Bitter Love

Chapter 18:I couldn't

Adrien's pov

The morning had started predictably, like clockwork. I was awake before the sun, the pale light filtering through the half-drawn blinds. My routine was precise—shower, shave, suit up. I chose the gray suit, the one that projected control and confidence, pairing it with a crisp white shirt and a simple black tie.

Every movement was automatic, but beneath it, I felt an unfamiliar restlessness gnawing at the edges of my composure.In the mirror, my reflection stared back, polished and perfect. But something about today felt... different. Off. I shoved the feeling down, grabbed my briefcase, and headed to the office.

The day passed as it usually did—meetings, calls, the relentless churn of business. But now, sitting at my desk, that unease had returned. It clung to me like static, an energy I couldn’t shake. When a knock at the door broke the silence, I welcomed the distraction.

“Come in.”Evie stepped into the room, the air shifting with her presence.

She moved with a quiet grace, placing the reports on my desk with practiced ease. Her focus was palpable, eyes down as she arranged the papers in front of me. But my attention wasn’t on the reports. It was on her.A strand of her blonde hair had slipped loose, falling across her cheek.

I watched as she tucked it behind her ear, her fingers brushing her face in a way that made something stir deep inside me. It was such a small detail, but it held my attention like nothing else.I forced myself to look down at the reports, scanning the pages without really absorbing the information.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her shift slightly, preparing to leave. But the scent of lavender lingered in the air, and before I knew it, I spoke.

“Evie,” I called, the word leaving my lips before I had time to consider why.

She stopped, turning back toward me, her hazel eyes locking onto mine. The room seemed to still in that moment, as if everything else had faded away. There was something in her gaze—something unspoken yet heavy between us.

"Thank you," I said, my voice quieter than I intended, the words carrying more weight than they should have.

Her lips parted slightly, and she nodded. “You’re welcome, Mr. Lacroix,” she replied, her voice soft but steady.

And then, just like that, she was gone, the door clicking shut behind her. I leaned back in my chair, fingers drumming against the desk. What the hell was this?

This pull toward her that I couldn't explain, couldn't control. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to clear my head, but all I could see were her eyes, the flicker of something in them that mirrored the storm inside me.

I straightened up, adjusting my tie even though it was perfectly fine, and forced myself to focus.

Fuck.I couldn't.

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Sorry guys for the very short chapter but the next one will be longer.

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