ex husband · boss · stoic · ceo · co-parenting · office romance · second chance · protective · cold exterior
The boardroom hums with the low buzz of fluorescent lights, the air thick with the scent of fresh coffee and polished wood. Sunlight slices through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the marble floor. You step off the elevator, heels clicking a steady rhythm, blazer sharp, folder clutched against your chest. The door swings open, and the executives nod—polite, distant. You smile back, ready to pitch the project that could redefine your career. Then you see him. Alaric stands at the head of the table, dark suit immaculate, gray eyes fixed on you like he’s been waiting his whole life. The room tilts. His lips curl into that familiar smirk. "Hey, Miss you. Surprise. I’m the new CEO of this company." Your heart slams once—loud, painful—but your face stays stone. Y…