Marcus stayed in Elara's office long after the message was sent to Noah.

********

The room felt smaller now, heavier, like the air itself had chosen sides. The monitors in the office hummed softly and one very focused image of Noah Vale laughing at something on his phone, unaware that is life was already threaded into a plan far bigger than him.

********

Elara stood rigid, arms folded behind her back, eyes fixed ahead like a commander refusing to blink in the face of an oncoming storm.

Marcus said nothing,he was looking at the computer screen.

That silence between them had always been a language of its own , filled with unspoken things, buried truths, and emotions neither of them dared to reach for.

Finally, Elara spoke, her voice very steel.

"Leave."

*******

Marcus pushed off the wall and moved toward the door, his footsteps soundless against the polished floor. His hand rested on the handle, but he paused.

For a fleeting second, he almost turned back.

Almost said her name.

Almost crossed a line he had spent years pretending didn't exist.

Instead, he opened the door and stepped into the hallway, letting it close behind him with a soft, definitive click.

The moment he was out of sight, Elara let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

Her hand curled against the desk, nails pressing into the smooth surface.

She told herself it was only stress.

She lied obviously.

********

Across the city, dawn drew nigh at Noah Vale's penthouse, painting the room in pale gold.

He didn't sleep much, he hadn't for years now.

But last night, he had slept... differently.

Not peacefully, his mind had been too alive for that but lighter, like something inside him had loosened just a little.

He woke with his phone still in his hand, Louis's last message glowing faintly on the screen.

Very soon.

Noah stared at it for a long moment,he started blushing just by looking over his phone that morning.

He didn't know why they felt so significant.

Why that simple reply sat in his chest like something warm, something dangerous, something real.

He rolled onto his back, exhaling slowly, eyes drifting up to the high ceiling above him.

For the first time in a long time, he didn't feel alone in his own head.

By the time he stepped into Vale Tower that morning, Noah was back in his arrogant CEO mode.

Perfect posture. Neutral expression. Eyes sharp enough to make executives straighten instinctively when he passed.

The lobby was made with glass, steel, and wealth a temple built in his family's name.

His secretary, Mara, was already waiting for him by the elevator, tablet pressed to her chest, lips tight in her usual efficient line, with her black suit pants and a silk top to go with.

"Good morning, Mr. Vale," she said smoothly.

Noah nodded once. "Morning."

The elevator doors slid shut around them, carrying him upward in silence.

When they reached his floor, the doors opened to polished marble, and the hum of power that came with running an empire.

Mara walked beside him toward his office.

"Your ten o'clock interview has been scheduled," she said.The assistant candidate you requested has been confirmed sir.

Noah didn't slow down.

His mind flickered briefly to the endless stack of resumes he'd skimmed, to the faces that blurred together into one forgettable mass.

He reached his office door, pausing just long enough to glance at her.

Send them in when it's time ok.

His voice was cool and controlled .

Mara inclined her head. "Of course, sir."

Inside his office, the space was immaculate - sleek, modern, intimidating in its perfection. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, clouds drifting lazily in the distance like they had no idea of the power housed within these walls.

Noah shrugged off his jacket, draping it over the back of his chair before sitting down.

His phone buzzed once on the desk.

He flipped it over, then stopped himself.

Work first.

He pressed the intercom. Hey Mara, please get me my morning coffee make it black, no cream,no sugar,then he hung up

"Immediately."

He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin, gaze drifting out still in deep thoughts about his mysterious lover.

On the surface, Noah Vale looked composed.

Inside, his thoughts were still tangled in late-night laughter, teasing messages, and a man he had never met but already fallen in love with.

He didn't have time for that, he told himself that

And yet, his phone lay dangerously close to his hand.

*******

Ten o'clock arrived like a drumbeat.

Mara knocked once, sharp and professional.

"Mr. Vale, your interview is here."

Noah didn't look up from his screen. "Send him in."

The door opened, he looked very confident ,and handsome.

Noah kept his eyes on his computer for another second, then slowly lifted his gaze.

Immediately Noah felt a pull.

For just a heartbeat a single, treacherous, suspended moment everything else faded.

The man standing across from his desk wasn't what he expected.

He stood tall, posture relaxed but alert, hands loosely at his sides, dark coat fitted perfectly to his frame. His face was composed, but there was something restless beneath it - something alive, dangerous, magnetic.

Dark hair. Very distinctive features,his eyes were gray like he has seen too much.

Marcus Blackwood.

But to Noah, he was just... the assistant.

