Secrets of a Hidden Marriage

Chapter 8: You Look at Me Like That, I Can't Handle It

Allie stayed in Liam Hart’s office, not wanting to leave.

She knew as soon as she stepped out, she would be the center of everyone’s gossip, and the thought of it made her want to hide inside, away from all the prying eyes.

Liam, the man buried in his work, was the youngest CEO of the Hart Group. A global empire built by his grandfather, with investments spanning industries from tech to real estate. The Hart Group was untouchable, a name revered in the business world.

Allie came from a family of influence as well—her father was the chairman of Crescent Media, one of the leading media conglomerates in the country. But even with her family’s power, the Hart Group outshone the Crescent name in every way, and the political ties that the Hart family had only added to their power.

Her father had mentioned Liam a few times before, calling him a once-in-a-lifetime business genius. But what really intrigued Allie was Liam's mysterious background. Everyone knew that his father had passed away years ago, and his mother remarried, leaving Liam with a complicated family history.

Some rumors said that Liam was the son of his father's longtime partner; others said he was adopted. Regardless of the whispers, Liam had taken the reins of the empire when he was only 25, and within two years, he had proved to the world that he was the genius they all claimed him to be.

Allie didn't fully understand how someone so young had been able to command such power, but she had witnessed Liam’s brilliance firsthand. At 28, his empire had grown stronger, and no one dared question his authority.

"Allie, if you keep staring at me like that, I won’t be able to focus," Liam’s low voice cut through her thoughts, drawing her attention back to him.

Allie froze, realizing she had been lost in thought, gazing at him for who knows how long.

Blushing, she jumped up from the sofa. “I’ll... I’ll go back to my desk.”

As soon as she walked out of his office, her colleagues crowded around her, eager to know what had happened. "Allie, are you okay? Did Liam give you special instructions?"

She shook her head, trying to brush off their curiosity. "I’m fine, really. No need to worry."

Jess, a fellow intern, chimed in with a teasing smile: “Even if you were personally mentored by Liam, that would be a luxury. Out of all the interns, you’re the one who gets to spend the most time in his office. Some of us haven't even seen the inside of it!”

The comments made Allie feel slightly uncomfortable, but she didn't show it. "I’m not special, just doing my job."

Jess, adding, "Don’t be humble, Allie. You're practically the president’s favorite! I heard the Brooks family has been trying to make alliances with the Hart Group, and you’re the perfect bridge. You're already one of the most talked-about people in the office, and you’re so beautiful... I bet you’ll end up being the future Mrs. Hart.”

Allie’s face turned bright red at the insinuation, and she quickly brushed it off. "That’s ridiculous. I’ve never thought about that."

The teasing only continued, and as the attention shifted away from her, Allie was able to breathe a sigh of relief. For now, she just wanted to focus on getting through the day without any more gossip.