The Promotion

Chapter Twenty-Two

Two weeks.

That's how long it had been since I'd said yes to Calum's proposal and moved back into the apartment we once called home. On paper, everything looked right. We cooked together again. Watched films on the sofa. Fell asleep beside one another like we used to.

But something was missing.

There was no fire.

When he kissed me, I didn't melt. I didn't feel that dizzy pull in my stomach, that spark that made my knees weaken. His touch felt familiar—safe, even—but it didn't ignite me.

And no matter how hard I tried to push the thought away, my mind kept drifting back to Alexander.

The way his presence filled a room. The way his voice softened when he spoke to me. The way he looked at me, like he saw something no one else ever had.

I hated myself for it.

As Monday morning rolled in, I stepped into the office, shaking the thoughts away, determined to focus. The familiar hum of work surrounded me—keyboards clicking, quiet conversations, phones ringing.

Suddenly, a pair of hands covered my eyes, bringing me to an abrupt stop.

"Guess who?"

I gasped, already smiling before I even turned around. I grabbed the hands, tugging them away.

"Sarah!" I squealed, throwing my arms around her. "What are you doing here?"

She smirked. "Oh, I don't know... maybe my job?"

I laughed at myself. "I meant—your mum?"

"My mum practically shoved me out the door," she said. "She's got a carer for a few hours and told me to stop hovering."

Relief flooded me. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed her until that moment.

"I'm so glad you're back," I said, gripping her shoulders. "Seeing your face actually makes this place bearable."

"Careful," she teased, swatting my arm. "You're getting sentimental."

She paused, then leaned in as I mentioned. "Oh—before I forget. After work, come up to the top floor. I'm throwing a little party for Viv. It's her last day."

She blinked. "Am I even allowed up there?"

I raised a brow. "Don't worry about it. If I'm up there you're allowed."

Sarah caught my arm before I could escape.

"You haven't really said much."

I froze. "About what?"

She studied my face. "The engagement. Two weeks, Lou. You've barely said a word."

I shrugged, forcing a light laugh. "What's there to say? Calum's changed. I love him. We've talked about marriage for years. Why wait?"

Sarah didn't smile back. "Because your eyes are telling a different story."

My chest tightened.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said too quickly. "I'll see you later, yeah?"

I turned away before she could respond, her words echoing loudly in my head.

⸻

I pushed open Alexander's office door without knocking, my mind already rehearsing what I needed to ask him.

The words died in my throat.

Alexander sat behind his desk, completely still. Not working. Not typing. Not even pretending to be busy. His elbows rested on the armrests of his chair, hands slack, fingers curled loosely as though he'd forgotten what they were meant to do. His gaze wasn't fixed on the screen or the window—it was aimed somewhere far beyond the room, somewhere I couldn't follow.