Chapter 9

Chapter9

AARON'S POVI called Eleanor into my office as most of the floor was already packing up for the day."Sit down, Miss Mae," I said once she was in.She did."I want to talk about the financial obligation you're carrying," I said, not wasting time.She straightened. "How did you find out? I thought I mentioned I didn't want to talk about my financial situation.""Someone mentioned it in passing, and after our last conversation, I looked a little further. You're listed as the primary borrower on a substantial personal loan with Apex Credit Solutions. The balance is still very high."She stared at me. "My finances are private. I said this before.""I know. I'm not asking for details you don't want to give. I only want to offer assistance.""I can pay the debt for you," I said."No." The refusal came immediately."The amount would not be difficult for me to cover.""That's exactly why I cannot accept it," she said. "I don't want my financial problems solved simply because my employer has enough money to make them disappear. That doesn't sit right with me.""Would you consider it a loan from me then? You could repay it on your own terms.""No. I already owe enough money. I don't want another debt hanging over me, even if the terms are better."I watched her for a moment. "What do you intend to do instead?""Continue working and repay the loan myself. I didn't take that money for myself. I took it because I trusted someone who didn't deserve it. I refuse to let this situation take away my independence on top of everything else.""Would you accept additional work if it helped you earn more?" I asked."Are you offering because I deserve it, or because you feel sorry for me?""I would not offer it if I did not believe you could handle it," I said evenly. "Your work has already proven that. This is separate from anything else."She held that for a second. "Alright. I'll take the additional responsibilities."I pulled a folder from the side of my desk. "There's an upcoming project with one of our larger international clients. It needs tight coordination and someone who can manage shifting demands without losing the timeline. It comes with a performance bonus if the first phase closes on schedule. Read it tonight. We start planning meetings next week."She took the folder. "Thank you."She stood to leave. "I respect your decision," I said. "Most people would have taken the easier route out."She paused at the door and looked back. Neither of us said anything."Go home and get some rest, Miss Mae.""You too, Mr. Pierce."I stayed late the next day to finish the last set of numbers before the early morning meeting. The rest of the floor had emptied hours ago.When I finally closed the files, shut down the screens, and stepped out of my office, the corridor lights were already on and placed on the dim evening setting.And Eleanor was there.She stood a few doors down, with her bag over her shoulder, locking the bottom drawer of her desk. She hadn’t noticed me yet.I walked closer and stopped a few steps away. “Why are you still here?”She looked up, a little surprised. “I stayed to finish the project you assigned. The notes for the meeting tomorrow.”“But you could have finished it in the morning.”She gave me a flat look. “You were the one who said you wanted it completed before the meeting. And I took that seriously.”I felt the corner of my mouth lift before I could stop it. “Fair enough.”I fell into step beside her as we walked toward the elevators.The building felt larger when it was this empty. Our footsteps were the only sound for a while. The usual daytime noise of phones, conversations, and keyboards was completely gone.The elevator took longer than usual. We stood side by side in the quiet corridor, both watching the closed metal doors. Neither of us pressed the button again.I broke the silence first. “Are you still uncomfortable around me?”She didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes stayed on the elevator lights. “I’m trying to make things simple.”“Do you regret that night?”The question stayed between us and she hesitated. I watched her profile while she decided how much truth she was going to give me.“No,” she said finally. Her voice was quiet but steady. “I don’t regret it. What happened happened. But I don’t want it to interfere with my job. This position matters to me a lot and the money matters a lot to me too. I just can’t afford complications right now.”“I agree,” I said. “I have no intention of making you uncomfortable or complicating things for you. That was never the goal.”She glanced at me then. “Thank you.”The elevator finally arrived with a soft chime. The doors slid open, revealing the empty mirrored interior.Before she could step inside, I reached for her hand. My fingers closed around hers and she turned toward me fully, lifting her eyes to look at mine. But she didn’t pull away.“Are you certain that you want us to pretend nothing happened?” I asked.Her voice came out more quiet than before. “Pretending is easier than dwelling on it. No one gets hurt and no one loses focus.”I stepped closer. I was close enough that I could see when she slightly held her breath. I took in the faint scent of her skin, and closed the small gap between us.I lifted my other hand and touched her face, resting my thumb lightly against her cheek. I waited, giving her every chance to pull back, to step into the elevator, and end it.But she didn’t move.I leaned in and kissed her.

Chapter 9

Chapter9