Author's Preface
[Present Day]
[Annie]
The universe has a funny way of playing things out. Or maybe it's just me.
Every time I start to believe I'm finally making progress in life, it feels like the universe takes it personally, dragging me right back into the dirt.
I thought things were finally looking up.
Six months at SilverOak Group, a stable routine, even the faint possibility of planning a trip to Hawaii.
But apparently, my happiness comes with an expiry date.
Because tell me, what are the odds that he would show up here? In my office.
Out of all the branches in all the cities.
A ghost from six years ago, one that I had buried five years ago, standing alive and breathing in front of me.
I feel sick.
"Annie, are you okay?" Amanda asks, peering at me from her desk beside mine.
"Yeah, just a bit tired," I reply with a polite smile.
Amanda has been my only saving grace in this corporate jungle.
Ironically, it was her relentless persuasion that made me leave Orions firm, for a better pay, better opportunities, and a supposedly "better life."
"I'm homesick for Orions for the first time," I mutter.
She laughs immediately, "No, you're not."
Then she quickly peeks around before leaning in slightly,"You should go catch up with your soulmate."
I shoot her a glare, but she's already grinning like she's just won a lottery.
"Ms. Annie, the manager has called you to his office," a clerk informs me.
Amanda and I exchange glances.
Hers is pure amusement.
"Go on," she teases, "I heard the new Marketing Manager is very strict about his time."
I ignore her and make my way towards the cubicle at the end of the floor.
I pause as I reach the door, I smooth out my skirt, adjust my hair, and fix on my most polite, professional smile.
Knocking once, I push the door open after hearing a response.
"Good morning, sir," I say with a slight bow as I step in.
My eyes land on the nameplate first.
Mr. Kai Sterlings.
"Annie Hayes," his voice cuts in smoothly, pulling me back to reality. "Please, take a seat."
I sit down across from him, and when I finally look up, this man is already looking at me.
Not just looking but studying.
It feels like he's staring right through me.
He looks a bit different.
Maybe more sharper and more defined.
He is lounging in the chair while radiating quiet menace, with rolled up sleeves of his white shirt displaying his forearms, his jet black hair slicked back.
It seems time certainly has been unfairly generous to him.
He has always been good looking.
Back then, he was just a good looking junior.
And now? My mind is in overdrive.
Nah, he's still just a good-looking man. I dismiss the thought.
He is just a long lost, mysterious, and an unsettling junior.
I offer him a small, nervous smile.
As if sensing my awkwardness, he finally looks away, turning his attention back to his laptop.
"I need you to brief me on all the plans regarding Project Orange," he says.
"As the Senior Marketing Executive, you'll have three days."
He pauses briefly before adding, "Also send me the details for the event launch campaigns and brochures."
I nod quickly. "Of course."
But my mind is already slipping, to six years ago.
Back to when he looked much younger. And quieter.
When Henry had brought him to one of our gatherings, I remember trying to talk to him, only for him to avoid me completely.
I thought he was shy.
And then, not long after, he started dating Lucy, my batchmate.
Three years older than him.
So much for being a shy junior.
"...when should we fix the date?", his voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
"I'm sorry?" I blink taken aback.
"Could you please repeat that? I was just thinking about some work."
He examines me for a moment, as if weighing something.
"The date," he repeats calmly.
"For a field visit. We'll need one before moving forward. Check my schedule and set it."
"Right. Yes. I'll confirm and let you know."
Silence falls in the room, heavy and pressing.
I can't read his face, but I can feel his intense, unwavering gaze again.
"Annie...", His voice is too calm for my liking.
"Please breathe. No one knows about us. I don't intend to interfere with your work life."
My chest starts clenching and the room suddenly feels too cold.
"No....I wasn't.....I mean, I wasn't thinking about that...," I stammer, the words tripping over each other, "I just....wait… you remember me?"
A slow, knowing smirk curves at the corner of his lips.
"Did you want me to forget you?"
My blood runs cold at his response.
And then I hear his soft but dangerous chuckle.
I'm completely, utterly doomed.