Clementine, a social media manager with fiery red hair and emerald green eyes, was a contradiction. Shy in person, her mind buzzed with fascinating trivia just waiting for the right listener.
Sebastian Montgomery as the tabloids dubbed him, was an...
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Clementine adjusted Beau's leash as they entered the towering glass building. Every step felt heavier, her nerves rattled by the previous day's encounter with Mr. Montgomery. Bringing Beau to the office was a risk, but she hadn't been left with much of a choice. She glanced at her energetic companion, his fluffy ears bouncing as they made their way through the lobby.
"Good morning, Ms. Harper," the receptionist greeted her with a warm smile, though her eyes lingered curiously on the tiny ball of energy at Clementine's side.
"Morning," Clementine replied, returning the smile as Beau let out an excited bark. She bent down, shushing him gently. "Easy there, buddy."
The elevator ride to her floor was nerve-wracking. Though her colleagues had been understanding about Beau's presence, the lingering rumour that Mr. Montgomery didn't tolerate pets weighed heavily on her. She mentally rehearsed what she might say if questioned, though she doubted anything would soften the man's cold demeanour.
The Day Begins
Clementine settled at her desk, trying to keep Beau entertained with a chew toy beneath her chair. He was, for the most part, content to gnaw away, though his occasional yips drew a few amused glances from her co-workers.
"You're brave," said Harper, one of her teammates, as he passed by with a cup of coffee.
"Desperate is more like it," Clementine replied with a sheepish grin.
Around midday, she stepped out for a moment to grab lunch from the café across the street, leaving Beau in the care of a kind-hearted colleague. When she returned, her heart stopped—his leash was empty.
Panic surged as she scanned the office. "Beau?" she called, her voice rising in pitch. "Has anyone seen Beau?"
Meanwhile, Amelia and Isabella, Mr. Montgomery's twin daughters, were on an unsanctioned adventure. Their father had been pulled into yet another meeting, leaving them with a nanny they'd skillfully evaded.
"He's so busy," Isabella muttered as they strolled down an unfamiliar hallway. "He won't even notice we're gone."
Amelia giggled. "Let's see if we can find something interesting."
Their exploration led them to a break room near the marketing department, where a small, fluffy puppy sat, tail wagging eagerly.
"Puppy!" Isabella squealed, rushing forward. Beau barked in greeting, equally thrilled by the attention.
Amelia crouched down, scratching behind his ears. "He's adorable," she said, her eyes sparkling.
They played with Beau for several minutes, giggling as he flopped onto his back, demanding belly rubs.
"What's your name, boy?" Isabella cooed, her small hands smoothing his fur.
"Beau," said Amelia, reading the name embroidered on his little collar. "Beau, you're the cutest thing ever."
