Grayson

The city stretched beneath the floor-to-ceiling windows in a sea of glass and light, but I barely noticed. My tie hung loosely around my neck after an afternoon Zoom meeting with my top admins.

Three weeks since I arrived in Newport and two weeks to the opening of the Newport branch office.

"Mr Hale?"

I glanced up to see Bridget, poking her head in my office.

"Yes, Bridget,

"The furniture company just called, something came up and the furniture will be delayed by three days"

"Oh perfect, just the delay we need" I replied sar castically

"Trust me to tell them we'll be leaving a bad review after this." She added

"And the lighting guys, are they done?"

"Yeah all done, they just finished the last office"

"Good, that's progress at least"

"Indeed. I'm done for the day, would you be needing anything else"

"No, about to head out"

"See you tomorrow then" she responded and shut the door.

I leaned back in my chair and shot my eyes, the fatigue was starting to get to me.

Then Adrian sauntered into my office, hands in pockets, casual as ever.

"You look like shit" he teased

"Yeah, I feel like shit too"

"Seriously, you should get some rest. You've been working non-stop since you arrived" he stated,

"Have to, the opening is in two weeks. And things wouldn't get themselves done."

"You'll work yourself to death at this point."

He went over to my empty bar, save for one bottle of spirits, and poured himself a glass.

Adrian had been my partner in the startup of my business, till he sold his shares to me and went into the hospitality industry. His family's legacy chain. And we've been almost like brothers since then, no secrets kept from each other.

"So, have you heard?" He said

I looked up. "Heard what?"

"Seems you've not. Well, Elena Whitmore's back."

"Like hell."

The name hit harder than I expected. Guess no matter how much I lied to myself, I never got over her.

Five years, and she still had an effect on me.

After Adrian left I tried to get a bit of work done before heading home, but I just couldn't. The numbers on the screen kept getting blurred the more I stared at them.

My mind dragged me back to that night. Her soft smile, the curves of her petite form, the way she'd looked at me like I was worth more than the world.

And I left. Left to escape the monster my father wanted to make of me, but ultimately I'd left her without even saying goodbye. I was a fool.

Every day away from Newport had felt like I was being stabbed in my heart, over and over again. Guess I deserved the pain.

I grabbed my jacket and headed out of the office, my thoughts were driving me crazy with guilt.

The evening air was chill, as I drove around the city. Going home early would be another round of torture that I just didn't want to go through.

And just then I drove past the cafe shop. Yeah her favourite coffee shop, the one she dragged me into on a rainy afternoon.

I ended up parked by the waterfront, leaned against the railings watching the waves move calmly. A complete contrast to how I felt.

My phone rings

Bridget

"Hey, so an invitation just came through for you." She chirps

"What invitation?"

"Think it's about a charity gala, already mailed it to your home"

"Ok thanks"

"Guess you aren't home yet then, also remember to go over the final draft of designs I sent to your email."

"Got it"

I hung up the phone before she gave out further tasks I wasn't interested in tending to.

My phone rings again

"Oh, you gotta be kidding me..."

I pulled it out of my pants and Adrian flashed across the screen.

"Hey man, you home yet?"

"Nah, just left the office"

"Oh good, come over to Nadi's let's have drinks"

I ran a hand through my hair.

"You know I still got work..."

"You've been back in Newport for a week and stuck in your office. Come on, it's just a couple of drinks. You might even remember how to smile again."

"I smile."

"Yeah. Only when you close a deal. Also, it's my treat"

"Fine," I said, more to shut him up than anything else. "And I'm not staying late."

"We'll see about that."

He hung up before I could change my mind.

The drive to Nadi's took about ten minutes. It was one of the numerous old stores that have stood in business over time in Newport.

Nadi's was warm and low-lit, the kind of place where furniture had been worn out by decades of bad decisions and whispered deals.

Andrian was at the bar and already had a glass in front of him when I slid into the next stool.

I clasped his shoulder. "You couldn't even wait for me to get here"

"You were taking too long"

"Tell that to Newport's traffic"

He signaled to the barman. "He'll have what I'm having. Oh, and add ice matches his heart"

The barman smiled.

"Very funny" I replied sarcastically.

He smirks.

"How's the hotel doing, got a new manager yet?"

Since his last manager quit it had been a trouble getting another as qualified

"Still searching, but a few applications have come in."

"That's good."

After a few rounds, it had gotten late and I decided to call it a night, duty calls.

I straightened and Adrian shot me a knowing look.

