Chapter 17
Author: Purplescent
last update2025-10-01 23:00:54

Ari’s eyes snapped open. She scrambled out of the bed, which now looked pristine and impossibly inviting. The apartment, spotless and smelling of lemon, offered a moment of clarity amidst the chaos of her morning rush. She can’t be late on the day she is trying to pretend she didn’t just fantasize about her boss.

She threw on a crisp, navy suit after she was done bathing,her movements hurried. No time for breakfast. Just coffee.

On her way to work,she made the taxi driver drop her at the coffee shop where Xavier said he likes their coffee.

She ordered black Americano and a double-shot espresso, black, for Xavier. A peace offering, or maybe just a desperate way to ensure he wouldn't look at her with that cold disdain.

Ari power-walked the last few blocks, gripping the two steaming cups like talismans. She kept glancing at her watch: 7:52 a.m. She only had eight minutes before Xavier’s scheduled arrival, and if she could be at her desk, papers arranged, coffee cooling on his mahogany,
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