The chains of the past that bond us

Chapter 4: Roses

All right, new plan: avoid Cole at all costs. If necessary, I'll have Liam by my side all day for extra protection! As I brush my hair and slip into my work clothes and heels, I hear the familiar sound of Liam opening my front door.

"Hey, are you ready to go?" Liam asks, handing me my indigo-colored blazer.

"Yes, and I've prepared for anything."

I refuse to see him today. I've seen him too many times since we met again at Chloe's birthday dinner but today that all stops. I will make it clear that I want nothing to do with him by setting a boundary between us. It's the best thing not only for us, but also for Chloe.

"I see, I like the determination that you're emitting. Well either way, I am here for you, and I'll support you to the best of my ability." He chuckles and shakes his head, guiding me to the car and helping me inside.

He hops into the driver's seat, and we head to work. I just need to focus on the day.

*Twenty-Five Minutes Later*

"Alright we're here. We have to hurry up or else you'll be late for your first meeting." Liam said as he opened my car door and helped me out.

"Yes I'm aware." I said as I let out a deep sigh, darting my eyes around, making sure I don't see Cole creep up on me.

"Are you alright?" Liam asked as he closed the door behind me and placed his hand on my shoulder, comforting me.

I hope that I'm not worrying him too much. I mean as of lately I'm depending on him to protect me from Cole's advances. Even so he doesn't complain, instead he always greets me a smile and agrees to help me. He truly is a good friend, and I hope that he knows that.

"Yes, I'm just looking out for-"

"Cole?" He chuckled as we started walking inside the building.

"Yes, I'm sorry." I mumbled under my breath until he grabbed my shoulders stopping me in my tracks.

"You have no reason to apologize Alessandria. I know you're concerned about seeing him here today, but please trust me to protect you." He said as he brushed my hair behind my ear and smiled at me softly.

"I'm sorry but I just hate relying on you like this. Especially after knowing how you feel about me, I feel like I'm being so selfish to ask this of you." I said as I looked down.

"Alessandria." He said as he lifted my face towards him. His hazel eyes entrapping me in his gaze. I never knew how pretty his eyes were until I was stuck staring at them. His eyes filled full of love as he looked at me with concern. "I love it when you lean on me. Regardless of the situation or why I enjoy protecting you. Plus, it gives me more reasons to be by your side. So, relax and lean on me some more, okay?"

I blushed softly as I nodded and pressed the elevator button behind him. He cared for me so much. His head was filled of me 24/7 and yet my head was engulfed by Cole. I have to drive a wedge between Cole and me.

Not just for me but for Liam. You never know maybe one day I can grow to love someone new, like Liam. As I stepped out of the elevator and walked toward my office, I tried to open the door and realized it won't budge.

"Is something wrong, Alessandria?" Liam asks.

"The door won't open." I said as I tried to push open the door again, but it still wouldn't budge.

What's going on? Did someone try to break in last night and break the door in the process? I don't think that'd be the case because they would've immediately called Liam. So, what's going on then?

"Let me try."

As he forces the door open, we both stand in shock. The office is filled with roses from top to bottom. You could barely see the floor from the number of pink roses everywhere. I mean seriously the walls of my office even had roses on them. It was a very immature prank that was made on me. I step over the sea of petals on the floor, reaching my desk to find a note.

To my dearest princess: I apologize for last night. I never wanted to leave you, but it wasn't just for my mother that I left. I would like the chance to make it up to you, and the roses are just the first part of it. Meet me at our dinner spot we always used to go to on Saturday nights. I love you, princess.

When the hell did, did he even do this? Did he pay someone to break into my office before anyone got here and set this up? That cocky bastard... Does he really think that this enough to erase years of pain and anguish that he caused me. This will not stand! Suddenly, rage consumes me, and I storm out of my office to find Adele.

"Adele. I need you to do me a favor."

He wants to write notes then fine I'll write him a note of my own to clearly show him how I cared about his display. I write down a familiar address and a letter to Cole.

"Yes, ma'am, what is it?" She asks as I hand the letter and address to her.

"I'm going into a meeting with Liam, so I need you to send all the roses in my office to this address. I want all of those roses out of my office by the time I get out of my meeting in the next hour and a half. Also, fax this letter to Mr. Cole, the investor who came by yesterday. Make sure only he reads it."

"Oh, a love letter, perhaps?" she teases, a smirk playing on her lips. I snap my head back and glare, not mad at her, but I'd never write a love letter to him of all people.

"Right, I was only kidding. I will send them off immediately." She said as she hurried off with the note and address. I let out a huge sigh as Liam puts his arm around me and laughs.

"Gotta give it to the man. He's definitely got balls and to make that happen while we were all out and asleep. That's impressive." He chuckled, finding it hard to conceal his anger.

"This isn't funny," I snarl as we head to the conference room.

"Scary as always, Alessandria. If you aren't careful, you'll give the poor woman a heart attack." I feel a vein pop on my forehead as he laughs harder.

"It's not funny, Liam. He is infuriating! I mean, I'm trying to run a business, and I couldn't even get into my office because of those stupid roses. I mean what is he even trying to pull by doing such a thing?" I let out another sigh, covering my face with my hands.

"Be careful not to get too stressed out. I wouldn't want you to get wrinkles from all that frowning." I glare at him, hitting him in the ribs, making him lose his breath.

"Ouch, dammit!"

"You deserve it. Now come on, I don't want to be late to my own meeting with my investors."