Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Ethan made his way into the boardroom. A commanding figure, followed closely behind by another
man. He was impeccably dressed in a sharp grey suit, complete with a matching tie and a meticulously
pressed shirt. His neatly trimmed hair exuded an air of professionalism It was the kind of appearance
that demanded respect, and a shiver seemed to run through the room, a collective hush that enveloped
everyone in the presence of the CEO and Boss.
The silence that overcame the room was eerie, a stillness that even humans, not privy to the subtleties
of an Alpha’s aura, could sense. There was an intangible but undeniable force around certain
individuals, an unspoken presence that left a lingering sense of foreboding. Ethan for one had such
aura. With great effort, I inhaled deeply, determined not to succumb to the influence of this Intimidating
aura. Instead, I fixated my attention on the screen before me, hoping to maintain my composure.
Ethan assumed his seat at the top of the table and signaled for the meeting to continue. Throughout
the presentation, his unwavering gaze remained fixed upon me, a focused intensity that felt almost
unnerving. I pressed on, delivering the presentation with precision, despite the subtle pressure of his
attention.
After what seemed like an eternity, we finally concluded the meeting. Ethan rose from his seat and
departed, followed by a retinue of employees. It was my colleagues and the man who had entered with
Ethan, presumably his assistant, who had done most of the talking. A sigh of relief escaped my l*ps as
I leaned back in my chair, grateful that the first briefing had proceeded without a hitch. But still, I
needed to speak with Ethan, this anonymous air and suspense was bothersome. Gathering my
belongings, I made my way out of the boardroom.
As I stepped out of the room, a man called my name, his voice arresting my steps. It was the same
man who had entered and exited the room with Ethan, and now I was certain he was Ethan’s assistant.
“The boss requests your presence in his office,” he said. The words hung in the air. With a subtle nod, I
fell into step behind him, curiosity and a touch of apprehension guiding my steps. We approached
Ethan’s office, and his assistant, Axel, courteously opened the door, ushering me inside, before closing
it behind me.
I sucked in a deep breath before stepping into the cold and exquisite office.
Ethan was seated behind his office table. He had taken off his Suit The contours of his physique
accentuated by a well-fitted shirt. Even in a seated position, his presence loomed large, emanating an
aura that exuded authority and intimidation
For a brief, intense moment, we merely locked eyes, an unspoken conversation playing out ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
between us.
“Hazel, he uttered, the sound of my name rolling off his tongue with an inexplicable
resonance.
At that very instant, I felt a stirring within, the unmistakable connection with my wolf, Dove. Her
excitement at being in close proximity to him again was undeniable. It was a remarkable turn of events
since Dove had withdrawn after our painful rejection and divorce. In the years that followed, I had been
preoccupied with the care of my children, ensuring their well-being, and eventually, I allowed Dove to
fade into the background. It
eemed safer that way, However, now she was back, eager and elated.
“Stop it, Dove,” I mumbled inwardly, unable to contain the turmoil within me. “He rejected us, and we’re
divorced. He’s not our mate, he never was.” Still I wondered why he had such effect on us.
But being this close to him, in the same room, I couldn’t deny that something significant had changed
about him. Dove was practically lapping about within me in excitement. “He’s not our mate, Dove,” I
reminded her silently. “He’s married now. You’re not very bright are you?” I scolded. In response, she
whimpered and retreated to her hidden place. I took a deep breath, regaining control over my
emotions, and pressed forward.
“Hazel,” he called my name again. The way he said it sent shivers racing down my spine; there was
something about the way he uttered it.
“Come on in,” he encouraged, breaking the temporary standoff. It was then that I snapped out of my
stupor, realizing that I was still near the door, as if ready to bolt at any moment. “Hello, Ethan,” I
greeted, finally making my way closer and settling into one of the seats. A sudden chill enveloped me,
but I couldn’t discern if it was due to the coldness of the chair or the effect of Ethan’s intense gaze. My
nerves made me tremble slightly, a combination of his presence and the surprising reconnection with
my wolf after years of silence. However, I maintained a composed exterior, unwilling to let him see how
much he still affected me after almost six
year
Once again, we found ourselves locked in a prolonged gaze, the unspoken words passing between us
more eloquent than anything spoken aloud.
