Ethan Cole knew how to hide pain.
In fact, he wore it like a second skin.
To the world, he was poised and in control, the commanding CEO of Cole Dynamics. But when the elevator doors slid open and he stepped onto the top floor that morning, everything felt... off.
Because she was here.
Somewhere in the building.
Ava.
Her name alone burned in the back of his mind, refusing to be buried like the rest of his past.
He walked through the glass corridors, offering nods and short greetings to his staff, not once letting the tightness in his chest show. But inside, he was rattled. Completely undone.
He'd barely slept. He hadn't eaten. And worst of all, he couldn't stop remembering how she looked yesterday—poised, professional, pretending like she hadn't disappeared from his life without a trace five years ago.
He'd buried the memory of her.
But now she was back, sitting at a desk down the hall.
---
Ava sat at her new workspace, trying—and failing—to keep her hands from trembling.
She could feel his presence in every corner of this building. His name was on the walls, in the elevator, on every document. And now, he was back in her life in the one way she never wanted: as her boss.
She hadn't expected to land the job.
Honestly, she hadn't expected to see him so soon. She thought she'd have time to adjust, to build a wall around herself before facing him.
But Ethan had a way of shattering every defense she ever put up.
And the worst part?
He didn't even know the whole story.
---
Back in his office, Ethan stared out the window, hands in his pockets, tension rolling off his shoulders in waves.
There was a knock.
He didn't turn. "Come in."
His assistant, Lauren, entered cautiously. "Sir, Ms. Bennett's paperwork is ready. Should I have her sign the NDA?"
His jaw flexed. "Yes. And have her meet me in the conference room at noon. We'll go over her role personally."
Lauren blinked. "Personally?"
He finally turned, eyes unreadable. "Yes. I want to be clear about expectations."
But what he really wanted—what he needed—was to look her in the eyes and find answers.
---
Meanwhile, Ava stepped into the restroom, locking herself inside one of the stalls. Her chest rose and fell unevenly as she pressed her hand against her heart.
She'd rehearsed this moment in her mind so many times.
What she'd say.
How she'd act.
How she'd pretend none of it still hurt.
But all it took was one look. One stare across the boardroom table.
And she'd unraveled completely.
Her phone buzzed.
She pulled it out and stared at the screen:
Daycare: Liam is asking for you. He seems a little anxious today.
Her throat tightened.
Stay strong, she whispered to herself.
This job is for him. This pain? It's just temporary.
She didn't know if Ethan would ever forgive her if the truth came out.
Or worse… if he did.
---
At exactly noon, Ava stepped into the conference room, just like she did the day before.
Only this time, it was just the two of them.
He stood at the window, back to her, hands in his pockets.
The silence stretched.
Then, his voice—low, controlled.
"You're braver than I thought, coming back here."
She exhaled slowly. "I didn't come to make trouble."
"Didn't you?" He turned, eyes colder than she remembered.
A pause.
"I just need the job, Ethan. That's all."
He gave a dry laugh. "Funny. You vanished five years ago without so much as a goodbye, and now you need me?"
Their eyes locked, and Ava held her ground.
"There are things you don't know."
"Then tell me." His voice softened slightly. "Start now."
But Ava shook her head.
"Some things can't be unbroken," she whispered. "And some answers come with a price."
Ethan stared at her, searching her face for something—anything—that would explain the ache in his chest.
But all he saw was the woman who'd left him.
And all she saw was the man she still couldn't tell the truth to.
Not yet.