Chương 5: Chapter 5: Nica’s POV

Today, I felt good. It was my first day back at the office after two long years. I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips as I slipped into a sharp pant suit, arranging my braids in an updo. I had missed the rush of it all—the buzz of Langstons, our company. I even grabbed a few chocolates on my way out the door, just to sweeten the day a little more.

When I finally reached the office, I was a mix of excitement and nerves. It was surreal. I'd nearly missed the turn; my thoughts tangled with what awaited me in the office, and I'd almost hit a little girl crossing the street. That was enough to shake me back into focus. At the entrance, I spotted Vivi waiting for me with an amused smirk.

"Yes, Vivi, glad you made it. For a second, I thought you'd changed your mind. Welcome back!" I said.

"Thanks, Nica. Almost ran a child down in traffic, but here we are."

"Oh my God, is she okay?" I asked, half horrified.

"Yes, she's fine—I did say 'almost'," she grinned.

"Well, thank God for that," I said, crossing myself. I wasn't particularly religious, but I figured a little reverence didn't hurt.

"Well, let's get started," I said, steering us toward her office. "You'll be overseeing things from headquarters. You'll probably need to check on the branches occasionally, but it's up to you if you want to be stationed somewhere else."

"Nah, I'll be good here. I want the buzz around me; it keeps my mind from wandering."

"Perfect," I said. "I'll leave you to settle in, and if you want to pick out your own secretary, just let me know."

She gave me a warm smile before diving into the work ahead. I left her with a renewed sense of purpose—everything was finally falling back into place.

Ethan's POV

Ah, my first day at Langstons, and I couldn't be more excited! The pay was great, and I was starting a position I could finally get into—manager of marketing personnel. This was my chance to prove myself, even if my last company had been a bust.

My office on the fourth floor was impressive—executive desk, Herman Miller chair, sleek lighting, everything a manager could want. I could already picture the look on my wife's face when I told her all about it. Yes, that's right—my wife. In the last few days, I've had to remind myself of that more than once, especially since Clara reached out. I didn't pick up her number; I didn't want to, but somehow she found a way to call. I'd shut her down immediately and reminded her I was married now, but damn, her resurfacing stirred something inside me.

Once I settled in, I decided to check in with my new boss. I didn't know if they were a man or a woman, but I was ready to make a solid first impression. When I knocked on the door and heard a woman's voice say, "Come in," I took a deep breath and opened the door.

The last person I expected to see was her—Vivian.

I knew Ethan was coming. He'd applied for a low-level position at one of our smaller branches, but Nica and I had arranged for him to report directly to headquarters instead. My aunt, ever the generous matriarch, had approved his hire without hesitation. Nica and I had practically celebrated when she agreed; this was the final piece of the plan. I had been carefully laying out every detail, and today, it was finally time to see it set in motion.

As I waited in my office, anticipation settled in my chest like a slow burn. I glanced at the clock, willing my nerves to stay steady. I'd rehearsed this moment a dozen times in my head, every word I'd say, every expression I'd wear. But none of my mental preparation could have fully prepared me for the real thing. When Ethan finally stepped in, his gaze locked onto mine, and his pen and notepad slipped from his hands, clattering onto the floor.

"Viiiii…" he stammered, his eyes widening with recognition.

Seeing him there, standing in my office with that familiar, almost pleading look in his eyes, stirred something complicated within me. He was still Ethan, still the man I had once known—though he wore a faint shadow of stubble now, as if life had been just a bit harsher on him. For a fleeting moment, memories flooded in: the late-night laughter, the whispered promises. I'd once imagined a different kind of reunion, one where I'd run into his arms, but that wasn't possible anymore. Not with everything that had happened, and certainly not with the plans I had for him now.

With a slow inhale, I straightened and plastered on a cool, detached smile. "Good morning, sir. What can I do for you?" I asked, letting my voice stay icy, pretending not to recognize him.

He looked taken aback, his face a mixture of confusion and hurt. "Good morning, Vivian."

The nerve. Using my name like we were on familiar terms. I arched an eyebrow, maintaining my professional tone. "It's ma'am to you, sir," I corrected, relishing the way his face fell. "I'd like you to review the marketing strategy for next week's pitch and report back to me by the end of the day."

My tone was businesslike, my gaze unwavering. I tilted my chin up just slightly, signaling that I was now the one in control here. Ethan stood there, frozen, mouth half-open as he struggled to respond. He barely mumbled an incoherent reply before nodding stiffly and retreating, his steps uncertain, his eyes still wide with disbelief.

The door closed with a satisfying thud, and once he was gone, I allowed myself the smallest of smiles. I'd kept my composure. I'd played my part to perfection, showing him the calm, confident, impenetrable woman I had become. This was just the beginning—a carefully orchestrated chess game, and I had made the first move. Ethan didn't know it yet, but every step he took from here on out would be guided by my hand.

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