Destined To Be Mine

Chapter3:A pawn

Alexander's POV

I sat, serene, sipping my coffee as I listened to Ethan's astonished tone on the phone.

"How did you...? Like... I'm so baffled right now. I know you're ruthless, but this is on a whole different level. You singlehandedly dismantled an entire industry, one of the largest in the world!"

I remained impassive, fixating my eyes on a skyscraper beyond the window. "I don't remember asking for your opinion, Ethan."

Ethan chuckled a little but was mixed with a hint of unease. "Fair enough. But on a more serious note, what could have prompted you to take down an entire industry? They were a minor threat."

My gaze shifted, locking on nothing in particular. "Minor threats have tendencies to grow into major problems. I only sorted...the situation."

Ethan's pause at the other end was palpable. "You seem to like this a lot. Isn't it? The power, manipulation, control..."

I cut in, smooth as silk. "I'm just protecting my interests, Ethan. There's no place for emotion when it comes to business."

I continued to listen to Ethan's rants while I worked with calculated steps, trying to weigh options on pending moves. My silence was not indifference, it was rather, me deep into my thoughts, trying to link dots together.

Melissa walked into the room, causing me to dart my gaze towards her. "Sir, Bridgette Florida Industry has decided to have a meeting with you tomorrow."

With a curt note, I looked away again, my gaze fixed on some point beyond the room. "I know. See that everything is in order."

I watched her leave before turning my attention to Ethan. "I have a meeting to attend to. I suggest you focus on your own business. This is the end of our discussion."

I ended the call without waiting for a response, my gaze never leaving the window. My expression may have seemed serene but beneath the surface, my mind worked ruthlessly... always planning and anticipating.

I remained calm and collected, thinking several steps ahead, just in case the rival industries decided to strike back. My silence was never a weakness, but a sign of focus and control. Anyone who misunderstood that was in for a whole lot of shock.

I set my phone down, just as I'd made my point and demonstrated my authority. Every industry should be reminded by that, threaten me, and be amazed by your words.

Someone walked into my office and I didn't need anyone to tell me it was Melissa poised in the doorway, waiting for my instructions.

"I have a task list for you," I said tossing some documents on the table for her to take while she approached. "See that these file reviews are completed by the end of the day."

She took the folder, eyes widening when she noticed how thick they were. But she said nothing. I liked that, she knew way better than to question me.

"First of all, I need a well-detailed analysis of our competitors' market strategies. You'll discover their strength, weaknesses, and potential weaknesses. Then prepare a report on our marketing analysis, just listing the areas that need improvement. Lastly, schedule a meeting with the sales team so we can discuss their performance."

Melissa nodded, scanning the documents with her eyes. "Yes sir. Is there anything else?"

Leaning back against my chair, my eyes raked up and down her outfit before blinking. I couldn't afford to get carried away. "Not for now. But be prepared to work late night shifts. I want nothing less than perfection."

She nodded again before she turned to leave.

"And..." I said while she turned, I noticed her jaw was clenched. "Get me a coffee, my usual."

"Yes sir." She said before dismissing herself. A few minutes later she walked in with my coffee.

I gave a nod of approval before she left again.

The day wore on, and I kept close tabs on Melissa, giving her a call here and then even going as far as removing the blurry screen projected on the glass that separated our offices so I could monitor her. I couldn't get my mind off her as she worked, focus unwavering. Good. Weakness was not an option in the business world.

But I couldn't help but notice, she was intelligent, resourceful, and determined. She had all the qualities I valued so much and it made me reason, how come I'd never noticed those traits in her before?

I still sensed something beneath all that surface though. Fear. She was afraid of me. I smirked to myself.

The hours continued to pass and I stepped out of my office to watch her pore over every report and analyzed data. And I have to say, I was impressed.

The sun dipped below the horizon and Melissa's pace began to slow down. Her eyes drooped, her typing sluggish and her shoulders sagged.

I didn't try to intervene, I just observed from where I was.

At 10:47, Melissa leaned back in her chair, eyes red-rimmed with a pale face. She rubbed her temples with her fingers and I could see the exhaustion in her face. I nodded to myself satisfied. She'd reached her breaking point.

"Melissa?" I called, my tone low and firm.

She jerked at the unexpected call, her gaze shifting to mine. "Sir?"

I rose from my chair, my steps slow and calculated. "You've done a satisfactory work tonight. But I expect more. Be here at 7 am sharp tomorrow morning. We have a meeting with the marketing team."

Melissa's gaze dropped, her shoulders drooping in defeat. She nodded nonetheless.

"Yes sir." She said, her tone barely above a whisper.

She gathered her belongings and stumbled out of the office. I felt a wave of curiosity overwhelm me. What drove her to push herself so hard? Was fear, want, or something more, something deeper?

Dismissing the thought, I decided to focus on the game ahead. The game had not even begun. And I was playing to win.

At the penthouse, I stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows gazing at the twinkling lights of the city. The darkness outside mirrored the shadows within me. Sleep was far from my eyes, as usual. And my mind roamed everywhere, haunted by the shadows of my past.

The memories lingered...my father's sneering face, his cruel words...the feeling of his belt against my flesh...I clenched my fist, forcing the thoughts to go away, but they taunted me still, with every creak of the old wooden floorboards.

And they festered like an open wound. No matter how much I tried to run away, I could never escape them. That was why, when the city beyond the glass of the penthouse was asleep, I was awake, always on guard against the demons that lingered low-key.

I gulp the content in my cup as I walked back to my seat. The burning sensation flowed down my throat.

Melissa...

Her name came to my mind. Innocent, naive, and too vulnerable. I could taste her fear and uncertainty.

Even while I try to tackle my past, she's a constant reminder of who I used to be.

A slow smile spread across my face as I imagined her trembling beneath me. Those doe eyes of hers had seen nothing yet.

I could almost hear her whispered pleas and feel her soft skin beneath my fingertips.

"Fuck." I cursed as I noticed my trousers tightening at the thought of her.

And I had to remind myself, she was just a pawn, a toy to be used and discarded.