Loving The Flame

Chapter Fifteen

It's difficult to pinpoint the issue, but the day I thought would unite us appears to be creating more tension between us, almost like a dark spell being cast upon us. Everything seems uncomfortable and tense, to the extent that even the tiniest problem leads to loud disagreements and arguments. It's strange that people around us are beginning to take notice of it.

I believe the photos selected by Liam are consistently falling short of his expectations. It seems like his son is causing some challenges, but I will continue to stand up for myself until we find a resolution.

Ever since that speech that connected me with the public, my colleagues have been more approachable. However, Olivia and Isabel appear to dislike everything I do.

In the middle of all the chaos, I have prepared a business proposal that can take me deep into the company. Ever since Jen, my assistant, found out about it, she has been incredibly helpful in ensuring we meet the deadline for the proposal. If I must be honest, I want to prove to him and everyone else that I am more than a pretty face with a story for promotion.

I am sitting in the waiting room for the meeting hall. I am anxious, and though Jen is sharing feelings with me, she keeps assuring me with a smile that everything is going to be well for us. I know meetings held once a month take a long time, but since my proposal is an issue, I am anxious and stressed to hear their response.

As soon as the door swings open, we both rise to our feet, gazing in their direction. Many people stroll by, offering friendly nods and greetings, which fills me with optimism. I find myself holding my breath in fear as Christopher exits the meeting room, but as he comes closer to me and closes the distance between us, his smiling face greets me.

"I hope we're not fighting," I whisper to him. He nods, standing tall in front of me, while Jen walks away without looking back.

"I'm surprised; I had no idea you were interested in business," he remarks.

"My mom encouraged me to take a class, and I finally did," I shared with a smile. "I am attempting to grow and..."

"You’re in." He talks with a grin, leaving me torn between laughter and tears. "That meeting hall will see you more often from now on," he says, and I excitedly jump onto him and give him a hug.

"I’m sorry." I step away and look at Jen, who is beaming at me. "We did it," I tell her.

"You did it!" she exclaims.

"Time to start working," I tell her, and she walks off, acknowledging my words. Glancing back, I see him staring at me with a look of surprise or unease. It's unclear, but he nervously smiles and leaves, while I nod and return to my office, trailing behind Jen.

***

"I like her, but Mr. Anderson likes her even more." Liam overhears a conversation, followed by a giggle. He is convinced that the conversation is about his father, but he decides to keep his distance since he cannot confirm the topic.

"Who knows, she might have planned it all," another woman suggests, leaving him puzzled about the subject of their conversation.

"Oh, come on." Another one takes over, as if defending the subject of their conversation. "They argue constantly, as if oblivious to their true feelings for each other."

"It is like a movie. You know enemies turning into lovers," they laugh.

"I heard he initially disliked her, but he couldn't stay away because she had what it took. Ms. Alora is truly exceptional." His expression deepens in disbelief as he gasps in shock.

"Well, Mr. Anderson is quite a catch." As the shock deeply affects him, their conversation continues. What is going on between his father and his ex?

He strolls out of his office and makes his way down the corridor, lost in contemplation. However, when he raises his gaze, he notices Alora standing in front of the lift. As he attempts to get closer to her, he witnesses his father accidentally running into her. He failed to notice it before, but now it's unmistakable—the meaningful glances and nervous smiles they share. What's most perplexing is that Alora never perceived him in the same light as she does his father. They entered the lift, and it shut as Vincent decided to take a different one. He never did that before.

Why would Vincent do that? He ponders, feeling perplexed.

***

Perhaps it's the sense of isolation in this small space, but I feel like my heart is on the verge of breaking out of my chest. We've experienced solitude in the past, but this time it seems different, almost like a new beginning.

"I never had the opportunity since," I say. I can't bring myself to face him. "Are you feeling better?" I inquire.

"I'd prefer to hear something different," he remarks, and I glance to my right, noticing his confusion about his request.

"I'm not following." I furrow my brow, shaking my head, but he pivots directly towards me and moves a step closer, eliminating the distance entirely. I gulp nervously, sensing that my heart is becoming lighter than a feather.

"Call my name," he commands, breathing heavily, and I gasp, furrowing my brow as I gaze into his eyes. "Like the first time I woke up," he mentions, and I shut my eyes as I remember that instant.

"I." As I turn my gaze elsewhere and move backward, he stops the lift with a push of a button and advances towards me while I retreat.

"Call my name," he whispers, and I sense his voice resonating through my entire being, causing me to furrow, confused.

I whisper, "Chris."

Without hesitation, his hands move with lightning speed, and he raises my arm above my head. It happens so fast, pushing me against the wall with a strength that leaves me breathless. His lips are tantalisingly close to mine, tempting me with their fullness and hunger. His cologne, a masculine blend of musk and cedar, wafts into my nostrils as he leans in closer. His touch is firm and urgent, his hand gripping my wrist. I can feel the roughness of the wall against my back and the heat of his body pressing against mine.

Before I take a breath, his lips take over mine, and I'm unable to push him away. I embrace him tightly, feeling a deep connection, and return his kiss without reservation. Shamelessly, as if he had been mine from the start. As his hand encircled my waist and drew me closer to him, I uttered an uncontrollable moan.