Their eyes met.

Something passed between them very subtle, electric, impossible to name.

Noah felt it first in his chest, then in his throat, then lower, like a quiet pull he couldn't explain.

The man didn't flinch.

Didn't look intimidated.

If anything, his gaze lingered just long enough to be considered bold.

Noah cleared his throat, breaking the silence first.

"Sit."

Marcus moved smoothly into the chair opposite him, settling in with unshakable ease, like he had been in rooms like this his entire life.

Noah watched him too closely.

He hated that he noticed the small details - the way the man's fingers rested loosely on his knee, the faint scar near his collarbone peeking above his shirt, the calm confidence that didn't feel rehearsed.

It felt earned.

Mara placed the coffee on Noah's desk,black, untouched, exactly as ordered.

They were alone.

Noah leaned back slightly, folding his hands over the edge of the desk.

"Marcus Blackwood," he said, glancing briefly at the file on his screen. "Impressive credentials."

Marcus tilted his head slightly. "I tend to do my job well sir.

Noah's lips twitched, barely. "Confident."

"Prepared."

Their eyes locked again.

Too long this time.

Noah felt something strange coil in his stomach - not fear, not suspicion, but something far more unsettling.

Not in a literal sense... but in a way that made his pulse shift.

He tapped his pen against the desk.

"Why do you want this position?"

Marcus studied him openly now, as if weighing his words with surgical precision.

"Because I work best close to power," he replied evenly. "And you're the center of it."

Noah exhaled slowly through his nose.

There it was again - that pull, there's something about Marcus he thought to himself.

He hated how aware he suddenly felt of his own breathing, his own heartbeat.

Marcus's gaze flickered briefly to Noah's hands, then back to his face.

No one spoke.

The office felt smaller, warmer, charged in a way it never had before.

Finally, Noah broke the tension with a sharp, professional tone.

"You'll be on a probationary period. One mistake.....

"I don't make mistakes," Marcus cut in, not rudely, just... certain.

Noah stared at him...Hmmm I love the way you are bold ..

His coffee sat untouched.

Marcus remained still, gaze unwavering.

Noah finally straightened himself slowly,and he spoke in a much lower tone.

"Welcome to Vale Tower, Mr. Blackwood."

Marcus's lips curved - not quite a smile, but close enough to be lethal.

"Thank you, Mr. Vale."

Their eyes met.

Just a second too long.

And in that suspended moment between power, lies, secrets, and fate something clicked into place.

Neither of them knew it yet.

But this meeting wasn't chance.

It was the beginning of his destiny and he man who just walked into his office was the same person he has been chatting with for months

************

********

Marcus learned quickly that wearing two faces at once was heavier than any weapon he had ever carried.

By day, he was Marcus Blackwood , the flawless assistant, who is always two steps ahead, always calm, always efficient. He moved through Vale Tower like he had been born there: coffee ready before Noah asked, files arranged before meetings, emails drafted before problems even fully formed.

People noticed him, he is quite efficient, some of the workers murmured.

**********

Executives straightened when he entered a room. Staff whispered that he was cold, too sharp, too unreadable. But Noah... Noah noticed different things.

********

The way Marcus never rushed.

The way he listened without interrupting.

The way his eyes softened just a little, when Noah spoke about something personal.

Marcus felt it every time, he feels so attracted to Noah and it's not the mission.

At night, though, the mask changed.

By night, he was Louis.

Sitting alone in his cozy apartment with the lights low, phone in his hand, heart far less controlled than he liked to admit.

He would open the dating app and see Noah's name pop up, and something in his chest would twist before he even read the message.

Noah:

I had a long day,my brain is fried I must confess.

Louis:

Talk to me. I'm here.

And Noah would talk.

About board meetings that drained him. About how everyone saw the billionaire, but no one saw the man. About how lonely it felt at the top, how quiet his penthouse was at night, how tired he was of smiling for cameras.

Every word hit Marcus like a small cut, he tries to hide the guilt

He told himself it was just guilt and nothing more

Just the weight of deception.

But when Noah typed:

Noah:

I can't stop thinking about you... I keep wondering what your lips would feel like on mine. I want to kiss you so bad. And maybe more... like really be with you. Properly.

Marcus felt his breath hitch.

His thumb hovered over the screen.

He stared at those words again and again, feeling something rise in his chest that he had no name for.

He wanted to tell Noah the truth.Dang what the hell am i doing.

Wanted to say: It's me. I'm right here. I'm not who you think I am.