"I know you aren't trying to bail on me"

"You already know I am, long day at the office. I still have some work to go over."

"Ok fine, I get it"

"Are you coming by the office tomorrow?"

"Maybe, the physical interview for the new manager position is tomorrow. So we'll see."

I clasped his shoulder as I stood up. "Don't stay too long."

He smirks. "You know I've always been able to hold down my liquor."

"We'll see tomorrow." I didn't want to go on bickering with him on who holds down their liquor better.

The drive back to my apartment was a blur of headlights and winter haze. Newport somehow felt smaller at night like the streets were closing in, pulling me into a place I had left behind.

I loosened my tie with one hand and pulled down the window, the cold air brought a little ease.

I dialed Bridget. She picked on the second ring.

"Hey boss, are you still out?"

"Yeah," I muttered. "Listen, I need a favor. The Newport Foundation Gala get me the guest list."

There was a pause. "That's not public, Greyson. We're not the host"

"That hasn't ever stopped you before." My voice was sharper than I had intended.

She signed. "Fine, give me fifteen minutes."

By the time I got home, the PDF attachment was already sitting in my email labeled simply "CONFIDENTIAL."

I poured myself a drink before opening it. I skimmed through the roles of names, investors, donors, and most families I had grown up resenting.

And then I saw it.

Whitmore, Elena.

Five years of silence, five years of wondering, and now her name was staring back at me. I let myself whisper her name out loud.

"Elena..."

It tasted the same, hurt the same.

And God help me, I knew if she was walking into that gala, no force on earth could keep me from her.

Grayson

"Mr Hale, please don't tell me you're still in bed." Bridget's voice filtered in through the phone.

I groan. "Morning to you too."

"It's not morning anymore. Have you checked your time?"

"I didn't realize I hired a babysitter."

"I wouldn't have to be a babysitter if you actually came on time. Anyway, your suit for the gala has been delivered to your townhouse."

I sighed. "Perfect. Anything else?"

"Yes, about thousands of them. But I'll save you the details until you're actually at your desk."

"Thank you, Bridget." I hung up.

It was already 12noon. I usually don't sleep throughout the morning but I went to bed late last night. All thanks to a 'she' that I just couldn't get out of my head.

Coffee seemed to fire up my head for the day, and after two cups I was ready for whatever I had to do.

I pushed open the door and stepped into the nearly finished building, the faint smell of paint still lingered mixed with sawdust.

The sunlight poured in through the wide glass panels, hitting the steel beams exactly how I had envisioned when I drew the first sketch.

I paused and swept my gaze across the space. Three-story building. Open sightlines. Rich colors, exactly how I had imagined.

A rare smile crept on my lips. Most people saw buildings as mere walls and roofs, but to me, they were much more. And this office... This was one of my best creations yet.

"Mr Hale?"

"Bridget."

"Did you receive your suit before you left the townhouse?"

"I did."

"Okay, that's good. And don't forget the gala is tomorrow."

"I know that."

"Perfect. Your ride will be at your penthouse by 07:00pm."

I nodded and stepped into my office, shutting the door before she could say anything else.

After a few hours of working on a client's design for a hotel building, I leaned back in my seat.

The door swings open without a knock. Adrian strolls in, holding two coffees.

"You look like hell. Want the strong one or the extra strong?"

"Would actually prefer a brandy, but whichever makes you shut up first."

He smirked and dropped the coffee on the desk. "You're staring at those plans like they slept with your girlfriend."

"They might as well have."

"Why do I have a feeling this is less about work and more about the gala?"

"It's business" I flatly replied.

"Right. And I drink coffee for the vitamins." He leans closer. "You're not fooling me, Grayson. I know this is about her."

I sighed. "Just drop it."

"You sure? You seemed to be very bothered. Do you think she'll show?"

"Maybe. I don't know. I'm not the host."

"But what if she does?"

"If she does, I'll be ready."

"You're not planning to go meet her right?"

"I don't think I could hold myself back."

He threw his head back in laughter. "You still love this girl don't you. It's been what four years?"

"Five."

"Oh, you've been keeping tabs."

I rolled my eyes. "Can we change the subject? Do you have a new manager yet?

"Yeah. And she has good work experience."

I raised a brow. "She?"

"Yeah."

"Thought you said you worked better with male managers."

"I know. But she was the most qualified and I just couldn't resist hiring her."

"Oh well, hope that turns out well."

"I hope so too. So are you done here?"

