Elsa walked into the apartment, her gaze sweeping across the room.
"Elsa..." Josh stammered, stepping toward her as sweat broke out across his forehead. "G-good morning."
"Good morning, Josh," Elsa said smoothly, walking past him into the living room, her eyes tracking every corner of the space.
Her gaze caught the slight, unnatural tremor of the heavy curtain by the window. Peeking out from beneath the fabric were her familiar feet.
Dora.
Elsa took a few steps toward the window. "Josh."
"Y-yes?" he answered, sweat pouring down his face now.
"Did you change your perfume?"
"What?" Josh’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Yes... yes, I did. Why?"
"Nothing. It’s just nice."
"Oh! Yeah, it's... it's from a friend. A male friend recommended it to me." Josh swallowed hard.
Elsa flashed a bright, pristine smile. "You don't have to explain, Josh. I trust you."
She turned away, leaving the living room. "Let me freshen up so I can prepare breakfast for you."
"You don't have to do that!" Josh called out.
"I have to, I want to make up for last night, Josh."
She walked into the bathroom and washed her hands while hushed whispers and hurried footsteps drifted through the apartment.
Minutes later, she walked into the kitchen and prepared a quiet breakfast.
Josh sat at the small dining table, forcing himself to swallow the food.
Elsa leaned against the counter, watching him chew. "Thank you for trusting me so much." She placed another piece of bread on his plate. "To eat what I prepare so willingly... without ever thinking I might poison you."
Josh's fork stopped halfway to his mouth. "What?"
Elsa suddenly laughed. "Relax. I was only teasing."
But the fear in his eyes told her everything she needed to know.
Josh chuckled nervously, quickly setting his fork down. "Right. You're teasing again."
He pushed his chair back and grabbed his briefcase. "I have to get to the office."
"I actually have some good news to share with you, Josh," Elsa said, watching him as he walked toward the door.
"Let's talk about it when I'm back. I'm already late!" he rushed out, practically throwing the door open and slamming it shut behind him.
Elsa walked over to the window, watching his hurried figure disappear toward the main street.
A small smile touched her lips.
Run while you still can, Josh.
***
Elsa stood on the pavement, her gaze sweeping up the sleek glass facade of the towering Wright Empire skyscraper.
She was finally back after two years.
Nothing had changed.
The grand marble floors still gleamed beneath the morning sunlight. The familiar scent of fresh espresso drifted from the ground-floor café, while sophisticated employees hurried past her, heavy files clutched tightly in their hands.
Three years ago, she had walked into this building as an intern. Through hard work, she had become one of the company's most talented accountants.
Her eyes landed on the silver plaque mounted on the wall.
Accounting and Media Department.
Josh. Dora.
I'm back.
"You stole the financial data, you thief! How could you do that to this company?"
"The first time I saw you, I knew you'd be nothing but a parasite in this empire!"
The cruel voices from her past echoed in her mind.
Then suddenly, the noise of the lobby faded.
Employees lowered their heads and stepped aside, creating a clear path.
"Good morning, sir."
"Good morning, Mr. Wright."
Mr. Wright?
Elsa turned around, lowering her head slightly in greeting.
When she raised her gaze again, her breath caught in her throat.
Emir?
Emir was dressed in a custom-tailored suit that made him look even more intimidating.
The world seemed to tilt.
How was this possible?
The CEO of Wright Empire had been an old man—the same man who had ruled the company when she was forced to leave.
Yet now, the person standing at the top was the stranger from last night.
Emir’s eyes cut through the crowd, locking squarely onto her frozen figure. He headed directly toward her.
No...
The heavy portfolio folder slipped from Elsa's fingers, hitting the floor as papers scattered around her shoes.
The entire lobby seemed to hold its breath as the CEO of Wright Empire calmly bent down and gathered the fallen papers.
He straightened and held the folder out to her.
"Be careful... Miss Gale," Emir murmured.
"Thank you, Mr. Emir," Elsa whispered.
Her heart hammered as her fingers brushed against his while taking the folder back.
Then Elsa blinked and looked past his broad shoulder.
Josh stood there.
His gaze was fixed on her—and on the man standing in front of her.
