Chapter 2 Unwritten Words

The Monday morning buzz at Kingston & Vale was a different kind of pressure-sharp, clean, and constant. The open floor office spanned an entire level of the downtown skyscraper, all steel beams and glass partitions, with pristine desks lined up like chess pieces in an endless game of strategy.

Elara sat at hers, the newest pawn on the board.

Her corner was modest but not hidden, situated just a few paces from the bullpen and in direct view of the partners' offices-particularly his office.

Aidan Callahan's glass-walled sanctuary stood like a kingdom among cubicles. The blinds were always partially drawn, but when they weren't, she could see him: sleeves rolled up, eyes scanning reports with relentless focus. He never smiled at nothing. Every moment seemed intentional.

It was only her third day, and Elara had already become intimately aware of his rhythm. He arrived just before 7:00 a.m. sharp, coffee in hand-black, no sugar. He didn't waste words. He didn't repeat himself. And when he spoke, the entire floor quieted by instinct.

She hated that she noticed. Hated even more that she couldn't stop.

"Careful," came a voice from beside her. "You'll burn your retinas staring like that."

Elara turned. A sharp-featured woman in a cobalt suit leaned against the side of her desk, a mischievous glint in her eye. Her ID badge read Priya Desai, Senior Associate.

"I wasn't staring," Elara muttered.

"You were," Priya said, smirking. "But don't worry. So was half the floor your first day. We just weren't brave enough to land on top of him."

Elara sighed. "Is everyone talking about that?"

"It was a full-speed collision with the most intimidating man in this building. People are still speculating whether it was an accident or the boldest first move in corporate history."

Elara managed a tired laugh. "I spilled my documents across the lobby and nearly dislocated my dignity. That's not a move-it's a malfunction."

Priya pulled up a chair and leaned in. "For what it's worth, Callahan seemed... unfazed. You're lucky. Most people get frostbite just from standing too close."

"Is he really that bad?"

Priya tilted her head, considering. "Not bad. Just... untouchable. He's a mystery wrapped in a tailored three-piece suit. Everyone respects him, even admires him. But no one gets close. Not professionally. Not personally."

Elara glanced at the office again, then quickly looked away. "Good. I'm not here to get close to anyone. I'm here to work."

"Smart," Priya said, rising. "Keep it that way. The moment you start peeling back those layers, you forget why you came here in the first place."

Elara turned her attention back to her computer, willing herself to concentrate on the numbers in front of her. Data made sense. Projections could be forecast. People? They were far less predictable.

Especially men like Aidan Callahan.

Later that day, she was summoned to a strategy meeting for a high-profile tech acquisition. She had only been assigned research prep, so when she saw her name on the invite list, her stomach sank with equal parts excitement and dread.

And then she saw him-already seated, calm and composed, reviewing the documents she'd prepared.

As the others entered, Aidan barely looked up-until Elara walked in. Their eyes locked for a half-second. Just enough to register.

"You're early," he murmured when she took the seat across from him.

"I like to be prepared," she replied.

"You are," he said, holding up the report. "This was good work."

Elara blinked. "Thank you."

The meeting began, and she fought to focus on the numbers, the strategies, the stakes.

But beneath it all pulsed the undeniable awareness of being seen-not just noticed, but seen-by the man who, according to everyone around her, never let anyone in.

It was a dangerous thing.

And maybe, the most beautiful mistake she could make.