Ambitions Entwined

Chapter 7 | Marriage

The tech summit was in full swing, a dizzying whirlwind of cutting-edge innovations and brilliant minds from across the globe. The convention centre hummed with energy, the air crackling with the excitement of new discoveries and potential breakthroughs.

Amidst the chaos, I stood tall and poised, a vision of professional elegance in my designer sleek pencil dress. A new dazzling sapphire and opal ring adorned my left hand.

I easily navigated the crowded halls, my Louboutin heels clicking against the polished concrete floor. Matheo followed closely, my agenda in his hand.

My mind focused, my gaze sharp as I approached the Hunter Enterprises booth. As one of the keynote speakers for the cyber security stage, I had a full schedule of presentations and panels ahead of me. But first, I needed to check in with my team to ensure everything ran smoothly.

A familiar figure caught my eye as I approached the sleek, modern structure emblazoned with the Hunter logo. James Maeers, looking unfairly handsome in a charcoal suit and crisp white shirt, was deep in conversation with a group of eager young entrepreneurs.

I felt my heart stutter in my chest, a traitorous flutter acknowledging James's magnetic pull on the female brain. I quickly tamped it down. I couldn't afford to be distracted, not today when our carefully constructed plan to announce our engagement was about to unfold.

With a deep breath and a toss of my glossy black hair, I strode past him, focusing solely on the task at hand. The next three days passed in a blur of presentations, panel discussions, and networking events. I was in my element, my passion for my work shining through in every word I spoke.

But even as I basked in the glow of my success, I couldn't shake the awareness of James's presence. He seemed to be everywhere I turned, his name on everyone's lips as they buzzed about NexusWave's resurgence.

James and I finally crossed paths at one of the investor lounges. As I finished explaining Hunter's latest encryption software, I felt his warm presence at my back, his familiar woodsy scent enveloping me.

"Ms. Hunter, a pleasure as always," he murmured, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

I turned to face him, a polite smile masking my inner turmoil. "Mr. Maeers, I didn't realize NexusWave was interested in cyber security."

He chuckled. "We're interested in anything that can give us an edge. And from what I've seen of your work, Ms. Hunter...you're definitely an edge worth pursuing."

I frowned and flushed at his words, the hidden meaning not lost on me. But before I could respond, the moderator ushered us towards the stage for our panel discussion.

The next hour passed in a flurry of technical jargon and lively debate, James and I trading ideas with an ease that belied the tension simmering between us. We were the picture of professionalism, even as we challenged each other at every turn.

Our plan didn't come to fruition until the final day of the summit. I was seated in the VIP section, listening to the keynote address, when James took the stage.

"Thank you all for being here today," he began, his voice clear and strong. "I know you're all eager to hear about the exciting things happening at NexusWave, and I promise we'll get to that. But first, I want to take a moment to talk about something a little more personal."

My heart raced, knowing what was coming.

"As many of you know, I've had my fair share of ups and downs over the years. But through it all, I've tried to stay true to myself. And I'm honoured to say that, with NexusWave's new chapter, I've done just that.