment and humiliation. Without much thought, I rushed into the restroom to clean myself up, attempting to keep it together.

Just then, my phone chimed. I checked to see an email from my team project manager.

“Transfer every document you have on Gold Art Circle to Miss Olivia Bennett. She is the one in charge of this project now. Let's hope she does better than you.”

I stood frozen, reading the message again. And again.

Tears welled up once more, blurring the words. I let out a shaky breath and whispered to myself, “Can this day get any worse?” I sniffed, letting the tears fall freely.

At the close of work, I rushed out of the office, not wanting to come in contact with any of my coworkers. I knew I had become the talk of the town. There was no use staying back and listening to them.

I hailed a cab and dialed my boyfriend's number continuously, but he wasn't answering his phone. I gave the driver my home address, and he drove off.

By the time I got to my apartment building, my legs felt like lead. I took slow steps towards the elevator, each stride heavier than the last. Today has been hell for me. All I needed was the comfort of my boyfriend.

I reached the door of my apartment, punched the passcode, and stepped inside, only to be surprised at the state of the apartment. It was a mess. There were clothes scattered across the floor in the living room, and the kitchen too was a complete mess. Then, I heard it –the moaning sound that came from our bedroom made my blood run cold.

No. No. No.

I moved in a daze towards the room. I pushed open the door —and the sight before me shattered whatever was left of me.

The sound of my bag hitting the floor made them jerk around in surprise.

“Ari.. Ari.. anna” Sebastian stuttered, his voice caught in his throat.

My heart stopped, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. Anger, hurt, and disbelief crashed over me like a tidal wave as I took in the appearance of the girl beside him.

“Olivia,” I yelled out in grief.

“Hey, Arianna. It’s about time you found out.” Olivia said, with a smirk on her face. “Damn! I freaking love the look on your face right now.” She let out a cold laugh. “The look of defeat and–”

“Shut the f**k up, Olivia,” Sebastian snapped, his voice shaking with panic. He turned to me with desperation. “I can explain, Arianna.” He pleaded.

“I would have you cheat on me with any other woman in the world,” I screamed at him, my voice breaking. “But certainly not Olivia." Sebastian reached out to hold me but I stepped back, away from his touch.

“Stay away from me,” I muttered and walked out of the bedroom. The sound of my heartbeat thudding in my ears.

“Wait a minute.” Sebastian rushed to the living room with me, while fumbling with his shorts. “Arianna, please!” He called out and held me by the wrist.

“I can explain— let me explain.”

“How long?” I breathed.

“Listen, it isn't what —”

“I said, how long has it been, Sebastian? How have you guys been doing this behind my back?”

“A year,” Sebastian said with his head bowed in shame.

“I must have been a fool to you.” I walked out of the apartment.

********

I couldn't hold back my tears, the day’s events replaying in my mind. From losing the contract to Olivia and seeing my boyfriend with another lady–Olivia.

“Olivia sure got the universe on her side”

I needed a break, a momentary escape, a distraction. The image of their betrayal burned into my thoughts.

“Excuse me, ma’am, where are you heading to?” The cab driver asked again.

“I will stop at the next station.”

An hour later, the taxi pulled over and I got down. I took a stroll hoping to bask in the cool evening air, but it did little to quell the storm raging within. Alone and devastated, I wandered and found myself standing directly opposite a neon-lit club. Without thinking, I crossed the street.

In the blink of an eye, a car appeared, its headlights blinding. Tires screeched. My body forgot how to move.

The brakes slammed just in time.

I hit the ground, arms thrown over my head, crying and trembling in fear.

Then, a presence — someone knelt in front of me.

“My apologies… Are you okay?” The voice was dangerous yet soft — cool and smooth like velvet laced with steel. It sent a strange shiver down my spine, one I couldn’t explain.

I slowly looked up — and met a pair of cold, sea-blue eyes staring down at me with intensity that nearly stole my breath.

Oh s**t, Aria… Of all days to fall apart, why this one? Why let someone so absurdly handsome see you like this?

I gave a shaky nod, avoiding his gaze as fresh tears streamed down my face.

I was on the floor with my hand over my head, crying and shivering in fear.

He looked at me one more time, I could only imagine what he saw– definitely not the best first impression and for some reason I wanted to hide my despair from him but I didn't have the energy to pretend I was okay.

Then to my surprise, he reached his hand and lifted my face, causing me to look at him.

“Where were you heading to?” He asked.

I gave a nudge towards the club.

“So am I. Shall we?” He held out his arm for me and without any form of hesitation I took it. The bouncer held the door open as we walked in, the loud music and chatter enveloping me like a warm, chaotic embrace. Instantly a young lady dressed in some slutty outfit walked up to us and whispered into his ear.

We followed her up the stairs to a more secluded part of the club, I assume it to be reserved for just VIPs.

“I will be right outside if you need a third party.” She placed a peck on his cheek, winked at him and left. He stood rigid, not even affected by her touch or voice. I peered through the glass door watching everyone dance to the beat downstairs.

“Don't worry they can't see us.” He assured me as if he could read my mind.

He gestured for me to sit and drew the curtains down.

“Thank you for helping me earlier. I am Arianna.” I introduced myself as I sat down beside him.

“And I'm Killian."

In about a minute, two servers came with two bottles of whiskey and then a cocktail—s*x on the Beach, a drink that felt oddly appropriate given the circumstances. They gave a slight bow before leaving.

“Seems like you are a regular here,” I said to him.

He took a shot and offered me a glass.

“No.” He said sternly, “I know the owner.”

The alcohol did its job, burning its way through my system, dulling the pain and loosening my inhibitions. I took another shot without thinking twice.

“Aren't you going to fast,” He smirked. “Can you hold your liquor?”

“Absolutely not.” I shook my head in disagreement. “I am terrible at drinking but today has been a day so I intend to let loose.” I tossed back another shot, feeling the warmth bloom in my chest.

He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on me with a flicker of curiosity, like he was starting to enjoy whatever this was.

“Have you ever cheated on your girlfriend?” I pouted, slightly.

He shifted a bit, downed three more shots before answering. “I don't have a girlfriend.”

“Haaaa– Liessss.” I slurred, grinning. “Your type lie a lot.”

He scoffed, revealing a very cute dimple on his left side of his cheek

How can one man be this hot?

“I lost a contract with Gold Art Circle today to a workplace rival," I said suddenly, my voice dipping. “And to top it, I caught the said b***h in bed with my boyfriend… she replaced me.”

“You're an artist?” He asked, tone more serious.

“Yeahhhhh,” I slurred.. “Not professionally. But painting is a hobby for me.” I leaned across the table, eyes hazy. “And honestly, your face can be my canvas, right now.” I reached out and traced my fingertips along his jawline. The alcohol was kicking in.

He caught my wrist gently, his touch soft but firm. “You shouldn't start what you can't finish.”

The lines between right and wrong blurred as I made my way over to him. Slowly, I slid onto his lap, straddling him.

“Who says I want it to end?” I whispered.

I leaned in, drawn by the electricity between us, until our lips met in a heated, breathless kiss. He pressed his tongue past my parted lips, tasting the fire and frustration I’d carried all day.

And just like that, the tension exploded.

In a drunken frenzy, he pulled me closer until as though any space between was a barrier. His body heat rose with every second and I could feel him grow hard with desire as I continued straddling him. One minute, we were in an elevator and the next, his hotel room.