Kirah's Office – Monday Morning
She was midway into updating a personnel record when the door to her office swung open without a knock. Her eyes lifted, and there he stood.
Dominic Vierra.
Tailored in navy. Tie undone slightly like he hadn't meant to show up so sharp, but it happened anyway. He moved with that entitled ease that made her want to roll her eyes and respect him at the same time.
"Good morning," she said coolly, returning her focus to her laptop, fingers hovering over the keyboard.
He walked in slowly like he belonged there, like her office was just an extension of his own.
"Morning." His voice was softer than usual. Too soft.
He glanced around casually before his gaze landed on the black box on the corner of her desk—the one with the golden ribbon slightly undone.
He nodded toward it. "Nice shoes."
Kirah didn't flinch. "Yes."
"You got a secret admirer?"
Her fingers paused briefly on the keyboard. Was he seriously playing this game?
"If I do," she said flatly, "they're very discreet. Which I appreciate."
Dominic let out a tight laugh. "Discreet. Right."
He walked closer, hands shoved in his pockets. "So... do you usually keep gifts like that lying around, or is this one special?"
She turned fully toward him now, eyes cool and unreadable. "Mr. Vierra, I don't recall this being in line with our work discussion."
He grinned, almost like he liked the scolding. "You always so stiff?"
"And you're always this unprofessional?"
That wiped the grin off his face—briefly.
For a second, just one second, Kirah saw something flicker in his expression. Frustration? Guilt? Possessiveness? It vanished as quickly as it came, and he chuckled again, stepping back.
"Didn't mean to cross a line."
Kirah said nothing. She didn't trust her voice.
Not because she was swooning—God forbid. But because she was angry. Furious at the audacity of this man to play mind games, sleep with her, and he's here acting jealous like he cared!!.
She bit back the sharp words that danced on the tip of her tongue. You broke my heels, not my brain.
Dominic looked at her for another beat longer than necessary, then nodded. "Have a good day, Miss Evans."
"Thank you, sir."
When he was finally gone, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Idiot, jerk" she muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she returned to her report.
---
Late Afternoon – Nearly Closing Hour
Kirah stared at her screen, but her mind was already packed and halfway home.
She tapped the screen of her phone and dialed. "Naya, where are you??"
"I'm already inside a cab, babe! Two minutes away!"
Kirah smiled. "Good. I'll meet you downstairs. We'll stop by a supermarket on our way home."
As she slid her files into the drawer and stood up to adjust her blazer, she heard a familiar giggle outside her door—high-pitched and chaotic.
*Naya.*
"Kirah!!!" the voice exploded the moment the door opened. "Kirahhhhhhh! Ah! Kirah Billionaire's baby!"
Kirah chuckled, shaking her head. "Why are you shouting like a market woman?"
"My dear, I've seen something o," Naya said, fanning herself dramatically. "As I walked in... girl... you didn't tell me your workplace is filled with fine wine!"
Kirah raised a brow. "What?"
"That your boss. That MAN! He was outside, talking with some tall rich-looking man like they were discussing world domination. My God, Kirah! Is that the Dominic?!"
Kirah rolled her eyes. "Please, don't start."
"I won't start but I won't stop either," Naya said, already scanning her office. Her gaze landed on the box. "Ah, and what do we have here? Gifts?"
Kirah gave her a look.
Naya gasped dramatically and pointed at it. "You're telling me that another fine rich man is giving you secret gifts and you want to die in silence? My dear, no o. I have found husband for you. Cancel all the other candidates! Dominic or no one!"
Kirah let out a tired laugh. "It's not like that, joor."
"Ehn. Then explain why there's a box of luxury shoes just sitting here like a romantic plot twist."
"Naya, please. Let's go home. I already called the taxi guy. I'm tired."
Naya stuck her tongue out playfully but picked up Kirah's bag. "Yes, madam boss. Lead the way."
As they exited the office, Naya leaned closer and whispered, "Honestly, Kirah. You're doing something right. I can feel it."
Kirah only smiled faintly.
"So you saw Dominic,my boss?...