TERMS OF SURRENDER
1012 Words
Lila stepped into the office, heels clicking softly on the polished floor. The hum of early-morning work filled the room—keyboards clacking, printers humming, phones ringing faintly. The familiarity settled her nerves only a little. Her chest still felt tight from the storm of emotions the night before.
She walked to her desk quietly, trying to will her mind to focus on work instead of Ethan’s possessive touch and words echoing through her skull. Ethan has always been the possessive type, he doesn't share, he always makes sure to mark his territory, and for some reason, this attitude of his turns Lila on and she don't know why.
“Morning, sunshine,” Amara’s cheerful voice brought her out of her thoughts, Her cubicle was just across from Lila’s, and as always, her presence felt like a warm breeze.
Amara has been her friend ever since she started working there, her warm smile always finds it's way into her heart.
Lila gave a faint smile. “Morning.”
Amara studied her for a moment. “Girl, you look like someone who saw a ghost or… slept next to one. Spill.”
“I didn’t sleep with anyone,” Lila muttered, slipping into her chair. “I just… had a surprise visit.”
Amara grinned knowingly. “A man?”
Lila’s cheeks colored. “Let’s just say someone from the past. Someone I hoped to never see again.”
Before Amara could press further, a voice they both knew and disliked sliced through the air.“Well, if it isn’t the company’s charity case,” Rose sneered. She leaned against the edge of Lila’s cubicle, arms crossed over her tight blouse. Her painted lips curled into a smirk.
Lila didn’t even glance at her. “Good morning to you too, Rose.”
Rose gave an exaggerated sigh. “Still clinging to this job like it’s your last hope. Honestly, I’m surprised Mr. Bryant hasn’t realized how average your work is.”
Rose’s dislike for Lila was no secret. Whether it was because of Lila’s calm grace or the subtle attention she got from their male coworkers, Rose had never liked her.
Amara spun her chair slightly. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Rose. Not that anything really does.”
Rose ignored her. “Anyway, don’t get too comfortable, Lila. I hear changes are coming.”
Before Lila could respond, an announcement echoed over the speaker system.
“Lila Anderson, please report to Mr. Bryant’s office. Third floor.”
Lila’s heart skipped. The third floor? She had no business up there. The executive offices were rarely visited by regular staff.
Amara blinked. “Oooo, someone’s moving up. Or getting fired. Either way, exciting!”
Lila chuckled nervously, grabbed her notepad, and made her way toward the elevator, Rose’s glare following her all the way.As she ascended, her pulse quickened. Something felt strange. Off. She reached the third floor—quiet, modern, and sleek compared to the chaos downstairs. The receptionist gestured silently toward the manager’s office.
Lila approached the wide door, knocked, and entered.
She froze.
Standing by the massive floor-to-ceiling window was Ethan.
He turned at the sound of the door. “Hello, Lila.”
Her throat closed up. “You…”
“Surprised?” he asked, stepping forward. His tailored suit fit him like a second skin, exuding authority and danger.
She backed up a step. “What are you doing here?”
“I own this company now.”
Her breath caught. “You bought Vance Corp?”
“I did. This morning. I wanted to be closer to you.”
Ethan, you can’t just—”
“I can,” he interrupted, his voice low. “And I did.”
Lila’s spine stiffened. “You had no right—”
“I have every right,” he snapped, voice low but razor-sharp. “You were mine. You *are* mine.”
She turned to leave, but he was faster. In two strides, he blocked her path and backed her into the manager’s desk. Her hips hit the polished edge. She gasped as he slammed one palm beside her, caging her in.“You’re going to move in with me,” he growled. “We’ll get married, raise Abigail together. Like we should have.”
“I’m not doing this,” she said breathlessly. “I’m not letting you bulldoze my life.”
“Then I’ll bulldoze it anyway.”
She flinched. “What do you mean?”
“If you refuse,” he leaned in, his lips inches from her ear, “I’ll take her from you.”
Her blood ran cold.
“You wouldn’t.”
“I have the resources, the power, and the legal team. I’ll build a case so solid you won’t get shared custody, let alone full. The courts won’t favor a single mother who ran away with a man’s child.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Ethan, please—”
His fingers trailed along her waist, his other hand brushing the curve of her neck. “You think I forgot how to make you melt? One touch and your body betrays you.”
His lips brushed her cheek, then her jawline.
“Please… Ethan,” she whispered weakly, “don’t.”
“You feel it,” he murmured against her skin. “Your breath’s already changed. Your pulse is racing.”
His fingers trailed up to her neck, tilting her face. His eyes were fire and ice. “You’ll come back to me. Willingly or not
He pulled back, eyes glinting. “You’re still mine. No matter how long you ran.”
“You don’t own me,” she said, trying to steady her voice.
“I do now,” he said, coolly adjusting his tie. “You have one day to decide. Move in with me and be mine, or watch me take everything you love.”
He walked out without another word, leaving the air thick with tension and Lila’s knees trembling beneath her.
She didn’t even notice the tears sliding down her cheeks.
- Writer
