Power, Love, and Promise (COMPLETED)

Making Name for Ourselves

As the weeks passed, the merger between Ackenborough Industries and Thorne Financial began to take shape. Meetings filled Selena and Frey's schedules, but there was a new energy between them, something that was undeniable to everyone around them. Their families were thrilled—not just with the progress in business, but with the blossoming relationship that was finally out in the open.

Selena's days were a balance of strategy meetings, long hours at the office, and stolen moments with Frey. They would often meet for lunch, talk about work, or simply enjoy each other's company. It was a rhythm that felt right—a natural blending of their personal and professional lives.

One evening, after a particularly long day of negotiations with potential investors, Selena found herself in Frey's office. The city lights of London twinkled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft glow across the room. Frey sat behind his desk, reviewing reports, but the way his brow furrowed with concentration made Selena smile. He hadn't noticed her yet.

She walked up behind him, gently placing her hands on his shoulders. "You've been at this for hours," she said softly.

Frey leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment as if savoring the touch. "Yeah, but we're so close, Selena. If we secure these final partnerships, we'll be set for the next phase."

Selena walked around to the front of the desk, leaning against it and folding her arms. "I know, but even you need a break sometimes. Let's call it a night."

Frey opened his eyes, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Are you suggesting I stop working because you're here to distract me?"

Selena raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "I'm just concerned about your well-being. You've been working non-stop."

Frey stood, closing the distance between them with a single step. "You're a dangerous distraction, Selena Thorne."

She smiled up at him, her heart fluttering at how close they were. "And yet, here you are, still working."

Frey's gaze softened as he reached out, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "I've been thinking about this... us. It feels like everything's aligning, both in business and in life. I don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but I can't help imagining what's next."

Selena's pulse quickened at his words. They had been taking things slowly, letting their relationship develop naturally, but now it seemed they were both on the same page—ready to think about the future, beyond just the business.

"What are you imagining?" Selena asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Frey's hand lingered at her cheek, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her skin. "I'm imagining us together, not just in this boardroom or in meetings, but... for the long haul. I want us to be more than just business partners or childhood best friends who finally figured things out."

Selena's breath caught, her heart swelling with emotion. She had always known this moment would come, but hearing him speak the words aloud made it real. "I want that too, Frey."

Frey's hand dropped to hers, pulling her closer, until they were inches apart. "I don't want to rush, but I've wasted enough time. We've spent years apart, and now that we're here... I want to make every moment count."

Selena's eyes locked with his, the intensity of his gaze sending a warmth through her. "We don't have to rush, but we don't have to hold back either. We've both been building our lives, and now it's time we start building something together."

Frey leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was soft at first, then deepened as they both gave in to the moment. It wasn't just the culmination of years of unspoken feelings; it was the beginning of something new—something neither of them had experienced before.