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--x--The Chapter Starts Here--x--

Flashback: Seven Years Ago

The alarm blared across the room. On the bed, a young woman in her twenties stirred, rubbing her eyes with a yawn.
“Danny, get up,” she mumbled, tossing the clock straight at the man sprawled on the mattress beside her.
Dylan jerked awake with a grunt, the alarm bouncing off his chest. “Rabbit, it’s your alarm, not mine.”
She ignored him, curling deeper into the blanket. With a groan, he sat up and leaned closer, brushing his fingers through her hair.
“Candice… come on, my Rabbit,” he coaxed softly.
“Noo… shooo…” she muttered, swatting at his hand.
He chuckled. “Baby, it’s your job interview today. Remember?”
Her eyes shot open. “Shit! Danny, why didn’t you wake me up earlier?” She scrambled upright, nearly shrieking.
Still laughing, Dylan watched as she dashed for the bathroom, sheets flying. “Because you’re funnier this way,” he muttered, shaking his head before getting to his feet.
“Let me at least make her something to eat. Otherwise, she’ll run off starving again.”

A few minutes later, the smell of garlic pasta filled the air. Dylan placed the pan down just as Candice came rushing downstairs.
“Danny, I’m late… I’m going!” she called, sprinting toward the door.
“Rabbit! Breakfast!”
“No, no!”
“Please, baby. Don’t go on an empty stomach.” She slowed down. This voice of his always works on her.
“But Danny, I need to grab a cab and…” She cut herself off when he gave her that look.
“How about this… you eat in the car, and I’ll drop you?”
She hesitated. “But…”
“No buts. I’m dropping you.”
Candice’s lips curved into a smile, her head bobbing in surrender.
“Good. Hold on, let me grab the keys,” Dylan said, racing upstairs. She watched him go, her chest tightening with quiet affection.

Ma, Pa… I’ve never seen you, but I know you’re watching me. You must be, because you sent me this beautiful man.

“Let’s go before you’re late!” Dylan’s voice thundered from upstairs, yanking her from her reverie.
She pressed her lips together, heart swelling. God, please… just let me get this job today. Then I’ll finally propose to him.
“Rabbit!” he shouted again, leaning out the window and honking the car horn.
“Coming, idiot!” she called back, laughter spilling as she ran outside.

At George Enterprises.

Candice had eaten out of the container sitting in the car. Dylan tucked a stray wet strand behind her ear and kissed her forehead. “All the best, my Rabbit. Be safe.”
“This is only a few kilometres away, Danny,” she teased.
“I know, it’s just…” He trailed off, eyes going glassy. “I feel weird.”
Candice wrapped her arms around him. Wordless. Solid.
“I love you,” he whispered into her hair.
“What? Did you say something?” she asked, with a knowing smile.
“I said… all the best.”
She stepped back, did a little twirl. “How do I look?”
“The most beautiful woman.” He held her gaze until her breath hitched.
“Be honest.”
“You know I don’t lie.”
“Thank you,” she sang, pecking his cheek. He blinked, startled, and she laughed and turned to go.
“Candice,” he called. She paused, amused… he rarely used her full name.
“Shall I stay?” he asked, cupping her face.
“No… I’ll manage.”
“But…”
“Go, Danny.” She pushed him back gently.
“I will pick you up… While returning.” He yelled opening his car door.

Candice’s POV

I watched Dylan reverse. His eyes were more on me than on the road, so I waved him on. He smiled sheepishly and finally looked away.
Honestly, he’s not the only one worried. I am too. It feels like a storm is rolling toward us.
Let’s go, Candice. You can do this.
I turned to the building looming in front of me… glass, steel, high gates. Crossing my fingers, I headed to the entrance.
“Madam, who do you want to meet?” the guard asked.
“Um… I’m here for the interview. These are the papers.” I showed him the email printout.
He squinted. “Room number three, floor…”
A man barreled into him. “Sir, where’s the CEO’s cabin?”
“Fourth,” the guard said, pointing, already distracted.
“Thanks, boss.” The guy sprinted off.
I cleared my throat. “And me?”
“Why are you standing here?” the guard snapped.
“You were telling me the floor.”
“Didn’t I just say? Fourth.” He waved me away.
What a man. What a start. I exhaled and walked inside, straight to the elevator.
Room three… room three… The corridor on the fourth floor was oddly silent, the air-conditioning humming in the emptiness. I found a door marked 3. The blinds were drawn; no one sat outside with a register, no other candidates in sight.
“Is this even the right place? Why is nobody here?” I murmured.
I knocked. “May I come in?”
Silence.
I knocked louder. “Sir? Ma’am? I’m here for the interview.”
I turned to leave… and froze.
“Ahh… ahh…” A muffled sound slipped from behind the door. It was a woman’s voice. The entire floor, I realized, was deserted.
“Are you okay in there?” I called. “Ma’am? I’m coming in.” I barged in pushing the handle.
“What the….” the woman inside yelped.

Damien’s POV

My mood wasn’t at its best today. It rarely is. I told Robert to clear the fourth floor and arrange a distraction. I needed a release.
The staff evacuated as they always do. The woman he sent was waiting… already bent over the desk, practiced, needy, ready.
I was a breath away from entering her when the door swung in.
“Oh, fuck… I’m sorry!” The intruder squeezed her eyes shut the instant she saw me.
Cute.
The escort stayed where she was, but my attention had already moved. The girl at the door stood frozen, one hand still on the knob, the other clamped over a folder. Loose cotton dress that hid more than it showed, brown hair twisted into a neat bun.
She dared to open her eyes again… green. Startled. “Oh, shit,” she blurted, cheeks flushing. “I’m sorry, sir. I think I’m in the wrong room.”
Then she turned her back to me. For the first time, a woman saw me naked and faced away.
I chuckled under my breath.
I wanted her.
She yanked the door open, fumbling and fled.