Chapter 4: A Name He Couldn't Forget
547 Words
Adrian stood alone in his office long after everyone had left.
The city lights shimmered beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, but his attention remained fixed on nothing.
Or rather...
On someone.
Emma.
Four years.
He had spent four years convincing himself he hated her.
Yet the moment she stood in front of him that morning...
Every wall he had built around his heart cracked.
He loosened his tie and let out a long breath.
"Why are you back?"
The question still echoed in his mind.
Her answer hadn't satisfied him.
Not even close.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
His assistant, Daniel Brooks, stepped inside carrying several files.
"Sir, these are tomorrow's meeting schedules."
Adrian nodded.
"Anything else?"
Daniel hesitated.
"There is one thing."
Adrian looked up.
"Ms. Carter's personnel file."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"You requested it."
Daniel placed the folder on the desk.
"She joined the company eight months ago."
Adrian remained silent.
"So she was already here..."
Working just a few floors below him.
For months.
Without once trying to contact him.
His jaw clenched.
"Thank you."
After Daniel left, Adrian slowly opened the file.
Emma Carter.
Age: 28.
Position: Finance Specialist.
Emergency Contact...
His eyes stopped.
There was no husband listed.
Only one emergency contact.
Grace Carter.
Her mother.
Adrian frowned.
No husband.
No fiancé.
Nothing.
A strange feeling settled in his chest.
Why?
Meanwhile...
Emma tucked Ethan and Ella into bed.
Ella hugged her stuffed rabbit tightly.
"Mommy?"
"Yes?"
"Will you be late again tomorrow?"
Emma smiled sadly.
"I'll try not to."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Ella yawned before closing her eyes.
Within minutes, she was asleep.
Emma gently kissed her forehead before walking toward Ethan's room.
Unlike his sister...
Ethan was still awake.
Reading a dinosaur encyclopedia.
"Mommy."
"Hm?"
"Were you sad today?"
Emma froze.
"What makes you think that?"
"You smiled."
He closed his book.
"But your eyes didn't."
Emma felt her throat tighten.
Sometimes...
She forgot she wasn't the only one protecting her children.
They were protecting her too.
She sat beside him and brushed his soft hair away from his forehead.
"I'm okay."
Ethan studied her face for a long moment.
Then he nodded.
"If you're lying..."
"I'll still love you."
Emma pulled him into a hug.
Tears threatened to fall.
"My sweet boy..."
The next morning...
Blackwood Group buzzed with its usual energy.
Emma had barely sat down when Lily rushed over.
"You won't believe this!"
Emma sighed.
"What happened now?"
"The CEO personally requested you for a new project."
Emma blinked.
"...What?"
Lily nodded enthusiastically.
"Congratulations! You'll be working directly with Mr. Blackwood."
Emma felt the blood drain from her face.
No.
This couldn't be happening.
She had spent four years hiding.
Now...
She would have to face Adrian every single day.
As if fate wasn't cruel enough...
Her phone suddenly vibrated.
Daycare Calling.
Emma's heart skipped a beat.
She answered immediately.
"Hello?"
The teacher sounded apologetic.
"Ms. Carter... Ethan has a fever."
Emma stood up so quickly that her chair nearly fell over.
"I'll be there right away."
Without another word...
She grabbed her bag and ran toward the elevator.
She didn't notice...
High above...
Standing by the window of the CEO's office...
Adrian watched her leave in a hurry.
His brows furrowed.
Something wasn't right.
- Writer
