The tall, imposing glass doors of Alexander Roy Erikson’s corporate building stood before me, a symbol of everything I loathed about him: his arrogance, his power, his insufferable smirk. But I couldn’t back down now. This was my last chance—my only chance—to escape the suffocating web he’d trapped me in. Emma, my supposed “girlfriend” for the day, was on her way, and if all went according to plan, this charade would be enough to make Roy cancel the wedding himself. I repeated this to myself like a mantra, steeling my resolve as I stepped inside, the heels of my shoes clicking on the polished marble floors.
My heart raced as I approached the elevator. A part of me knew I should take the stairs—after all, the last time I’d trusted that gleaming silver box, Roy had ensured I was trapped inside for five excruciating hours. A “malfunction,” he’d claimed later, though the gleam in his eyes when I confronted him told me everything I needed to know. He enjoyed my suffering, feeding off my frustration and discomfort like the sadistic bastard he was.
But the thought of climbing 22 flights of stairs almost made me reconsider. Almost. With a resigned sigh, I took the first step, muttering curses under my breath about how his antics were literally making me work harder. By the time I reached his office floor, I felt like I’d run a marathon, but the burning in my legs was nothing compared to the simmering anger in my chest. This was it. I wasn’t walking away until this sham of a wedding was off.
As I entered the floor, my eyes scanned the familiar space, landing on Laura, the ever-smiling security officer. She stood in a small circle of gossiping employees, her hearty laugh ringing through the air. When she spotted me, her eyes lit up, and she quickly excused herself, striding toward me with open arms.
"Alona! My goodness, look at you. You’ve grown taller!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a warm embrace.
I let out a soft chuckle. “You’re as lively as ever. What’s the latest gossip around here?”
Laura, with her infectious smile and maternal warmth, was one of the few bright spots in this cold, corporate world. She was a rare gem, unafraid to scold even Roy when he needed it. It was no wonder she was planning to retire early; she’d already done enough damage control for his antics over the years.
She leaned in conspiratorially. “Oh, you won’t believe it. The talk of the office is all about you and Alex. You should’ve seen Rose’s face when she heard about your engagement. My god, the girl was fuming. Half the women here are jealous, but honestly, I don’t see what they see in him. He’s just a spoiled brat.”
I smirked. “Glad someone else sees it.” Then, lowering my voice, I added, “Is he in his office?”
Laura nodded. “He was busy earlier, but not anymore. Don’t worry, I’ll clear his schedule for you.”
I offered her a grateful smile as she walked away, and I turned toward the door to Roy’s office. I knocked once, twice—silence. My patience snapped. Permission? From him? As if.
I pushed the door open, only for the air to be sucked from my lungs. There he was, Alexander Roy Erikson, locked in a heated kiss with none other than Rose, her blouse scandalously unbuttoned. My nails dug into my palms as his gaze flicked to me, his lips curling into that infuriating smirk. Slowly, he pulled away from her, as if deliberately prolonging my agony.
Rose shot me a glare, her chest heaving, but I ignored her. I took a step forward, my heels clicking sharply against the floor, and perched myself on the edge of Roy’s desk. “Get out,” I said, my voice calm but laced with venom.
Rose scoffed, crossing her arms. “Who the hell do you think you are?”
I tilted my head, feigning surprise. “Oh, you don’t know? I’m Alona D’Angelo. Daughter of Edward D’Angelo. And fiancée to Alexander Roy Erikson.” I smiled sweetly, relishing the way her face fell.
“Rose,” Roy interjected smoothly, his tone dripping with authority, “get back to work.”
The glare she shot me could’ve burned holes through steel, but I met it with a smirk. As she stomped out, I couldn’t resist throwing one last jab. “Button up your blouse, Rose. You look unprofessional.”
The door clicked shut, leaving me alone with Roy. I exhaled slowly, willing my pulse to steady itself.
“So,” Roy drawled, leaning back in his chair with that maddeningly confident air, “what brings you here, future wifey?”
“Cancel the wedding,” I demanded, meeting his gaze head-on. “I won’t marry someone like you.”
He chuckled, low and lazy, like I’d just told him the funniest joke he’d ever heard. “Someone like me? Careful, princess. That almost sounds like a compliment.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You’re insufferable.”
“And yet, here you are,” he teased, his smirk growing.
I gritted my teeth, desperate to regain control of the situation. “I’m not straight,” I blurted out. “I’m gay.”
For a split second, his expression faltered, but then his smirk returned, sharper than ever. “Oh? Is that so?” He stood, circling his desk with the predatory grace of a lion stalking its prey. “Then you wouldn’t feel anything if I touched you.”
My breath hitched. “Don’t you dare.”
He closed the distance between us, his hand brushing against my thigh. “Really, princess? Nothing at all?” he murmured, his voice dripping with mockery.
“Stop,” I said, my voice wavering.
But he didn’t. His lips ghosted over my ear, his breath warm against my skin. “You’re not very convincing, you know.” he said as he took off my panties
I shoved him away, my chest heaving. “I hate you,” I whispered, tears stinging my eyes.
He tilted his head, feigning innocence. “Did I cross a line?”
“You’re vile,” I spat, swiping at my cheeks. “I am gay. I have a girlfriend.”
As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door. Roy called for the person to enter, and Emma stepped in. Relief flooded through me as I ran to her, wrapping my arms around her tightly.
Emma’s eyes darted between me and Roy, taking in my disheveled appearance and tear-streaked face. Her protective instincts kicked in immediately. “What did you do to my girlfriend?” she demanded, her voice sharp.
Roy leaned against his desk, his arms crossed, and laughed. “Oh, please. You two expect me to believe this little act? You’re not fooling anyone.”
Emma crossed her arms, her expression defiant. “No one lies about their sexuality. It’s not a joke.”
“If you’re so serious,” Roy said, his smirk returning, “then prove it. Kiss her.”
My heart stopped. Emma and I exchanged a panicked glance, each daring the other to make the next move.
YOU ARE READING
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Romance𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 "Who said I am going to have sex with you anytime soon?" I said with a mocking tone. Suddenly he holds my neck with his big hand and squeezed it a little. "Princess, it doesn't matter how many times you deny me becau...
