Chapter 4 I love you Emily

The morning sun glinted off the polished hood of Gray Muller's classic car as it rolled into the parking lot of NovaTech. The engine hummed to a stop, and the door creaked open. Lyra stepped out gracefully beside him, her heels clicking rhythmically on the pavement as they walked side by side toward the towering glass doors of the company.

Lyra glanced up at Gray with a knowing smile before veering off to her department. Her colleagues barely hid their grins, whispering among themselves as they watched her go. Everyone suspected the truth: Lyra and the boss had something special, and the only thing left now was to hear the announcement of their engagement.

Gray, on the other hand, walked with that familiar air of quiet command,his face unreadable, eyes sharp, the usual chill of a man always in control. He nodded faintly in acknowledgment of the greetings from his staff but said little as he made his way to his office. The heavy door shut behind him with a soft click.

Just as he approached his chair, ready to sink into it for a brief moment of silence, there was a sharp knock on the door.

Gray exhaled in annoyance and murmured under his breath, "Who dares to interrupt my peace so early?"

"Come in," he called curtly, remaining standing as he stared at the door with cold anticipation.

The door opened and Emily steeped in.

His eyes widened almost imperceptibly. She wore a vibrant, elegant dress that caught the light with every step. The colors were radiant, drawing attention effortlessly. Her usual cheerful expression had not changed, but something about her presence this morning felt different-magnetic, compelling.

Gray's gaze locked onto hers, and for a brief moment, time stood still. He didn't blink. He didn't breathe. The chill in his face melted into something softer. A smile, unbidden and uncontrollable, tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Emily walked toward him, maintaining a respectful distance, holding a set of documents.

"I'm really sorry for disturbing you this early, sir," she said gently. "But it's about an urgent project. I need your signature so we can proceed."

Gray nodded, taken aback not only by her beauty but by her professionalism. He reached for the pen on his desk and took a seat, silently admiring her composed demeanor. He signed the papers without asking a single question.

"Thank you, sir. I'll be on my way now," she said quickly, gathering the documents and heading toward the door.

"Emily," he called suddenly.

She stopped mid-step, her heart skipping. Slowly, she turned around, their eyes locking once more.

"Yes, sir?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

"I'd like to meet you later this evening," Gray said, his tone softer than usual. "Would you... make it a date with me?"

A gentle smile formed on Emily's lips. "Yes, sir. Until then."

She slipped out of his office with quiet grace, closing the door softly behind her.

Gray leaned back in his chair, a rare, satisfied smile spreading across his face. He exhaled deeply.

"She's focused... not like Lyra," he muttered thoughtfully, turning slowly in his swivel chair.

He picked up his pen and resumed signing the pile of documents that had waited since yesterday, but his mind wasn't entirely on the paperwork.

Emily, meanwhile, returned to the staff room, her thoughts racing.

"What could he possibly want to talk to me about... after work?" she wondered aloud, placing the documents neatly on her desk.

She shook her head and chuckled softly. "Hopefully it's not what every woman thinks the moment a man asks her out..."

Still, she couldn't shake the flurry of anticipation bubbling beneath her calm exterior.

....

Later That Evening

The day had been long and demanding. Emily felt the exhaustion in every part of her body as she shut down her workstation. She didn't expect Gray to personally pick her up, but there he was, waiting, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

Lyra had left early.Her position as Marketing Director afforded her that freedom. It worked in Gray's favor; now, he had a perfect chance to be alone with Emily.

They drove quietly through the city, the hum of the engine filling the silence between them. Soon, they arrived at a cozy, low-lit café tucked into a quiet corner of town. Gray chose a secluded booth near the window, away from the evening crowd.

He ordered food for Emily, noticing how drained she looked. For himself, he only asked for a glass of wine.

Emily ate slowly, minding her manners, although her body was practically begging for rest. Gray said nothing, letting her eat in peace, occasionally sipping his wine, watching her with calm appreciation.

When she was done, she sat back and smiled. "Thank you so much, sir. You've brought me back to life this evening."

"You're welcome, Emily," he replied with a small, knowing smile. "Feeling better now?"

"Much better, sir," she said warmly. Their eyes met again, and the connection deepened.

"I brought you here for a reason," Gray said, shifting slightly forward.

Emily straightened. This was the moment.

"I've thought about this for a while," he began, his voice low but steady. "I want you to be mine."

Emily's breath caught. Her heart pounded.

"How long have you... felt this way?" she asked softly.

Gray chuckled. "Since the first day our eyes met."

That confession made her heart flutter. She couldn't speak,she didn't need to. The way she looked at him said it all.

He gently reached across the table and took her hand. "My heart needs you, Emily. I love you."

Silence fell between them, not from discomfort, but from awe. Emily's eyes filled with emotion, her mind spinning in a thousand directions-but her gaze remained fixed on him.

And then, he asked-simply, honestly:

"Emily... will you be my fiancée?"