It was just another Monday morning—until she walked through the boardroom doors. Same eyes. Same fire. Same woman who shattered him five years ago... and now she was interviewing for a job in his company.
The air in the boardroom was crisp, the scent of polished wood and expensive coffee lingering like every other Monday morning. Phones buzzed softly, pens clicked in anticipation, and the city's skyline glowed through the tall glass windows. Ethan Cole, CEO of Cole Dynamics, sat at the head of the table, sharp in a tailored navy suit, unreadable as always.
Until the door opened.
And time... stuttered.
She walked in like a memory he'd spent years trying to forget—deliberately, confidently, as if the past hadn't left them both in ruins. Her heels echoed against the marble floor like a countdown, and when she looked up, their eyes met.
Ava.
Ethan's fingers curled into a fist beneath the table.
She hadn't changed much—still effortlessly stunning, with caramel-toned skin and thick waves of hair pulled into a low bun. Her dark eyes scanned the room professionally, but there was a flicker—a hesitation—when they landed on him.
Ava took the seat across from him, acting as if his presence didn't twist the oxygen from her lungs.
"Ms. Bennett," said HR, oblivious to the tension slicing through the room. "Welcome. We've reviewed your résumé and are impressed. Cole Dynamics is excited about the possibility of having you on board."
She's here for a job? Ethan's jaw tensed.
Ava gave a small, practiced smile. "Thank you. I'm honored to be considered."
He hadn't seen her in five years. Not since she left him with nothing but a note and a silver bracelet he'd once clasped on her wrist with a promise.
Now she was sitting across from him, pitching herself to his company like she hadn't broken his heart in the worst possible way.
"Let's begin," Ethan said coolly, voice flat as glass. "Ms. Bennett, why don't you tell us what makes you think you're a good fit here?"
Their eyes locked again.
She knew who he was. And now, she'd have to answer to him.