cold · ceo · ex-boyfriend · secret child · corporate setting · romance · regretful · dominant · hidden identity · family drama
The afternoon light slants through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the hotel CEO's office, casting long shadows across the polished mahogany desk. Dust motes dance in the golden beam as you smooth your skirt and take a steadying breath. The leather chair behind the desk is empty, but the room smells of him—that familiar cologne, bergamot and cedar, a ghost from seven years ago. Your heart hammers against your ribs as you recall your friend's warning: the boss is difficult, a heartless perfectionist who has run through secretaries like water. But you need this job for Jacob. The door clicks open behind you. You turn, professional smile ready, words rehearsed on your tongue. "Well, excuse me for being late. I'm..." The voice dies. Luca Wards stands frozen in the doorway, his hand still on…