chapter two
695 Words
Aria’s heart pounded as she stood outside Mr. Adrian Sinclair’s office, her fingers curling into a fist at her sides. She had known this was coming. The moment his sharp blue eyes caught her zoning out during the meeting, she knew she’d have to face him sooner or later.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked lightly.
"Come in," came his deep, controlled voice.
She pushed the door open, stepping inside the sleek, modern office. The air carried a faint scent of rich leather and expensive cologne. Adrian sat behind his desk, his sharp gaze lifting from the document in front of him.
"Sit," he gestured to the chair across from him.
Aria obeyed, her pulse quickening.
He leaned back slightly, clasping his hands together as he studied her. "I noticed you weren’t focused during the meeting," he said, his tone calm but firm. "Is anything the problem? Talk to me."
The gentleness in his voice caught her off guard. She had expected something more direct, more critical. Instead, his concern was evident.
Aria swallowed. "No, sir. Nothing is wrong."
His gaze remained on her, unreadable. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," she answered quickly, forcing a small smile.
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, Adrian nodded slowly. "You’re one of the most hardworking staff in this company, Aria. I wouldn't hesitate to help you if there’s anything you need, in any way I can."
Something about the way he said it sent warmth through her chest. She appreciated the acknowledgment—more than she cared to admit.
"I appreciate that, Mr. Sinclair," she said softly.
Still, he seemed unconvinced. "If anything ever comes up, my door is open," he assured her before his expression hardened just slightly. "That said, I want to see you being productive in this company. Since there’s nothing bothering you, have a nice day."
His words were professional, yet there was an underlying kindness in them.
Aria stood, giving a polite nod. "Thank you, sir. Have a nice day as well."
With that, she turned and walked out, closing the door behind her.
Her heart was still racing.
Had she really convinced him? Or did he see right through her?
Either way, she knew one thing—she had to get herself together before she gave him any more reason to notice her distractions.
Later That Evening
Aria kicked off her heels the moment she stepped into her apartment, sighing as she sank onto the couch. The day had been exhausting, but one moment replayed in her mind more than anything else—her conversation with Mr. Adrian Sinclair.
"I noticed you weren’t focused during the meeting. Is anything the problem? Talk to me."
She had expected a straightforward reprimand, not concern. And the way he had looked at her—serious yet patient—it made her stomach tighten in a way she didn’t understand.
Her fingers traced the hem of her blouse absentmindedly as she let out a slow breath. Why did he even care? He was the CEO of Paramount Financial Group, a man who had a thousand responsibilities, yet he took the time to ask about her well-being.
"You’re one of the most hardworking staff in this company. I wouldn’t hesitate to help you if there’s anything you need."
Her chest warmed at the memory. It wasn’t just the words, but the way he said them—firm yet sincere. She had always admired him from a distance, but today, for the first time, it felt like he saw her.
Still, she had insisted that nothing was wrong. Had he believed her?
Aria groaned, leaning back against the couch. She needed to stop overthinking. This was nothing. He was just being a good boss. Right?
And yet, as she closed her eyes, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something she wasn’t ready to admit.
He has a family there’s no way he was going to cheat on his wife with someone as tiny as she is.
--there are other guys there,single guys but her heart decided to fall for her boss?
this better be mere admirations. She battled with her thoughts.
- Writer
