A Change In....

Rowan cast a sidelong glance at the imposing grandeur of the office building as he approached the door labeled "CEO," his handsome features marred by a slight frown.

Instead of Mr. Quinn coming over to his company for the collaboration meeting, things were happening differently, and he didn't like it. It wasn't him who needed this collaboration, but rather Mr. Quinn. Adjusting his suit and collar, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

"I've heard you, Pamela. I'll see you this evening. Just send me the address of where you'd like us to meet."

Rowan's eyes lingered on the broad back of the tall, handsome man standing before the massive office desk. He held his phone to his ear and spoke with a smooth, melodic voice, clearly addressing a woman on the other end of the line. Rowan glanced at the glass nameplate on the desk, which read 'CEO Sebastian J. Quinn.' This was the man he'd come here to meet.

"Okay. Goodbye, Pamela."

Rowan watched as the refined, sophisticated man turned to face him. Mr. Quinn may have been older than him, but he didn't look like it. In fact, he exuded an ageless elegance. He was a man who seemed immune to the passage of time.

.

Sebastian was aware of the visitor's presence the moment they entered his office. In fact, he knew exactly who it was. With a quick goodbye to Pamela, he ended the call and turned to face Rowan, the CEO of LT (Leading Tech), his potential collaborator.

As he did so, a memory flashed through his mind - Victoria, standing in front of Rowan's office building. The image caused him annoyance.

"Please, take a seat, Rowe," Sebastian said, settling into his chair as Rowan obliged, occupying the one across Sebastian's table. Adjusting his glasses, Sebastian remarked, "You're late."

Sebastian could hear Rowan scoff. "I barely had time to dress like a CEO of a famous company," Rowan said, rolling his eyes. He added, "Let's cut to the chase. Why did you call me here?"

"Dress up? You?" Sebastian asked with a slight frown. "Certainly not your thing, Rowe." Sebastian knew Rowan wasn't someone concerned with his attire and appearance, but he suspected something deeper, though he refused to believe it could be true.

"Why not? Can't I wake up one morning and embrace the only constant in life, change?" Rowan replied, sounding a bit annoyed. He didn't like the insinuation that he couldn't change, even if it was just a passing comment. "Anyway, let's get this over with. I'm in a hurry to meet my new secretary."

He didn't dread the assertive man, as they were familiar with each other. Sebastian shook his head with amusement, but his eyes widened when he processed Rowan's statement. He fixed a sharp gaze on Rowan. "You have a new secretary? What happened to Kodi?"

Rowan ignored Sebastian's glare, which clearly said, "I suspect you of something," and picked up the phone on the desk. After a quick call, he spoke into the receiver. "Send up an Americano and make it snappy. From your boss." With a flourish, he placed the phone down.

Leaning back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other and folding his arms across his chest, Rowan locked eyes with the suspicious Sebastian. His expression remained neutral as he spoke. "Let's get down to business, Sebastian Quinn."

.

.

On her first day at work, Victoria wanted to make a good impression and avoid any mistakes. She had noticed that on the day of her interview both female and even male employees showcased their wealth through their attire.

She chose a yellow knee-length dress with pleats at the edges. While it appeared simple, it suited her remarkably well. The dress cleverly concealed her curves and body shape, yet she looked stunning. She'd been saving the dress for a trip to the amusement park with Sebastian, but that plan was ruined when they broke up. She was determined to make the most of it today, regardless.

Her saddle brown feminine brogue shoes matched her saddle brown handbag. She couldn't help but smile as she remembered how she'd gotten both items this morning.

….

"I'm leaving, guys," she had announced earlier, carrying her typical black work bag and wearing her usual Mary Jane flats. However, just as she was about to depart...

"Wait," her brother called out to her. "We have a little something for you," he said, his face lighting up with a smile. Leading her back inside, he presented two boxes—one holding the brogue shoes and the other showcasing the brown pearl-designed bag. Her younger brother had dipped into his savings to purchase them, reassuring her, "Don't worry, it didn't cost me much."

….

"Miss Campbell," Victoria heard and couldn't help but snap back to reality.

"Yes?" she responded automatically, swiveling her head from side to side to identify the caller by her last name.

"Over here, Psst!" a voice whistled from behind her. Swiftly, she turned back, locking eyes with someone she recognized.

"Kodi. Good morning," she greeted, her smile widening.

"Miss Campbell?" Kodi called out. His smile was shy and sweet, and Victoria couldn't help but return the expression. She had struck up an easy friendship with Kodi on the day of her interview, and she was glad he was here to greet her.

Victoria pretended to frown at his address. "You! I told you not to address me that way," she teased. "Call me Vicky."

They stood in the company building's walkway, visible to others passing by, and perhaps even within earshot. Despite this, they both seemed unconcerned about being overheard, their mutual disregard evident.

Kodi smiled genuinely at Victoria, his hidden dimple making an appearance. "What!" Victoria shrieked suddenly.

"What?! What?!!" Kodi, startled by her loud reaction, asked urgently, scanning their surroundings for any potential danger that might have alarmed her.

"You have a dimple too?" Victoria questioned, slightly annoyed. She rolled her eyes and remarked, "What is it with guys having dimples and girls barely having any?"

Kodi was puzzled. 'Did she just scream over something so minor?' he thought. "I don't have any. My face has no defects, it's perfect," he sarcastically remarked, winking at Victoria, who blushed in response.

Victoria moved closer to him, extending her hand towards his face. Startled, Kodi shifted back slightly, but she continued moving closer. Slowly and deliberately, she placed her fingertip on his cheek, tilting her head as she concentrated. "Here is where your dimple is. Just one, right here on the left jaw," she pointed out.

'Oh,' Kodi mouthed in realization. Victoria was serious, examining his face for a dimple. Her focus only amused him further, and he couldn't help but find her adorable. 'She is cute.'

Kodi's lips curved into a smile as he watched her, transfixed by her inquisitive expression. He was so absorbed in the moment that he barely registered the words he spoke. "It's really not a defect. I'm perfect just the way I am." His tone was teasing, but his gaze was filled with sincerity.

"What is going on here?!"

The sudden authority in the voice startled both Victoria and Kodi, abruptly interrupting their interaction. 'I can explain,' Kodi was prepared to say.