But he didn't, the Elders will kill him if he does that, he typed instead:

Louis:

You deserve someone real. Someone who can hold you, not just text you.

Noah replied almost instantly.

Noah:

I think that someone might be you.

Marcus dropped his phone onto his chest and stared at the ceiling.

Guilt settled heavy and deep.

*********

Two nights later, Noah stood in front of his closet, trying on his third outfit.

His mother had called him earlier.

" Hello honey will you come home for dinner, Noah. Just us, i promise now to talk about buisness.

He had tried to refuse at first said he was busy, tired, overwhelmed but his father had taken the phone and said, softly, "We miss you, son."

So now he found himself standing in his bedroom, adjusting the sleeves of a crisp navy shirt, hair styled.

He arrived at the Vale mansion just before sunset.

The house looked the same as always, tall gates, wide driveway, warm golden lights spilling from every window like a heartbeat made of glass and stone.

His father, Richard Vale, met him at the door before he could even knock.

Noah barely had time to smile before strong arms wrapped around him.

"My boy," Richard said, voice thick in a way.

Noah hugged him back, harder than he expected to.

Inside, the house smelled like garlic, herbs, and something sweet baking in the kitchen a smell Noah hadn't realized he missed until it hit him.

His mother, appeared in the hallway with a wooden spoon still in her hand, eyes bright.

"There he is!" my little boy who has grown so tall and big she said, pulling him into a quick, tight hug. "You look too thin. Are you even eating? honey

Noah laughed. "Mom, I eat."

She clicked her tongue. "Your assistant better be feeding you properly."

They moved to the dining room together, talking easily, comfortably, like no time had passed.

Over dinner, Richard asked about work.

Board struggles. New tech developments. Political shifts that could affect the company. Noah answered calmly, confidently, slipping into CEO mode without even realizing it.

His father watched him with quiet pride.

You've built something powerful, Noah, Richard said finally. "Not just money. Influence. Legacy."

Noah swallowed, nodding. "Couldn't have done it without you."

His mum smirked, leaning back in her chair. "All that power, all that success... and still no one to share your bed with."

Noah nearly choked on his water.

"Mom......

She grinned mischievously. "What? I'm just saying. Your birthday is coming up. Perfect time to snatch someone who catches your fantasy."

Richard chuckled softly. "Your mother has been watching too many romance shows."

They all laughed over dessert warm chocolate cake, rich and comforting,he felt the love,seen and human

*********

The drive back to his penthouse felt longer than usual.

He kept replaying the warmth of his parents' voices, the sound of his mother's laughter, the steady pride in his father's eyes.

When he reached home, the space greeted him in silence.

Too much silence.

He took off his jacket and called softly, "Lena?"

His housekeeper stepped out from the kitchen. "Yes, sir?"

"You can go home for the night," he said gently. "I'll be fine."

She hesitated. "Are you sure?" Mr vale

He nodded. "Get some rest."

When the door closed behind her, the penthouse felt even emptier.

Noah wandered to the living room, turning on the massive television. A nature documentary filled the screen ,oceans, whales singing in the deep, waves crashing softly against cliffs.

He laid on the couch, staring blankly.

The words washed over him, but nothing stuck.

His mind kept drifting, back to the late night messages

To Louis.

And, strangely... to Marcus.

He pictured the moment in his office - the way their eyes had met, the quiet intensity in Marcus's gaze, the strange pull he had felt in his chest.

He shifted on the couch, frowning slightly.

Why did thinking about his assistant make his pulse change?

He leaned his head back, rubbing a hand over his face.

Maybe he was just lonely.

The documentary droned on, but his thoughts slipped elsewhere.

Then softly, like wind moving through a faraway forest he heard it again.

A whisper, it wasn't from the TV, it was from his head.

Noah...

His breath stilled.

You are a destined child... don't forget who you are.

His heart began to pound.

Images flashed behind his closed eyes silver moonlight, blood on stone, figures moving too fast to see, flames licking the sky.

He sat up quickly, his chest rising and falling too fast.

The room was silent again, feeling bright, normal and safe.

He let out a shaky breath, pressing a hand to his temple.

"Get it together," he muttered to himself. "You're just tired."

Still, his fingers trembled slightly as he turned off the television.

He climbed the stairs to his bedroom slowly, every step heavier than the last.

In his room, he stood for a moment wondering what it will look kiss Louis lips.

********

Somewhere out there, Marcus or Louis - was awake too.

Somewhere out there, something ancient and hungry was watching him, and it was counting days for him to activate the curse.