Lies in her lips

The encounter

The autumn wind howled down the cobblestone streets, rattling the thin glass of my apartment window.

I stared at my reflection in the dark glass, trying to calm the sudden flutter in my chest. Today was the day.

In less than an hour, I had the most important meeting of my career with the CEO of Aero Company.

Everything I had worked toward over the past few months rested on this single presentation.

I stood at my desk, my pulse racing as I checked the papers inside my leather folder one last time.

Every report was in order, every detail accounted for. Satisfied, I grabbed my keys, threw on my thick coat to block out the morning chill, and walked out the door.

The biting air hit my face the second I stepped outside. I hurried down the front steps, unlocked my car, and slid into the driver’s seat.

When I turned the key, the engine roared to life against the sound of the howling gale. I placed my folder safely on the passenger seat, took a deep, steadying breath, and drove out into the heavy morning fog.

I had no idea this project would fall on me. I am Glaznia Moon, one of the four CEOs of the Chonamira Group of Companies, I mainly handle our hotel and restaurant branches.

This new project with Aero Company belongs to our pharmaceutical division—a branch I don't know a single damn thing about, since it's managed entirely by my cousin, Alexandra Davis.

I anxiously dialed Alexandra’s number on my phone.

"Make sure this is important—I'm in the middle of sleeping, Glaznia," she mumbled.

I rolled my eyes. "What am I supposed to do about this meeting with Aero Company? And please tell me why I’m the one presenting when I don't know a single damn thing about our pharmaceutical division!" I asked, annoyed.

Voices and muffled laughter echoed in the background. Looks like Alexandra slept at headquarters again, I thought.

"He wants you. That's your answer," she said before hanging up.

As I navigated the damp streets, my stomach churned with anxiety. I looked at my watch on the steering wheel: 8:42 AM.

The meeting was at 9:00 AM sharp. If I was late, all my hard work would go down the drain. Desperate for a quick boost of caffeine to survive the nerve-wracking pitch ahead, I pulled over near a small corner café I often passed on my commute.

“Eli’s cafe and bakery” the name of the cafe.

I rushed out of the car and pushed open the heavy wooden door, sending a small brass bell chiming overhead. The warm smell of roasted coffee beans and fresh pastries immediately filled my senses.

“Good morning! Welcome to eli’s” the cashier said.

I hurried straight to the counter, clutching my leather folder tightly against my chest.

"Excuse me! I need a double espresso to go, as fast as humanly possible, please!" I pleaded, unable to hide the panic in my voice.

Behind the counter stood a young man in a canvas apron, holding a rag over the espresso machine.

He looked up, and the moment his light brown eyes met mine, he froze. For a second, the busy rush of the morning faded away. He looked at me with a mix of surprise and quiet curiosity.

"One double espresso, coming right up," he said, his steady voice acting like an anchor in my storm.

He moved with practiced ease to prepare the drink. "You look like you're running away from a ghost."

"Worse—a CEO," I admitted, shifting my weight nervously. "If I'm late to the Aero Company building, my entire career is over."

The barista offered a warm, reassuring smile that instantly took the edge off my anxiety.

"We can't let that happen." He capped the paper cup and set it on the counter, accompanied by a fresh cinnamon pastry wrapped in parchment.

"I didn't order this," I said, reaching into my purse for my wallet.

"It's on the house," he said softly, sliding the tray closer to me. "High-stakes meetings require extra energy. I'm Vernon, by the way."

I looked at him, feeling a sudden wave of relief wash over me. His friendly smile and gentle tone made the pressure in my chest ease up.

"I'm Glaznia," I replied, taking the hot cup. The warmth radiated through the cardboard, comforting my cold hands.

"Thank you, Vernon. You genuinely saved my life today." I said.

"Just promise you'll come back and tell me how the meeting went!" he called out as I turned around.

"Deal!" I shouted back over my shoulder before stepping out into the cool autumn air.

As I ran toward the tall glass tower of the Aero Company building, It was only two minutes away from the corner café where I’d left my car.

“Hold up, please!” I shouted, lunging forward as the elevator doors began to slide shut.

I let out a breath of pure relief when the doors parted again. However, my small smile froze the second I stepped inside and realized we were the only two people in the car.

I stole a quick glance at the man standing beside me. He was wearing a midnight-blue long-sleeve shirt with a single, delicate rose embroidered over his chest.

Standing a full six feet tall with a broad, muscular build, he was exactly the kind of man I’d usually flirt with—if I weren't in such a chaotic mess right now.

“Miss, what floor are you going to?” his deep baritone voice asked.

I looked up at his face, and the breath caught in my throat. “I’m… I’m supposed to be at your office for the meeting,” I stammered, my pulse spiking with sudden panic.

My heart completely stopped as the sudden realization hit me: I was trapped in an elevator with the CEO of Aero Company. I had seen his pictures before, but the photos didn't do him justice at all—I never expected him to be this breathtakingly gorgeous in person