e you on board," Nathan Grey said with a

grappling with the realization that he didn't remember her. Was he pretending, or had the memory truly faded? Though their p

n's innocent gaze. A sense of relief washed o

he muttered, her voice filled with mix

ice. Her seat, positioned at the edge of the room directly facing his, was an unconventional arrangement for a secretary, but she dismissed any concerns. After all, he was the boss, and his decisions were meant to be trusted. As Brixlee settled into her seat and dropped her bag

first phase of his plan, and he had successfully fooled her. The prospect of this game intrigued him, and he

her with imploring eyes. Memories flooded Brixlee's mind as she recognized him as the person she had unintentionally bump

d into me and called me stupid? Does that ring a bell?" Brix

ing a bell. I think you've got the wrong person," she

than's secretary. I guess we'll be seeing each other more ofte

in a blur. Fatigue began to wear on him, his eyes aching from staring at the screen. He raised his head slowly, noticing that Brixlee had fallen asle

Startled, she sat up straight and wiped the drool off her mouth, apologizing in a daze. She had d

You think that's going to get my

ply nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Nathan, realizin

fice. Brixlee grunted in frustration but quickly corrected herself, realizing she had misspoken. "I mean, I

nt, asked curiously, "Pardon?

fore responding, "I said, 'I love

she was wearing. "You don't have to wear those," he co

s what secretaries wear in movie

ou shouldn't wear things that make you uncomfortabl

he stairs instead of the elevator. Each step brought her closer to the seminar hall, where she could already see Nathan on the stage. Taking a seat at the back, she struggled to focus on

.

r coat of Chanel lip gloss. Her cell phone beeped, indicating a new text message

free time?" Motioning to her man

the rest of the evening.

her car. Each step felt like an eternity as she struggled to maintain her composure and evade the public eye. As she approached the corner, the noise level intensified, and the energy of the fans became palpable. She took a deep breath, attempting to calm her nerves, and hastened her steps. Her car was in sight, parked just a few feet away. But just

, feeling a cool breeze that always seemed to embrace her upon her return. The mansion had been her home for decades, a world o

widened as she noticed her grandmother seated on the gold-plated couch, covered in fl

her. "Cupcake, you're home," her grandmother repli

the middle of something," Talia

" her grandmother requested,

ents, a faint smile escaping her

han. "So, when is Nathan coming over? It's been a while since I've s

her feelings for him, but Nathan had dismissed it as a passing phase. However, for Talia, it was anything but. She had cherished her friendship with Nathan since fourth gr

s," she replied absentmindedly, t

his favorites," her grandmother suggested cheerfu

eplied with a forced grin, hoping

way you look at him, Talia. You love him." She playfully pulled Talia's

endship had already become complicated, slowly eroding under the weight of her unrequited love. If burying her feelings deep within was the only way to preserve their friends

," Talia exclaimed, making her way to the kitchen. "Don