Aura sat at her desk, patiently waiting for the man of her dreams to arrive. He was late—a rare occurrence.
She frowned slightly. Orion was always punctual, and if something came up, he would usually call. But today, no call.
"What's with that face?" His voice interrupted her thoughts, pulling her gaze up to meet his striking eyes.
"Mr. Wilder, good morning, sir," she returned, her tone more assertive than uncertain. He certainly heard her.
"Come to my office!" He commanded, striding off without glancing back, and she followed without hesitation.
"Sit down," he instructed as he entered his office.
Aura raised an eyebrow, momentarily thrown off.
"Sir, should I bring your____" she started to ask.
"Sit down!" he insisted, cutting her off.
What was going on? He typically demanded his coffee right away. She scrutinized his features, noting how the well-defined jawline and prominent cheekbones contributed to his allure. That smooth forehead, those clear blue eyes—they spoke volumes. He looked troubled, yet there was a bravado in the way he held himself.
He licked his lips without realizing she was there, and her cheeks flushed slightly, a smile creeping onto her face.
*****
Orion shook himself from his thoughts, realizing he'd lost focus. "I need a favor from you," he said, his voice steady.
Aura's heart raced. Did he really need her that much? In two years of working together, he had never directly asked her for anything like this.
"I understand you're my secretary and we need to maintain our professionalism," he continued, pausing as if weighing his words. He had to ask this; she was the only one he trusted.
"I want you to come to my place tomorrow. Dress formally. You won't be working; I have a mission for you."
Aura blinked, taken aback. This was unexpected. Opening that door to his personal life felt like a huge shift. He had always kept things professional.
Orion had never even hinted at needing her outside of work, yet here he was, asking her to come to his house.
"Aura," he said, and her heart skipped again. He had never said her name before.
"Please be there." His tone shifted to one of earnestness.
He leaned back in his chair, resignation evident. The stakes were high; he couldn't let his cousin take over the company.
"You can go now," he instructed.
"Should I bring your coffee?" she asked, glancing back as she headed for the door. He didn't reply, and she exited with her thoughts swirling.
***
Aura paused behind his office door, grappling with what had just transpired. Did he really plead for her to attend?
What did he want from her? Orion had always kept a strict boundary between them, but now, it seemed those lines were blurring.
Returning to her desk, she found herself deep in thought, not noticing him re-enter.
"I'm holding a meeting with the group heads. I want you to go home and prepare for tomorrow," his voice cut through the haze.
"Aura, are you there?"
"Yes, sir. It's just that I'm a bit confused," she replied, her voice steady.
"It's nothing serious. Just go home and be ready for eight." He was already moving away as he spoke.
Sitting back, Aura's mind raced with questions, many of which were unlikely to be answered.
She gathered her handbag and exited the office, her mind still buzzing. At eleven o'clock, most employees were on break, which only added to her unease.
As she walked out of the private elevator—reserved only for Orion and his family—she felt a sense of relief not having to deal with the stairs.
Beckett, the receptionist, eyed her suspiciously.
"Why are you leaving this early?" she asked, fishing for information on Orion's mood.
"Ask him yourself. I have no idea," Aura replied with a confident smile.
"This girl, always getting under my skin," Beckett muttered to herself, frustration evident.
Aura had been there for two years, but she wasn't fazed by Beckett's attitude—she was confident in her position and abilities.
*****
Upon arriving at her small apartment, Aura went straight to her bedroom, collapsing onto her bed.
She felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.
Orion needed her for something.
Sitting up, she slipped off her shoes and began to massage her feet, pondering his instructions.
"Are suits not appropriate?" she mused, recalling his words.
Her closet was filled with suits, and the thought of finding a dress sent her mind racing. How would she make this work?