Haunted: Her Ruthless Lover's Relentless Pursuit

Late at night, the dimly lit deluxe hotel suite was filled with the sounds of enchanting moans and heavy panting.

The passion subsided after what seemed an eternity.

Resting against Eddie Selleck's chest, Claudia Murphy could feel his steady heartbeat. She gazed at his sharply defined jaw, lost in thought for quite some time.

Suddenly, Eddie's grip around her waist tightened. He leaned in and whispered, "What's on your mind?"

Claudia paused briefly before responding, "I'm thinking about my work."

"Thinking about work now, with me here?" Eddie's voice dropped, his gaze fixed on her, unblinking. "As my secretary, you're sure getting bolder." His tone carried a tinge of displeasure, hinting at his growing annoyance.

Noticing his mood, Claudia sighed inwardly but quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, replying in a sweet tone, "My apologies."

Eddie continued to stare at her, but her charm seemed to soften him, and he smiled, gesturing for her to come closer.

Understanding his cue, Claudia didn't hesitate. She leaned in and initiated another kiss.

The next morning, as Claudia opened her eyes, she found herself alone.

Turning, she spotted Eddie on the phone, his back to her, speaking in hushed, patient tones. Framed by the backlight, his silhouette appeared tall and imposing, exuding an undeniable presence.

Claudia watched, entranced, her lips unconsciously parting, yet she remained silent, not wanting to interrupt.

Eventually, he ended the call and turned to face her, his expression undisturbed. "Morning," he said simply.

"Morning."

Without another word, he resumed dressing. Claudia swiftly rose from the bed, crossed over to him, and began helping him with his tie, which he allowed without comment.

Once his attire was adjusted, Claudia double-checked his agenda. "I spoke with Frank yesterday. He'll handle your schedule today."

This prompted a frown from Eddie. "Isn't it your duty?" he inquired, a hint of concern threading his voice.

Claudia hesitated, her expression turning grave. "I'm submitting my resignation today. Your assistant Frank will take over my duties this month."

At her words, a shadow cross his face. "Reason?" he demanded.

Claudia responded with composure, "I'm twenty-seven. I've been with the Selleck Group since college, and now it's my fifth year. I'm ready for a change in my life."

Eddie press his lips together, remaining silent.

Claudia look up at him, her voice casual yet earnest. "My family has started pressing me about marriage."

As she spoke, she reached out slowly, her eyes softening with a hint of longing. "I used to think there was plenty of time to wait, but now, I'm beginning to realize it might have been just a daydream."

Her outstretched hand was abruptly caught.

In a swift motion, he tilt her chin upward, his gaze mocking. "Retreat as a way to advance?"

Claudia's heart sank, but she shook her head firmly. "No, I meant every word."

Suddenly, the warmth in his eyes vanished. He released her, turned sharply, and delivered the news without a trace of warmth. "Gwyneth Riley is back."

Claudia paused; she knew a great deal about Gwyneth.

Struggling to hide her sadness, she blurted out, "Perhaps it's best if I resign, right?"

Eddie hesitated, ultimately choosing silence. A sharp slam of the door responded in his stead.

Claudia remained motionless, her smile tinged with sarcasm. She had anticipated this outcome. What was she hoping for anyway? Seven years had passed-seven long years. If winning his heart was possible, it wouldn't have taken this long.

......

Claudia was scheduled to meet her blind date, Brice Douglas, at a five-star restaurant. Before she arrived, her mother had informed her that Brice was a university professor and urged her to behave impeccably.

Brice was handsome and courteous, exuding an air of grace with every gesture. Claudia engaged in conversation with him for nearly an hour, finding him to be quite delightful.

Midway through, Claudia excused herself to visit the restroom. Upon her return and just as she was settling back into her seat, she heard someone call her name. "Claudia? What a coincidence!"

Turning around, Claudia was slightly taken aback to see Frank Carter standing there, with Eddie not far behind.

Her heart fluttered as her gaze met Eddie's, who noticed her but swiftly looked away, pretending as if they were strangers.

Feeling overlooked was something Claudia had braced herself for. Regaining her composure, she smiled at Frank. "I'm here dining with a friend. Are you having a business dinner here? I thought I reserved a table elsewhere for you."

Frank immediately replied, "We were supposed to be there, but Mr. Selleck decided against it and called off the appointment." As they conversed, Frank suddenly lowered his voice and added, "Did you hear? Miss Riley has returned. She favors the cuisine here the most. Mr. Selleck has been eagerly awaiting her return. He rushed over from the office this very afternoon."

Claudia was momentarily taken aback by the news. She had nearly forgotten. Whenever Gwyneth was around, Eddie transformed into an entirely different person.

