Nicole’s POV
"Nicole! What on earth are you doing?" Alex’s voice is incredulous, almost echoing off the walls. "This is my company! Who said you could lock the door? What could possibly warrant this level of drama?"
"Alex, please," I implore, desperation in my voice. "Just give me... give me ten minutes. No, five! Hear me out, and if you still want me gone, I’ll vanish and never bother you again."
Alex lets out a hefty sigh, rubbing his temples like he’s in a headache commercial, trying to hold his anger at bay. He strides over to his desk, not sitting but leaning on it, his back to me. His broad shoulders seem to slump under an invisible weight, and it twists something in my chest.
Finally, he pivots, crossing his arms—classic defense mode. With a nod towards the sofa, he says, "Sit.
