𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Chapter 9: The Silent Storm

Alexander

Kissing Scarlett had been a risk, but one I was willing to take. She had become an integral part of my life, and I couldn't deny the growing feelings I had for her. But I knew that winning her trust would be an uphill battle, especially given my reputation.

The rest of the night after kissing Scarlett had been a blur. I couldn’t focus on anything else, not the documents that needed my signature, nor the countless emails waiting for a response. All I could think about was her, the way her lips had felt against mine, the way her breath had hitched when I had leaned in closer. But the moment I’d returned to my apartment, reality began to set in. The kiss had been spontaneous, driven by an emotion I’d kept buried for too long. But I knew this wasn’t a fairytale, and this wasn’t a story where the boss kisses the girl and everything works out perfectly. No, in the real world, everything came with consequences.

The next morning, I found myself staring at my reflection in the mirror, trying to reconcile the man I saw with the man I wanted to be. The man in the mirror was a ruthless CEO, someone who had built an empire with blood, sweat, and an unwavering determination. I had made sacrifices, burned bridges, and made enemies along the way. And now, I was about to risk everything for one woman. Scarlett was more than just an employee to me—she was someone who challenged me, someone who saw beyond the cold exterior I showed the world. But I knew that winning her trust wouldn’t be easy.

I arrived at the office earlier than usual, but my mind was far from the tasks that awaited me. I found myself thinking about Scarlett, how she might be feeling after last night. Would she see me differently? Was she regretting it? I was deep in thought when I heard a knock at my door.

“Mr. Blackwood, your 9 AM meeting with the board is about to begin,” said Emily, my assistant, peeking her head through the door.

I nodded, forcing myself to refocus. But as I walked into the conference room, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of my decisions pressing down on me. I needed to be careful, to tread lightly. Scarlett was special, and I couldn’t afford to mess this up.

Scarlett

The kiss had left me reeling. It was intense and passionate, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was all part of some game. Alexander Blackwood was a billionaire CEO with a reputation for ruthlessness. How could I trust that his intentions were genuine?

The next day, I found myself in the break room with a few of my colleagues. Lily, a marketing executive, and Ben, from the finance department, were there, discussing the latest office gossip.

When lunchtime rolled around, I decided to take a break and clear my head. I headed to the break room, hoping a cup of coffee would do the trick. But as soon as I walked in, I found Lily and Ben huddled together, their conversation halting as soon as they noticed me.

“Scarlett! Just the person we wanted to see,” Lily said with a sly smile, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. “We heard some interesting things about you and Mr. Blackwood last night…”

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. They knew. Of course they knew. Nothing stayed a secret in this office for long. “What do you mean?” I asked, trying to play it cool, but my voice betrayed me.

Ben grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Come on, Scarlett, don’t be coy. We saw you two on the rooftop. Looked pretty cozy if you ask me.”

"So, Scarlett," Lily said, a sly smile on her face, "we saw you and Mr. Blackwood on the rooftop last night. What's going on?"

I sighed, realizing there was no point in denying it. “He kissed me,” I admitted, feeling a blush creep up my neck. “But I don’t know what to think. I mean, it’s Alexander Blackwood we’re talking about.”

Ben's eyes widened. "No way! The Alexander Blackwood? The same guy who once fired someone for a typo?"

"Yes, that Alexander Blackwood," I replied, frustration creeping into my voice. "And that's exactly why I'm wary. He's known for being ruthless and unforgiving. How can I trust that he's not just playing some rich CEO game with me?"

Lily leaned in, her eyes full of curiosity. "But Scarlett, he's been paying a lot of attention to you. Maybe there's more to him than we think."
Her expression serious now. “But Scarlett, what if he really likes you? I mean, he’s been different lately —more attentive, more… human. Maybe there’s more to him than the ruthless CEO persona he puts on.”

I shook my head, trying to dispel the confusion that was threatening to overwhelm me. “I don’t know, Lily. He’s known for being cold, calculating, and I’ve seen firsthand how harsh he can be. How can I trust that he’s not just playing some rich CEO game with me?”

I shook my head, trying to dispel the confusion. "I can't afford to be drawn in by his charm. I need to remember how tense I was when I thought he was going to scold me for that small mistake I made last week. He didn't, but that fear is always there."

Ben nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he's a tough boss. We all know that. But maybe you're right to be cautious. Just don't let him get under your skin too much."

I appreciated their support, but the internal battle continued. Alexander's smirky and flirty behavior was hard to ignore, and the attraction I felt was undeniable. But I needed to stay focused and remember why I was here - to prove myself and build a future, not to be swept away by a handsome billionaire who might very well break my heart.