“Does your team require anything further?” Ethan inquired, his eyes never leaving mine.
“No, Gigi has provided us with all the necessary information,” I replied. “I believe everything has been
well-prepared, Mr. Wild. The shift in our relationship was palpable; he was now my employer and
superior.
“I do have a question, you went ahead to reward the contract even after knowing…” “I began, but Ethan
swiftly interrupted.
“Hazel, please understand,” he interjected gently. “We’re both adults. We’ve moved on from our past.
You and I are history. I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable, nor am I jeopardizing my company.
Starlight’s ideas were genuinely worth investing in, and that’s why I chose them. So please, don’t think
that I did this to cause you pain or for any other sinister motives. I would never do something like that.”
His words carried a reassuring sincerity, and his gaze met mine with a sense of earnestness.
His eyes, as mesmerizing as ever, had the uncanny ability to draw me into his world, and I found
myself lost for a moment in the depths of those breathtaking orbs.
“I understand,” I said, forcing a smile to ease the tension.
This would be completely business. Let’s keep our personal lives aside, completely aside. Here, you’re
the employer and I’m your contracted worker which is perfect. I forced at smile. Ethan visibly relaxed at
my response.
Good,” he said with a soft nod.
We sat in silence once more. Ethan words had made me feel at ease. I’d wondered why he’d accepted
and contracted us but now I was cleared.
How have you been, Ethan?” I heard myself ask
The question sl*pped out, a genuine curiosity about the profound changes in him. He cruded a different
aura, a brooding one, like he had been through alot. It was almost…. Sad.
Ethan appeared taken aback by the question, and I quickly corrected myself, realizing I had stepped
out of line.
“Sorry, sir, that was out of place,” I apologized, getting up, intending to leave.
Wait. It’s fine.” He urged gently meeting my eyes once more.
The kids. The kids I saw you with at the airport the other day.”
1 froze at the mention of my kid.
“They’re twins, right?” he asked. I felt my muscles tense. Did he suspect something?
“Yes, I replied cautiously.
They are adorable, Hazel Ethan said with a small smile. Although It looked rather like a sad smile with
his head bent to the side. It felt surreal to be discussing our children. I was uncomfortable and really
wanted to change the topic.
“How’s Bella?” I couldn’t help but ask. They were now married, after all.
Ethan’s response was a small shrug, a detached manner in his words. “She’s well, happy as can be, as
Luna and the wife of Mr. Wild. He spoke stiffly, in an almost detached manner. Our conversation was
taking a peculiar turn, but it wasn’t over yet. Ethan broke the ice further, ensuring that I didn’t have to
tread carefully around him.
Thope you don’t feel the need to walk on eggshells,” he stated, his gaze steady.
“Understood, Mr. Wild.” I replied, reverting to the professional demeanor that this situation demanded.
With that, I turned to exit the office
A sigh of relief escaped my l*ps as I stepped out of Ethan’s office, and with it came a sharp inhalation
of air, a breath I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding. The tension that had enveloped me slowly
began to dissipate as I processed our conversation. Ethan’s reassurance that there were no ulterior
motives behind his business decisions had put some of my concerns to rest. It seemed that we were on
the same page,this was strictly about work.
As I stood waiting for the elevator, my thoughts churned. I couldn’t help but wonder why he reacted the
way he did when I asked about his well-being. His demeanor had shifted, het seemed detached. The
brooding aura that surrounded him hinted at experiences and changes that had shaped him during our
time apart. I couldn’t help but be curious about what had transpired in his life, what had changed him so
greatly.
The elevator finally arrived, the doors slid open and I stepped inside, taking a moment to collect my
thoughts. The ride down gave me a chance to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions that Ethan’s
presence had stirred within me. Our history couldn’t simply be swept. under the rug, and the mere sight
of him had revived old memories and emotions I thought were buried. But things were better left this
way. Untouched. There’s no need digging up old sores, It’s was best this way. Ethan as my Boss, only
my boss, nothing more. As the elevator reached the ground floor, I emerged into the bustling
atmosphere of the office building.
Reminding myself that this arrangement is only temporary, once the project was over, we’d be out of
each others lives for good. Just a few more months Hazel.