Claudia's conversation with Frank was brief, as Eddie soon called him away. It seemed Gwyneth had arrived.

That explained his impatience.

Claudia smiled wryly and turned back to her seat where Brice, looking curious, inquired, "Is that guy a coworker of yours?"

She nodded and responded, "Yes, but soon he'll be a former coworker."

"And the other gentleman, is he your boss?"

"How did you figure out?" Claudia asked, surprised.

Brice grinned. "From the intense look in his eyes-it's not the gaze of a colleague, but that of a boss observing an employee."

At that, Claudia found herself at a loss for words.

After their meal, Brice dropped Claudia off at her apartment. She didn't invite him inside. Once he drove away, she approached her door at a leisurely pace. Just as she was about to insert her key, she froze.

Leaning against the doorframe, a man stood smoking a cigarette, his brow furrowed in apparent impatience.

"Mr. Selleck?" Claudia blinked, puzzled. Wasn't he supposed to be with Gwyneth at this hour? Why was he here instead?

"You look somewhat disappointed to see me. Why is that?" Eddie flicked his cigarette away and stepped closer.

Claudia, still caught off guard, managed to respond, "It's quite late. Is there something you need?"

"Do I need a reason to visit?" Eddie retorted.

Claudia, momentarily lost for words, finally replied, "I'm off today. Even though I'm quitting by the end of the month, I still get my days off, right?"

Without changing his expression, Eddie shot back, "Who authorized your resignation?"

Once again, Eddie and Claudia ended their talking in disagreement.

Before he left, he had cornered her against the door, his voice sharp with intensity. "I was the one who initiated everything. What makes you think you have any say in ending it?"

Refusing to back down, Claudia had stood tall and faced him directly. "If it's not over, then let's get married. But what about Gwyneth? Can she handle that?"

Her smile had been sly as she added, "Do you think she'd accept that you've been with her stepsister for seven years?"

The aftermath of their clash was a loud slam of the door that reverberated throughout the building. Alone in the now quiet room, Claudia's smile faded into silence, followed by a trickle of tears.

The following day, Claudia received a call from her mom Vickie Riley. At that time, she was in the process of resigning from the company. Though Eddie hadn't approved it yet, with a month's notice provided, it was considered a resignation when the time came.

Vickie invited Claudia to come home for a meal, mentioning it had been a long while since the family gathered.

Claudia hesitated, then replied, "Gwyneth might not be happy to see me, so I'd rather not show up."

As Claudia was about to end the call, Vickie quickly interjected, "It's been so long. Can't you move past it all? Gwyneth is the one who asked you to come this time. She's looking to mend things. Please don't shut down her attempt to make things right."

Claudia remained silent while Vickie continued to complain. Eventually, Claudia's irritation grew, and she relented just to end the conversation.

By the time Claudia arrived for the family gathering, it was already seven in the evening.

Exhaustion weighed heavily on her; despite Eddie's absence, he had passed all his responsibilities to her, as if to purposely complicate her day. Claudia found herself swamped not only with her own tasks but also with his.

Upon entering her parents' place, she was greeted by the sound of enthusiastic voices.

"Gwyn, please stay this time. Your dad has missed you terribly these past two years." Vickie's voice rang out.

"I'm considering it, but I need to think it over carefully," Gwyneth responded.

As the conversation continued, Claudia stepped into view. Catching Gwyneth's eye, she received a warm, bright smile. "It's been a while, Claudia."

Claudia nodded in acknowledgment. "It's good to see you back."

Just then, Vickie joined them. She ushered Claudia to a seat and casually inquired about her work. Meanwhile, Claudia's stepfather, Javier Riley, was on the verge of asking the maid to serve dinner when Gwyneth interjected, "Hold on a moment. We're still missing one guest."

"Oh?" Javier perked up with curiosity.

Yet Gwyneth wore an enigmatic smile. Glancing at the clock, she excused herself and stepped out, only to return moments later with another guest in tow.

The man greeted Javier and Vickie with a nod. "Mr. and Mrs. Riley, I'm Eddie Selleck."

At the mention of the name and the sound of that familiar voice, Claudia, who had been sipping her juice nonchalantly, suddenly found herself staring. Seeing Eddie arm-in-arm with Gwyneth, the juice lost its flavor instantly.

Javier, recognizing the name, stood abruptly, a mix of surprise and recognition on his face. "Mr. Selleck?" he echoed.

Eddie greeted him with a calm smile. "Mr. Riley, it's been a while."

Vickie, quick to gauge the situation, sensed Eddie's newfound stature as either affluent or influential, given Javier's keen interest. She quickly shifted her demeanor to one of greater warmth and welcome.

All the while, Gwyneth stood by quietly, a shy smile playing on her lips whenever her eyes met Eddie's.