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Chapter 117
~Tempest’s POV~
As I watched Ryland pack his belongings, I could hear the soft hum of the city outside my apartment.
We had spent days together, engrossed in laughter and conversations, but there was tension between us now.
As much as I wanted to deny it, I’d come to care for him, maybe more than I wanted to admit.
He was methodical as he gathered his things, his presence filling every corner of my apartment. I folded my arms, leaning against the doorframe, watching him.
The thought of him leaving sent a strange pang through me, making my heart clench even as my mind insisted it was the right thing to let him go.
Finally, he looked up, his gaze meeting mine with that steady, unreadable look that somehow felt warmer over these days together.
"Thanks for letting me stay," he said softly but I could sense the hint of reluctance in his tone. "But I should head back before... before things get complicated."
I managed a nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. "I’m glad you stayed, Ryland," I replied, my voice betraying the small ache I felt at the idea of saying goodbye. "But... yeah, I understand."
Seeing the expression on my face, Ryland approached, his eyes holding an intensity as he stopped just a few inches away. I could feel his warmth, the familiar pull between us that had grown into something I wasn’t sure I could ignore.
His fingers brushed against mine, a simple touch that seemed to hold everything we hadn’t said. And before I could second-guess myself, I leaned up, pressing my lips to his, a gentle kiss that quickly grew, becoming a goodbye neither of us wanted to say.
His hand cupped my cheek, drawing me in closer. For a moment, everything else disappeared, and it was just us, suspended in that kiss, refusing to let reality intrude.
But reality always did. With a sigh, he pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against mine. "Take care of yourself, Tempest," he muttered.
I swallowed as the ache in my chest grew. "You too, Ryland."
Reluctantly, I followed him to the door, forcing myself to keep it casual, to hide how much I wished he’d just stay. But this was how things had to be and we both knew that.
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~Zara’s POV~
Just as planned, the following week arrived with excitement. Today, we were finalizing the long-awaited partnership with Andrew Blake’s company.
Finally.
I adjusted my blazer as I stood outside the boardroom, feeling the weight of both anticipation and pride. This deal represented not only progress for our company but also my personal growth and a chance to prove myself.
Snow stood beside me, looking sharp in a tailored suit; his presence grounded me, even though his expression was as unreadable as ever. He gave a slight nod, meeting my eyes. "Ready?"
I took a breath, nodding back. "Let’s do this."
Mr. Hunk was already discussing some last-minute details with Andrew’s team inside the boardroom. Andrew looked up as we entered, a warm smile crossing his face.
"Zara, Snow," he greeted, shaking each of our hands in turn. "Glad you’re both here. Shall we get started?"
Mr. Hunk began the meeting by running through key points of the partnership and discussing terms, benefits, and potential strategies.
Andrew’s team responded with insights and projections that demonstrated the thoroughness of their planning. It was clear we were aligned in our goals, and the deal was shaping up even better than expected.
Snow chimed in with precision, his remarks focused and insightful, his experience evident in every word. I followed his lead, discussing our vision for the next quarter and laying out our growth objectives with confidence.
"And with Zara’s plans for the product lines and expansion," Mr. Hunk concluded, "we’re set to see substantial growth on both sides. Together, our reach expands tenfold."
Andrew nodded, visibly pleased. "It’s impressive. I can already see this partnership benefiting both companies in ways we hadn’t anticipated."
When the final papers were placed before us, I couldn’t help the excitement that bubbled up as Snow and Andrew signed their names.
As the last signature was penned, Andrew leaned back with a satisfied smile lighting his face. "Looks like we’re officially in business."
Snow shook his hand, a small smile of approval in his expression. "Looking forward to it."
Andrew chuckled, glancing between us. "And to celebrate, there’s a business dinner this Saturday. Think of it as a networking event. Some of the region’s top business minds will be there."
Andrew signalled for his secretary to hand him something and she did in a hurry, giving him an envelop.
He opened it, took out three invitation cards and extended them, his eyes meeting mine. "It would be an honour to have you both join us. Especially you, Zara. It was possible with you reaching out."
Snow nodded, giving a polite smile as he accepted both of our invitation cards. "We’ll be there."
As we wrapped up, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This partnership was a testament to the hard work we’d both put in. As we stepped out of the boardroom, Snow caught my gaze, his smile carrying a hint of pride.
"You handled that well," he remarked, his tone genuinely impressed.
I smiled, shrugging slightly. "I’ve learned from the best."
He chuckled and we made our way back to the car.
Even till now, he refused to let me return to work fully. Claiming I needed the best care, against all my inner protest that I was fine.
But I understood him.
When we got into his car and began the ride back home, he looked at me and said, "You did not tell me how you spent your outing with Aira and Ella the other day."
I blushed, knowing what that day meant. I had to spill tees to the ladies, especially about our night during the mating season.
Ella was so giddy as was Aira, making me wonder if both ladies were mentally okay. Other than that, they planned several ways to get things freaky and fun in bed.
I shook my head. There was no way I was telling Snow all that. He’d be happy and want to experiment but not until I knew what was going on between us. I’ll pass.
"No."