"Yeah, I think."

"And... Oh, I got my invite for the gala."

"I knew you were going to be invited, they need all the money they can get."

"Yeah, and that way I can also keep an eye out for you."

"Everyone seems to act like my babysitter these days."

Adrian's lip twitched. "Maybe you should actually get one," he replied, an annoying smile on his face.

"Haha, very funny."

"I should get going, still have to try out some outfits for the event."

I gave a half smile. "Bridget already has mine settled, maybe you should get a PA."

"Don't think so. They tend to get too attached and forget it's just a job."

"If you say so."

He stood up. "So see you at the gala then."

"Right."

He leaves, and just then my phone buzzes. I had no intention of answering until I saw the international number flash across the screen. Thailand.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "Mother."

"Darling," her sharp voice filtered in through the phone, warm but distant like it always was. "I thought I'd catch you before your day ended."

"It hasn't," I replied, glancing at the blueprint still displayed on my screen.

"I'm at a retreat in Chiang Mai and I just thought about you."

My throat tightened. "Okay. Am I supposed to thank you for that?"

A pause. "You sound tired."

"I'm busy," I corrected. "Work keeps me...

Busy."

Her silence stretched. Then she replied gently, "It also keeps you alone, Grayson."

I couldn't think of a response.

"Don't become your father."

I closed my eyes, the words hitting harder than I wanted them to. By the time I opened them, she'd already hung up.

The silence in the office seemed louder than before.

Bridget's heels clicked softly against the polished floor as she stepped into my office, a tablet tucked under her arm.

"I thought your work hours were done," I remarked without looking up from my sketches.

"Yeah, but I was busy vetting the people you keep insisting we need," she shot back smoothly, sliding the tablet in front of me.

"What do you got?"

"So these are the potential hires. Junior project managers and other admin staff. If you want this branch to run without eating you alive, you're going to have to trust someone other than me."

I leaned back and scanned the profiles. "Half of them look like they've never set foot on a construction site."

"They have degrees, references, and the right qualifications. I think that's good enough."

"Fine," I said at last, dragging a hand through my hair. "Set up interviews. And make sure they understand what they're signing up for."

"Will do."

"Anything else?"

"That's all, and also try and get some rest. You need to look the part at the gala tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am," I replied sarcastically.

"Goodnight boss," she turned to leave. "And have a great time at the gala." The door closed with a soft click.

The townhouse was quiet when I got home, too quiet. I loosened my tie and moved through the wide polished rooms. The space was perfect, finished in sleek pieces and grey tones, like a model home no one actually lived in.

I poured two fingers of scotch, carried it to the window, and stared at Newport's dark skyline. I'd built this, steel, glass, power. And yet the silence pressed in, heavier than concrete.

Warmth was something I never thought I needed, but sometimes late at night, I wonder how it would feel to have someone else's laughter echo through these halls. And just one person came to mind.

'No, I wouldn't put myself through the torture for another night.' I thought to myself.

I set the glass down after downing the contents in two large gulps.

The burn in my chest couldn't compare to the fire in my thoughts.

And tomorrow, I'd have to face her.

Elena

The morning light filtered in through the curtains. Too bright. Too sharp.

I dragged myself out of bed after barely a few hours of sleep. My mother's incessant cough had kept me awake most of the night.

In the kitchen Sophie lay sprawled across the floor, her crayons scattered around her. She looked up with her big, grey-blue eyes. Just like him and smiled.

"Mommy, can I come with you to the party?" she asked innocently.

My chest tightened. The staff must have been whispering about it.

"No you can't baby, it's not for little girls like you," I said lightly ruffling her hair.

She pouted, then went back to coloring; thankfully, she didn't press further about it.

The bitter steam of the coffee I had in the kitchen did nothing to calm the dread curling in my stomach.

I pushed gently on the door to my mother's room, balancing a tray of green tea and

toast. The curtains were drawn halfway letting in little brightness over the room.

"Mom," I said softly and set the tray on the bedside table.

Her eyes fluttered open, tired but warm.

"Elena."

She needed assistance so I propped her up with pillows against the headboard and placed the cup in her hands. She sipped slowly and handed it back to me.

"I know you're angry at your brother," she said. Not a question.

"He wants to marry me off to a man I barely know. No, this isn't just anger Mum, it's betrayal."

Her hand covered mine, frail but insistent. "Liam made mistakes. He took the wrong risks that didn't end well for him, but he is still your brother. Everything he does right now is just out of desperation."

