The Winter He Thawed My Icy Heart

The sun's harsh rays reflected off the icy road as I drifted through the foggy town. Yet, this was nothing compared to the tyrant I had to appease at work. For example, I hadn't parked my car when I received a work-related text. I rolled my eyes as I scanned for a parking spot. The blanket-like mist wrapped around town and hid everything from sight. When I thought the weather was the worst thing I would encounter today, I found myself congratulating my boyfriend, who was also the fiance of my boss’ daughter. Heck, I even complimented their compatibility based on their zodiac signs. “Miss Montgomery, please tour my future son-in-law around the company,” my boss ordered. Although the last thing I wanted was to be alone with this jerk, there was no room for objections with Mr. Hawthorne. His words were the law. I nodded and plastered on my professional smile. “Of course, Mister Hawthorne.” After that, they left us while talking to his daughter. "Hey." Good thing his voice was low because I had a reason to ignore him. I only responded to his second call. “Yes, Mr. Kensington?" I deliberately called him by his last name, and I smirked when I saw him grimace at the formality. He even ran his hand through his hair. It was his habit whenever something troubled him. “Could you please listen to me?" He grabbed my arm gently and pulled me closer to him. Did he think his touch would calm the anger in my heart? I retracted my arm from his grip and glared at him. “As his secretary for six years, let me give you some advice. Mr. Hawthorne loathed unprofessional people. So, let’s just get this over with.” I put on my professional smile once more and continued with the tour. I walked faster than him and kept my explanation short. "And this is where the marketing team works. Their genius marketing head is none other than Miss Hawthorne.” “You don’t have to do this.” “Do what?" “Aren’t you bothered by this situation?” I shrugged and looked at him like an innocent puppy. “Why would I be bothered, sir?" He stepped closer. “Did you ever love me?” I took two steps back. He would never see me beg for his attention. "I'm only supporting your decision.” Before he could respond, my boss’s voice echoed down the hallway. “Is everything going smoothly?" “Your son-in-law is a fast learner, Mister Hawthorne.” Miss Hawthorne clung her arm to him and praised him in front of us. “If you’ll excuse me, I have reports to finish.” As soon as I got the signal, I strode to my office. I slammed the door and slumped in my chair. My hands shook like crazy. I wanted to forget the painful encounter and the only thing I excelled at: being a secretary to one of the wealthiest men on the continent. I stared at my laptop. The longer I typed the words, the blurrier my vision got. I overestimated myself. “Working overtime again, ma'am? " It was Carl, the friendly night janitor, who was like a father to me. He stood in the doorway with his mop. His kindness was the reason I could survive in this job. “Looks like it, Carl. I’ve got bills to pay.” “You’re a hard worker, Miss. Don’t forget yourself, too.” I chuckled. “I’ll try to remember that.” Whenever I came home after work, I tried my best not to make a single creak out of my footsteps because most of my neighbors were already sleeping. The last thing I wanted was to have a noise complaint just because loose floorboards and paper-thin walls gave away my presence. Yes, this building needed renovation. It was the same reason I could afford this place, though. I swung my shoes to remove them because exhaustion took over my body. My bag followed the same fate. And when I thought I could rest, my heart skipped a beat when a silhouette loomed by the window. If it weren’t for the cars passing by, I wouldn’t notice him. I scooted next to where my bag was and dug through it. “Honey, what are you doing?” I didn’t have to look up to recognize the voice. Why did I even give him the duplicate keys? "Aah, I think I forgot something back in the office.” People with predatory instincts like this scumbag thrived on their prey’s weakness. What more if they smelled fear from them? “For once, please stop talking about work when you’re with me.” Was that the only thing he knew how to say? Usually, I would apologize, but today was a different story. “What do you want to talk about, then? And please, at least turn on the lights.” He walked towards the switch, and I put the small spray bottle in my pocket. After turning it on, he pinned me on the wall. I shook my head. “Is there a need for this?” “I expect you to be yourself since it was only the two of us.” “I was always myself, unlike you.” He laughed and moved his face closer. He reeked of cigarettes and alcohol. “Did you know why I chose her over you? Because she gives me what I need.” Here he was again. How many times did I tell him I felt uncomfortable with his physical intimacy requirements? Yes, he was my boyfriend, but I believe in my right to refuse as the owner of my body. “Good for you. And for the record, we already broke up, so I didn’t need your feedback on how to be your ideal partner.” His forehead wrinkled. It was like the last words I said were in alien language. “Since when did we break up?” Was he for real? Why did I date this dude in the first place? I sighed. “You expect me to love you after you cheated on me?” “You can be my side chick. Besides, I never permitted you to break up with me.” What was the number of the nearest mental institute? I needed to admit someone. “I don’t want to be your side chick. So, could you please just let me go?” From an innocent sheep, his face contorted into a devilish being. I couldn’t help but flinch as he brushed his hand against my face. “Sure, but you must give me a parting gift.” "Deal." He blinked and scratched his eyes. This person wondered if I was the same Seraphina he knew. “Are you sure about this?” “As long as you won’t bother me again.”