Chapter 16: The Ex Effect
Eliana wasn't prepared for the sight that greeted her in the lobby.
A tall, stunning redhead in designer heels stood near reception, her laughter floating in the air like perfume. She had the kind of poise that came from old money and elite schools, and the kind of beauty that made people stare a little longer than polite.
She was talking to Adrian.
Correction: Flirting with Adrian.
Eliana's steps slowed.
Their eyes met—Adrian's and hers. He looked momentarily stunned. Then guilty. Then determined.
"Eliana," he said, breaking away. "Come meet Cassandra."
Cassandra. The name sounded too perfect.
Cassandra turned, offering a hand and a gleaming smile. "You must be the assistant."
Eliana didn't flinch. "Executive assistant," she said, shaking the woman's hand firmly. "And you are?"
"I'm Adrian's ex-fiancée," Cassandra said sweetly, as if dropping a casual bomb. "Just in town for a few days. Thought I'd surprise him."
Adrian looked like he wanted to disappear.
"Nice to meet you," Eliana said, her voice cool.
Cassandra smiled wider, as if satisfied with the reaction—or lack thereof.
Later, in Adrian's office, the storm finally broke.
"You didn't think to warn me?" Eliana asked, arms crossed.
"I didn't know she was coming," he said. "We haven't spoken in over a year."
"But you were engaged to her."
He sighed. "It ended badly. She cheated. I walked. End of story."
Eliana's eyes softened, but only slightly. "And now she's here, batting her lashes and marking her territory."
"She's nothing to me anymore."
"She didn't look like nothing."
Adrian stepped closer. "You're the one I want, Eliana. You. Not some ghost from my past."
She looked up at him, emotions warring behind her eyes.
"Then prove it," she whispered.
He cupped her cheek. "I will."
But outside the office walls, Cassandra wasn't done.
And ghosts had a nasty habit of stirring up the living.