Awaken Desire

Chapter 3: The Encounter

She didn't knock because that's how she usually enter the CEO's office.

"Don't you have and manners and a bit of professionalism to know how to knock?" the man sitting behind the desk yelled as soon as she came in.

"Oh, sorry, Sir. Mr. Wills has always been saying--- but wait, why the hostility? We haven't been introduced." she calmly approached her new "grumpy boss".

"So, this is how you seduced my father?" the man said as her got near her, strangely looking at her with his eyes full of resentment and despise.

Sera is confused, feeling the man's stare bulleting through her soul, those deep blue eyes' gazes are enough to send a chilling sensation into her spine.

She stepped back seeing how close he was to her face. She can almost smell the fresh scent of his aftershave.

"What do you mean?" Sera asked, baffled.

"Don't you dare play innocent with me. I know the likes of you", he said smirking and yelled "Get out of my office, I will call you when I need you later."

She left his office. Feeling lost in an inexplainable humiliation and confussion. She can't help thinking that her new boss doesn't like her and work is going to be an unpleasant place from now on...

Brandon is in deep thoughts while looking out the window of his office- his late dad's office actually. He can't help thinking about the woman who bumped at him at the site- Sera- the ArchEmpire's new project manager. She assumed the position when Mr. Wills passed away. Although the appointment isn't official yet, there was no one else more qualified for the position other than her.

He can't explain how his thoughts went blank as soon as he stared at her big brown eyes, thick lashes and well- mafe eyebrows. He was mesmerized. He's captivated. But no- he shook his head to brush off the thoughts.

"That woman is an opportunist. She must've seduced my father and took advantage of his generosity to get what she wants in this company.." his thoughts while he started to look into the documents piled up on tbe table. He has to start working.

ArchEmpire is a multibillion company solely owned by Mr.Wills. He started the business almost three decades ago, with his skills and dedication in reconstructing architectural buildings. The business has acquired thousands of projects all over the world, but time has passed.Mr. Wills focused on work more than to him and his mother. He felt a sudden bolt of pain piercing his heart at the thoughts of his mother's death.

"Your dad is busy working, so let us not bother him about my condition", says his mother who was trying to speak in between her breaths. She was disgnosed with breast cancer three years ago and only the secretary came to visit her instead of his father. They were told that Mr. Wills,together with theproject director-Sera, were on a business trip to Rome. He clenched his fist at these thoughts. This woman is confusing him. He hates her thinking that she had a relationship with his father, but when heet and saw her , he couldn't help himself not to think of her. Her pouty lips ,sleepy eyes with those long lashes that seem like flirting when she blinks. She's an eye catcher. No wonder.

Sera went back to her office, totally confused. She can't understand why Brandon Wills seem to be mad at her, no, seems to hate her. She can feel the hatred in this stranger's eyes. Stranger but feels familiar. Weird. She tried to take him off her mind and finished the work for the day.

She was preparing to leave when Grace, the secretary came to tell her that there will be a welcome dinner for the new boss later that night.

Sera looked at the time. Almost seven o'clock. She has a date with Dalton, her boyfriend.It's his birthday today and he has been busy that they haven't seen each other for a while. She wants to surprise him.

"Sorry, Grace. I can't go. I have a special date tonight with the boyfriend.

"Okay, I will relay the message. Have a good time."

Brandon scanned the place as he entered the bar where the employees are waiting for him. He can't seem to find the person he expects to see.

"Welcome to the company, Boss," says everyone as they raised their glasses for him.

"Thank you, let's all sit down. By the way, I don't see the project manager?"

"Oh, Sera has a date with her hottie boyfriend", says Grace,giggling.

"Is that so?" Brandon said with a raised eyebrow.

Sera parked her car carefully and checked herself in the mirror. She grabbed the cake and the gift she bought on her way from the backseat and headed towards the condominium unit Dalton owns. She has her keys so she wanted to surprise him.

She swiped the key card and was a bit surprised herself when she saw two pairs of shoes, heels and Dalton's. She couldn't explain the nervous feeling as she walked towards the bedroom, hearing moans and suppressed sounds, and she felt weak that her knees shake as she opened the bedroom door.

Her plans went south. She was the one who was surprised. Her anger couldn't be explained as the two persons in bed, n***d, startled as she entered.

"You cheaters!" Sera screamed, in tears. Dalton grabbed the sheets to cover their bodies and said " at least now I don't need to come up with excuses and lies to avoid you and to not see you, for good."

Her whole body seemed to freeze in shock. He has some nerves to break up with her in this manner instead of apologizing. Dalton's being cold with her in the past few weeks almost gave her hints that their relationship has gone cold.