The sunlight slipped through the blinds, warm against Karen's cheek as she slowly stirred. Her lips curled into a small smile as memories of the gala replayed in her mind like a favorite movie.
Alex.
The way his fingers had laced with hers. The intensity in his voice when he said she was his. The fire in his eyes when that strange guest got too close.
She sighed, hugging her pillow to her chest. Was it all real? Or was it just a billionaire's whim?
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was a message from Carla (her best friend).
"Girl, you've got everyone at the office whispering đź‘€. What did you do at the gala???"
Karen sat up instantly. Her heart skipped.
"Whispers"?
Her pulse ticked faster as she read the message again. She quickly got ready, choosing a simple yet elegant outfit. Something told her she'd need to look sharp today.
By the time she stepped into the office, she knew something was off. Heads turned. Conversations paused mid-sentence.
Then the whispers resumed..hushed, slicing through the air like knives dipped in sugar.
"Is that her?"
"She thinks she's special now"
"I heard she came with the CEO"
Karen swallowed. The warmth from last night vanished. Suddenly, every stare felt loaded and every smile felt fake.
She walked to her desk only to find a black velvet box sitting neatly in the center.
Her brows furrowed. No name, no note.
She opened it breath catching slightly, inside was a silver bracelet with a single red gemstone.
It was elegant, cold, deliberate and breathtaking.
Before she could process it, Carla leaned in.
"You might want to keep that out of sight," she whispered, eyes scanning the room. "The claws are coming out today."
Karen blinked. "What's going on?"
Carla leaned even closer. "After you left with Mr. Knight last night, things went crazy.
Those girls from marketing? They're pissed, and Sandra? She saw him grab your waist."
Karen's cheeks flamed. "It wasn't like that..."
"Oh please," Carla grinned. "I'm your best friend, not blind. You looked like a couple."
Karen's phone buzzed again.
A new message from Alex.
"In my office. Now."
Her stomach twisted.
And just like that, all eyes followed her again watching, calculating as she stood, heels clicking against the floor, and made her way to the CEO's office.
What was waiting behind that door this time?