Crimson Secrets

Chapter 13

Eleanor

My eyes widened in shock, my hands flying to my face shielding myself from the unexpected sight. "MY EYES!!!" my voice echoing through the room.

Luna, who had been walking behind me, rushed to my side. "Eleanor, what's wrong?" she asked, before her gaze fell upon the entwined couple. Her expression mixed with suprise and disgust.

My expression shifting from shock to amusement "I'm letting you get away with it this time. But you better be serious, Edward. No 'it was just a one-time thing' excuses like-"

Edward interrupted me, determination burning in his eyes. "Yes, El, I'm dead serious. And we're going out." He reached for Leah's hand, their fingers intertwining like the threads of a tapestry.

Luna asked "Who is this girl anyway?"

I shook my head. "No idea. Edward, who is she?"

Edward smiled, his eyes never leaving the girl's face. "This is Leah. And like I said, we're going out."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Leah? As in, a new friend?"

Edward's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Something like that."

I watched as they moved toward the door, Edward's car keys jingling in his pocket like a warning bell. "I'll be home late," he called over his shoulder, his voice fading into the distance.

"Oh God, why is this so hard?" I muttered, frustration clawing at my chest like a caged animal. Luna, who was sitting beside me, raised an eyebrow. "What's going on, El? You've been staring at your phone for hours."

I sighed, hesitating. "I don't know, Luna. I just... I want to talk to Stefan, but I don't know what to say."

Luna's expression turned curious. "Stefan? As in, the Stefan?"

I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Yes, that one."

Luna's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, well, well. Looks like someone's got a crush."

I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool. "Shut up, Luna. It's not like that."

But Luna just chuckled. "Oh, I think it's exactly like that."

I text him anyway

Eleanor: Hey Sullivan, congratulations on becoming a CEO. You must be thrilled.

Stefan: Well Hello there, Princess

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Ooh, he's got a nickname for you.

Red spreads across my cheeks. "Shut up, Luna."

Stefan: I'm busy right now, how about we continue this conversation later?

Eleanor: Oh, okay. Just wanted to congratulate you.

Stefan: Yes... Thank you

I frowned, feeling a bit disappointed. But then a smirk tugged at my lips, a plan unfolding in my mind like a sinister plot. "I've got an idea, Luna," I said, a mischievous glint in my eye.

Luna's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What is it, El?"

I leaned in, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm going to get Stefan's attention."

Luna's grin matched mine. "Oh, this should be good."

Stefan

Why, out of billions of people, did Edward have to be my best friend? and I vowed to save our friendship at any cost.

But Eleanor... she was more than a complication. She was a puzzle, a challenge. I was drawn to her, but first, I needed to salvage what remained of our bond. Eleanor would be mine, one way or another.

Ethan, my ever-observant assistant, handed me the files. "Here you go, sir. The presentation is ready." I smiled, grateful for his efficiency. But he hesitated, his eyes clouding with concern. "Sir, I'm no one to give you advice, but... do you think he'll agree? His pride is as huge as Mount Everest."

I cut him off, my tone firm. "Thanks for the advice, Ethan. I'll handle it. Don't worry, and fix my appointment with him."

Ethan nodded, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Eleanor's wavy hair, her cute glasses-the secret glances she threw my way at the Harrington mansion haunted me. God, I wished things weren't so complicated. But I had a plan, and I hoped it would work.

As I arrived at the office, anticipation churned in my gut like a stormy sea. I parked my car and knocked on Carlyle Harrington's cabin door. "I hope I'm on time," I said when he opened it, his expression a mask of calm.

"Yes, Mr. Sullivan," Carlyle replied, gesturing for me to enter. "You're right on time." I took a seat, crossing my legs. "It's a pleasure," I said, meeting his gaze. "Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule, Mr. Harrington."