I bit back a bitter laugh. "But that does not make it right."

"No," she agreed softly, "It makes it human. Elena, don't harden your heart against him, try and see the weight he's carrying, please my daughter."

Tears stung at the back of my eyes. "And what about the weight you want me to carry?"

Her voice cracked. "Sometimes love means sacrifice. Even when it breaks you.

I looked away, blinking back tears because I couldn't let her see how deep those words cut."

Sophie was still busy with her colors by the time I came back downstairs. I felt a pang of guilt knowing that I hadn't really spent enough time with her since we arrived.

"Sophie, do you want to go outdoors with mummy?"

Her head shot up, and with the biggest smile on my face. "Yes, I want to."

The rest of the morning was spent with Sophie admiring different exotic flowers in the garden and playing hide and seek, oh how I'd missed this.

We were halfway up the stairs when the slam of the front door startled me. A moment later Liam's voice filled the hallway.

"Elena?"

I sighed. What does he want?

"I need to see you in my study, now?"

"Sophie can you go up to the room mummy will join you soon"

"Okay."

He was already seated behind his desk when I walked in. I didn't even bother to sit.

"You're ready for tonight?" he asked, although it sounded more like an instruction than a question.

"I wasn't planning on it."

His face tightened. "Julian Marks wants you as his date tonight. You don't want to embarrass the family or mother."

I crossed my arms. "Funny how I'm the one trying to be embarrassing when it was you," I pointed a finger at him, "who got us in this mess in the first place."

His head shot up.

"Yes, I know you got involved in shady business deals and lost a lot of money."

His eyes narrowed, a flicker of guilt quickly masked with steel. "And that's why I'm trying to get us out of this mess." He replied in a cold voice.

"Oh please, by offering me up?"

"Everything we have left right now is because of him. So yes, Elena, you're going. And you'll smile while you do it."

"I would never forgive you for doing this to me." My voice broke.

"You don't need to, make sure you're ready by seven."

The dress clung to me like liquid moonlight, every curve smothered, every flaw hidden. In that moment, I could swear the woman staring back at me through the floor-length mirror was a model stepped out of a magazine cover.

She looked regal, perfect... untouchable.

But I knew better, underneath the silk and lace was just me, tired, anxious, and scared.

"Mummy?"

I turned. Sophie stood in the doorway, her small hands clutching her teddy, eyes wide in disbelief.

Her face lit up. "You look like a princess."

My throat tightened. "Really?"

She nodded eagerly, her curls bouncing as she came to have a closer look. "The most beautiful princess, prettier than the ones in my storybook."

I laughed softly, despite the ache in my chest. "That's quite the compliment."

She reached up, fingertips brushing over the diamond stones on the dress. "Can I come with you? Please?"

I crouched, gathering her into my arms, inhaling the soft smell of shampoo that clung to her hair. "Not tonight, my love. It's a party only for grown-ups."

Her little brow furrowed. "But I won't be there to always tell you that you're beautiful."

I kissed her cheek quickly, hiding the sting in my eyes. "I'll just have to remember what you said," I whispered, hiding the crack in my voice.

Sophie beamed, utterly convinced. "Promise me you won't forget."

"I promise," I said, holding her tighter as if she could anchor me against the storm I was walking into.

The ballroom glittered with high chandeliers, exquisite decorations, and laughter. Music swelled, drowning out the erratic pounding of my heart.

Julian Marks was ten years older than me,

Polished shoe, hair never out of place, the picture of success to every mother. But to me, all that polish felt like glass, cold and hard if you dared to press too close.

His smile never reached his eyes, and his gaze lingered on me. Not in a way of admiration but more like ownership.

"You look exquisitely beautiful tonight Elena." He said, his eyes devouring me.

"Oh thank you," I muttered.

"I'm sure no one would be able to keep their eyes off you," he said with a smirk.

I couldn't think of a response to that so I kept silent instead.

He looked proud as many heads turned in our direction immediately we stepped in.

I forced my chin up and pasted on a smile. I could survive just this one night of pretence I told myself.

He greeted a few people he knew, and all I could do was follow him around, smiling at people I had no interest in knowing.

I excused myself to go have some drinks at the bar, anything to get away from him.

And then I felt it, eyes... heavy. Burning.

My gaze lifted across the room.

And there he was.

Greyson Hale.

Five years older. Broader shoulder. Eyes harder. And still somehow, the boy who owned my heart.

The air left my lungs.