The car comes to a sudden halt, and I peer out the window, my eyes widening in surprise as I take in the imposing structure of The Rainier Square Tower Residences. What are we doing at one of the top apartment buildings in downtown Seattle?
Before the marriage alliance altered the course of my life, I had dreams and aspirations. One of them involved moving into this very apartment complex in the future. I had meticulously crafted a ten-year plan, mapping out every step to climb the ladder of success and afford a place in this prestigious residence. I wonder what we were doing here.
I spin around to ask Alex but notice him stepping out of the car. Confusion and curiosity swirl in my mind as I quickly follow him, my steps echoing in the quiet air of the luxurious building. As I catch up to him, I can’t help but notice the scowl etched on his face as his eyes scan over me. Why is he looking at me like that?
“What are we doing here?” I blurt out.
He meets my gaze with an intense stare before responding, his tone curt. “This is where my parents got us a place.”
“You’re joking,” I exclaim, reaching out to grab his arm in disbelief, but his glare makes me retract my hand instinctively.
“No, I’m not,” he retorts, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before he strides forward toward the elevator. I stand rooted to the spot, trying to process his words while also taking in the surroundings of the lobby. The Rainier Square Tower Residences in Seattle exudes elegance and sophistication from every corner. As you step through the grand entrance, you’re greeted by soaring ceilings and expansive spaces adorned with sleek, modern furnishings. The walls are adorned with intricate artwork, adding a touch of culture to the contemporary ambiance. While I may be the daughter of an Alpha, money has never been abundant for me. The idea of having a place here feels like a dream turned reality, almost too good to be true.
“Hannah,” someone calls, interrupting my thoughts. I curse under my breath, realizing it’s Alex waiting for me at the elevator. With a quickened pace, I join him and we ascend to the penthouse.
The penthouse exudes luxury and sophistication, with sleek modern furnishings complementing the expansive living space. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the city’s skyline, that would probably showcase a breathtaking tapestry of city lights at night.
Plush, comfortable seating areas are strategically arranged to take full advantage of the spectacular vistas, inviting residents and guests to relax and admire the urban landscape below. The decor is tastefully minimalist, with neutral color palettes and elegant accents adding to the overall ambiance of refinement.
In the center of the living area, a grand fireplace stands as a focal point, surrounded by plush sofas and armchairs arranged for intimate gatherings or quiet moments of contemplation. Artwork adorns the walls, adding a touch of sophistication and personality to the space.
“Why did you apply to my company?” Alex’s voice slices through the serene ambiance of the penthouse, drawing my attention away from admiring the house. His expression betrays a sense of curiosity mingled with a hint of frustration as if he’s been wrestling with this question for some time.
“First off, I didn’t know you were the CEO, and because it’s the best,” I respond.
He releases a dark chuckle, his gaze piercing as he locks eyes with mine. “Don’t think for a second you can flatter me to help you get the job,” he retorts, his words laced with unmistakable disdain.
“That’s not what I was doing,” I protest, caught off guard by his accusatory tone.
“Then what was it? Because we both know you don’t qualify to be hired at M Corp,” he counters, his voice dripping with skepticism.
“And what makes you think I don’t qualify? The ridiculous questions you asked me today to ensure I fail the interview?” I fire back, a surge of frustration rising within me as I recall the challenging interrogation he subjected me to earlier.
“Just because you had to rack your brain hard to answer my questions doesn’t make them ridiculous. Rather, you should ask yourself if you only know how to regurgitate textbook knowledge rather than apply practical financial analysis and deduction. Knowledge serves the practical,” he retorts, his words hitting uncomfortably close to home.
I scrunch my nose in irritation, rolling my eyes at his response and releasing a deep sigh. Annoyingly, he’s right, and it grates on me.
“Whatever,” I mutter dismissively, flipping my hair back as I turn away from him and stride purposefully across the room, heading for the kitchen.
It’s a chef’s dream, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and sleek countertops, ideal for both culinary creations and casual dining. A spacious dining area adjacent to the kitchen offers the perfect setting for hosting dinner parties or enjoying meals with loved ones.
I move toward the bedroom down the hall. The bedroom boasts a sumptuous king-size bed dressed in luxurious linens, with oversized windows offering breathtaking views of the city below. A spacious ensuite bathroom features marble countertops, a deep soaking tub, and a separate walk-in shower, providing a serene retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
I step out of the room and search for another bedroom but come up empty-handed. Frustration gnaws at me as I realize there’s only one bedroom in the entire penthouse. With a heavy sigh, I make my way back to the living room where Alex is and ask him about it.
“Alex, there doesn’t seem to be another bedroom in this place,” I say as I enter the living room.
He looks up from his spot on the couch, his expression unreadable as he meets my gaze. I can sense the tension between us, thickening the air with each passing moment.
“I see,” he responds evenly, his tone giving nothing away.
What does he mean he sees? Does he expect me to sleep on the couch while we live here?
“Isn’t there anything you can do about it?” I ask, hoping for a solution to this unexpected predicament.
Alex considers my question for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought. Finally, he speaks, his voice low and measured.
“I’m afraid not,” he replies. “We’ll have to make do with what we have.”
“You’re joking, right?” I say with a fake chuckle, unable to believe him right now.
“Am I?” He asks, rising from his seat on the couch and approaching me.
“Yes, you are,” I retort, instinctively taking a step back as he draws nearer. The proximity between us feels suffocating like the walls of the room are closing in around me.
“You really think so,” Alex says, bridging the gap between us, enveloping me in his strong arms and pulling me tightly against his chest. Confusion floods my mind as I try to comprehend his sudden actions. My heart races as he leans in, his lips hovering near my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine.
“I have seen every inch of this body. I think the last thing you should be worried about is us sharing one bedroom,” he murmurs, his words sending a jolt of heat through me.
My mind reels, struggling to process his proximity and the implications of his words. Before I can gather my thoughts, he pulls back slightly, his piercing gaze searching mine for a response.
“Hmm?” he prompts, raising an eyebrow in question.
I quickly regain my composure, gently pushing him away as I take a deep breath, feeling like I’ve been deprived of air in his embrace.
“I have other things to do these days, so I won’t be staying here. You don’t have to worry about sharing a room with me,” he says, his tone clipped as he checks the time on his wristwatch. “I have something to attend to right now. You can just leave once you’re done having a look around.” With that, he heads towards the door, leaving me standing there in disbelief. Shocked by his abrupt departure, I couldn’t believe he would leave me like this.