The Promotion

Chapter Thirty-Nine

*SIX MONTHS LATER*

Sitting in the dimly lit room felt strangely familiar.

The grey walls.
The carpeted floor.
The long wooden table polished to a dull shine.

Six months ago, I had sat on the opposite side of that same table—hands folded too tightly in my lap, heart racing, wondering whether I was good enough to earn the promotion I wanted so badly. I had walked into this room timid, uncertain, desperate to prove myself.

Today, I was already seated.

Waiting.

Not to be judged—but to judge.

I leaned back slightly in my chair, flicking through the neatly stacked files in front of me. One candidate left. Just one. And so far, none of them had impressed me the way I'd hoped. They were qualified, sure—but none of them had spark. No fire. No hunger. No instinct.

I wanted someone who cared.

The buzz of my phone snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned it over, already knowing who it would be, and a smirk tugged at my lips before I even answered.

"Yes?" I said lightly.

"I miss you," Alexander's voice sang through the phone, dramatic as ever.

I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. "I was with you an hour ago."

"I know," he replied. "But now you're not, and that feels unacceptable."

I tilted my head toward the discreet security camera in the corner of the room and stuck my tongue out, knowing full well he was watching the live feed from his office.

"One more interview," I said softly. "Then I'm all yours."

He groaned theatrically. "You're cruel."

I laughed quietly. "You're the one who made me a partner. This is your fault."

A pause. Then, in a lower, warmer tone, "Australia didn't cure me of wanting you, you know."

Heat crept into my cheeks as memories flooded back—sun-drenched mornings, spontaneous laughter, the freedom of choosing each other without expectations.

"Stop," I warned playfully. "I'm trying to be professional."

"You're very professional," he murmured. "Distractingly so."

I shook my head, smiling. "I'll be there in a bit." And before he could respond, I ended the call, blowing a quick kiss toward the camera for good measure.

Right on cue, a knock sounded at the door.

I straightened my posture, smoothing my blazer. "Come in."

The final candidate stepped inside, and something in me stilled immediately.

She was young—but not naive. Strawberry-blonde hair brushed her shoulders, her posture tentative but determined. She clutched her folder tightly, as though it meant something to her—like this opportunity mattered.

I stood and extended my hand. "Hello. Please, take a seat."

Her handshake was firm. Promising.

As I skimmed her application, recognition sparked. "Lily Davies," I said warmly. "How are you feeling?"

"Nervous," she admitted with a small smile. "But excited."

I nodded. "That's a good place to start."

⸻

Forty minutes later, I escorted Lily to the door, genuinely smiling for the first time all day.

"Thank you for coming in," I said. "We'll be in touch soon."

She left with a hopeful look in her eyes, and I exhaled deeply the moment the door closed behind her.

Finally.

Gathering the files, I practically skipped down the corridor toward Alexander's office. The moment I stepped inside, arms wrapped around my waist from behind, warm and familiar.

"About time," Alexander murmured into my neck.

I startled, laughing softly. "You scared me."

"Worth it," he replied, pressing a kiss just below my ear.

"As much as I enjoy this," I said, trying—and failing—to sound stern, "we need to decide on the assistant."

In one swift motion, he pulled me onto the sofa, settling me neatly into his lap. The papers slipped from my hands, scattering across the floor.

"Alexander," I warned, smacking his chest lightly.

"I already know who I want," he said smugly.

I raised a brow. "So do I."

He paused, eyes lighting up. "On three?"

"On three."

"Three... two... one—"

"LILY."

We froze, then burst out laughing.

"She was perfect," I said, breathless. "Driven. Smart. Honest."

He nodded. "Exactly what we need."

I looked at him then—really looked at him—and felt that familiar surge of gratitude and disbelief.

Six months ago, I thought my world had ended.

Instead, it had just begun.

Australia had been impulsive, messy, beautiful. Meeting his family so soon had terrified me—but it felt right. When we came back, we didn't rush labels or promises. We chose each other daily. Slowly. Passionately. Imperfectly.

Becoming a partner in the business still stunned me. He believed in me—my ideas, my instincts—in a way I hadn't even believed in myself.

Life hadn't become simpler.

It had become fuller.

I rested my head against his shoulder, smiling softly.

"There's no one else I'd rather do this with," I murmured.

Alexander kissed the top of my head. "Good. Because I plan on making life very chaotic."

I laughed. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

And for the first time in a long time, the future didn't feel uncertain.

It felt right.

A/N

This is a short chapter compared to the others, this was originally the epilogue and story finished here, but after much thought I decided to carry on with the story. There was quite a few lose ends I wanted to tie up and I wanted to shower further into what Alexander and Louisa's relationship is like.

So I hope whoever is reading this continues reading and enjoys the second part of this story!

Share your thoughts and don't forget to vote!

Love _xxAMxx