The Promotion

Chapter Seventeen

I followed Alexander into his house, momentarily blinded by the contrast between the darkness outside and the sudden warmth of light inside. For a second, all I could see was brightness. Then my eyes adjusted—and I froze.

The house was breathtaking.

Soft spotlights glowed from above, their light bouncing off the polished marble floors, creating a smooth, liquid-like shine. Everything gleamed—the floors, the glass surfaces, the carefully chosen furniture. Nothing felt excessive, yet everything felt intentional. Expensive, but not cold. Luxurious, but not showy.

Alexander Pierce didn't just live well—he lived with purpose.

I'd imagined his home to be impressive, of course, but this... this felt like a reflection of him. Controlled. Elegant. Thoughtful.

"Good evening, Mr Pierce."

The familiar voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Maggie standing near the entrance, dressed just as she had been that morning. Hair pulled tightly into a bun, posture straight, eyes warm.

"Oh—Miss—sorry, Louisa," she corrected herself quickly, smiling brightly. "Welcome back."

"Um... thank you," I replied awkwardly. Her enthusiasm caught me off guard.

"Evening," Alexander said easily. "Louisa, you've met Maggie."

So she had a name. And somehow, Maggie suited her perfectly—soft brown eyes, a small nose, thin lips that vanished when she smiled. She radiated kindness, the sort that felt genuine rather than rehearsed.

"Would you like me to show you to your room?" she asked.

"I will," Alexander replied before I could answer.

He led the way up the stairs. My heels clicked softly against the marble, the sound echoing in the quiet house. At the top, we turned left—and recognition washed over me.

This was the same room.

The one I'd woken up in.

But it didn't look the same.

The bed remained where it was, but now a mirrored double wardrobe lined the wall to the left. A white chest of drawers stood opposite, topped with a crystal vase overflowing with fresh flowers. Lavender sheets replaced the plain ones from before, adding a gentle warmth to the room.

"This used to be a spare room," Alexander said, turning to face me. "I didn't do much with it. I added the wardrobe and drawers for you."

"You really didn't have to," I said softly. "I'd have been fine with just a bed. Thank you."

"You hungry?" he asked suddenly, changing the subject.

"Not really," I replied, rubbing my stomach. "Still full from that pasta."

"Then let's go for ice cream."

I blinked. "Ice cream?"

"Yes," he said, a boyish grin tugging at his lips. "The frozen kind."

I rolled my eyes and nudged his arm. "I know what ice cream is."

"Good. Meet me in the main hall in ten minutes." He winked—and before I could respond, he was gone.

I wandered the room, curiosity tugging at me. I opened the wardrobe—and my breath caught.

Clothes. Dozens of them. Workwear. Casual outfits. Lounge clothes.

The drawers were worse.

Underwear. Nightwear. Everything neatly organised. Full.

I groaned quietly, frustration mixing with disbelief. Why was he doing all this?

Eventually, I chose a maroon knitted jumper and blue jeans. After freshening up, I noticed a cream checked wool scarf hanging on the back of the door. I wrapped it around my neck—it was warm, soft, comforting.

Downstairs, Alexander was speaking with Maggie. When he turned, my breath hitched.

He wore a dark grey jumper that hugged his frame perfectly, dark jeans, and a black wool overcoat. Casual. Effortless. Dangerous.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yes."

The drive was quiet, comfortable. I watched his hands on the steering wheel—strong, veined, steady. I shouldn't have been thinking about his hands. I pinched myself lightly, trying to snap out of it.

The ice cream parlour sat on the edge of the city. Warm lights glowed from the windows, welcoming and nostalgic.

Inside, the air smelled overwhelmingly sweet—vanilla, sugar, strawberries. The décor was a perfect mix of vintage and modern: cream marble floors, maroon booths, steel counters.

Alexander ordered for both of us.

"Strawberry special sundae."

I raised an eyebrow. "I didn't even look at the menu."

"Trust me."

And somehow, I did.

When the sundae arrived and I took my first bite, I nearly laughed. Sweet, creamy, perfect.

He'd been right.

Alexander watched me closely, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"So," he said softly, leaning forward, "tell me more about you."

Something in his tone—gentle, genuine—made my chest tighten.

When I spoke about my childhood, the words came easier than I expected. Painful, but honest.

"I was in an out of foster care growing up. Never met my real parents. The moment I turned eighteen I wanted to make sure I made a living for myself. I met Calum he's all over ever known.

My words slowly faded out.

He listened. Really listened.

I returned the questioned and asked about him.

"It was me, my sister, mum and dad. My dad Adrian Pierce created AP enterprise. My dad suffered a stroke and passed away when I was eighteen. I had to take over. The death affected my mum deeply, she now lives in Australia with my sister."

When he spoke about his own family, his loss, his responsibility, I saw him differently. Not just powerful. Not just confident.

Human.

Strong because he had to be.

By the time we finished our sundaes, something inside me had shifted.

I wasn't just sitting across from my boss.

I was sitting across from someone who made me feel safe.

Seen.

And quietly, terrifyingly... wanted.

A/N

Maggie has been introduced, and she is the best! Who agrees?

We've also gotten a little insight to Alexander's and Louisa past.

Share your thoughts and don't forget to vote!

Love _xxAMxx