The Proud CEO

The elevator climbed in near silence, only the soft hum of motion reminding Eliana that this wasn't a dream. She clutched her coat tighter, nerves flaring despite her usual confidence.

She had told herself this was just another meeting. Business. Nothing more.

But who was she kidding?

It was 8:03 p.m.She was going to Adrian Cole's penthouse.

When the doors slid open, she was greeted by a space that screamed success—modern elegance, warm lighting, high-end art. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased Manhattan in all its nighttime glory.

And there he was.

Adrian stood by the bar in a dark blue sweater and slacks, casually powerful, like this was just another room he conquered.

"You're late," he said without looking up.

"I'm not known for rushing," she replied, stepping in.

He turned to face her then, and something shifted. There was no suit. No boardroom tone. Just Adrian. Still sharp, but... real.

"You came," he said.

"You asked."

He poured a drink and held out a glass. "Wine?"

"No. I want to keep my head clear."

"Smart."

She walked to the center of the room, taking in the quiet luxury. "So, what's the real reason I'm here?"

Adrian joined her, glass in hand. "To finish a conversation."

"About the audit?"

"No." He stepped closer. "About the tension we keep pretending doesn't exist."

Her heart kicked. "What do you want from me, Adrian?"

His voice was low. Direct. "Honesty. And maybe one night where we stop pretending we're just colleagues."

The air between them thickened.

Eliana swallowed. "That sounds like a mistake."

"Maybe," he said. "But it would be our mistake."

She should have walked out. Should have turned around and kept the lines clear.

But instead, she stood still. Breathless.

"You don't scare me," she said.

"I'm not trying to," Adrian murmured. "I just don't want to lie about what this is anymore."

"What is this?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

He didn't answer with words.

He kissed her.

And this time, there was no hesitation.

No elevator walls. No office buzz.

Just skin. And heat. And two people finally giving in to everything they had been trying to deny.

The city outside sparkled as if it had seen it all before.

But for Eliana and Adrian, this night was the beginning of something neither of them could control anymore.