What He Really Wants

Chapter two

What were the odds that I would meet Alexander Laurent, one of the richest billionaires in the city, after we parted ways five years ago?
Well, parted ways was putting it lightly. He basically kicked me out of his life and destroyed mine while at it.

The odds were nil. Zero.

We ran in different circles, for one. He had a circle of rich people friends, and I had no circle to speak of. Also, he made it clear that he didn't want to ever see my face — and I was more than okay with that.

The very last person I expected to see today was Alexander Laurent, sitting and chatting with my boss like they'd been friends since childhood. They were laughing at jokes and everything.

"I'll leave you two to it then," my boss said, snapping me out of it. He walked past me and shut the door quietly behind him, leaving me alone with the last person I ever wanted to see.

The room was quiet, and I stayed put. Not a muscle moved. I stared at the man sitting at the table across from me. He had his hair in the ruffled style he always did. Knowing him, he must have run his hand through it a million times today.

"Hello," he started, his deep voice sending chills down my spine. I didn't know what brought Alexander to see me or what he wanted, but my gut told me I'd be better off not finding out.

Even still, I couldn't force myself to turn around and leave the office.

"You look good. For someone doing... this," he said with that condescending tone he used to address everybody.

Still annoying as ever.

"I must say, a departmental store is the last place I expected to see you, given your qualifications. Isn't this a lot like a fall from grace?" he continued mockingly.

That was him, Alexander Laurent. He knew where it hurt, and never hesitated to strike you there.

"Yeah. Given your less-than-perfect recommendation, I found myself here. But at least they trust and respect me."

I turned the chair aside and sat with my legs crossed. I wasn't going to let him intimidate me.

"Sadly," he replied with a tsk. "They'll discover it eventually. It's hard to hide so much vile in plain sight."

It hurt that he would say things like this.
After everything.

"What do you want, Alex?" I asked, a little too sharply. I couldn't let him see how much his words affected me.

"You owe me, and it's time for payback."

⸻

"Get her out of my building," Alexander said in that quiet voice he always seemed to have when he was angry.

All the time I'd known him, I was glad that he never addressed me with that tone.

Except today.

I couldn't help the tears that spilled from my eyes as the security guards led me out of the building. I couldn't help myself — I had to make him understand.

He has to know I would never do that to him.

"Alex? Alex! Wait! I didn't do it. I swear I didn't!"
My voice echoed in the lobby as the men half-dragged, half-carried me out of the building.

I would've never believed that I could be the dramatic type. I guess I had it in me all along.

Someone had leaked vital information to a rival company, and it was traced to me.
He took no time to order my exit.

⸻

"It's been four years, Alexander," I groan, rolling my eyes. "I told you then and my story hasn't changed. I didn't leak your precious documents. What do you want?"