you have kids

The next day at work

When Alexia returned with the documents, Elijah's eyes were fixed on her. There was something different about her, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. She seemed older, more mature. But her eyes were still the same, wide and innocent, like a child's.

He cleared his throat, trying to get her attention. "Miss Thompson, I need you to sign this document as well."

She took the document from him, her hand brushing against his as she did so. Electricity seemed to spark between them, and they both pulled away quickly. "Sorry," she said, looking down at the floor.

Elijah stared at Alexia, trying to make sense of what had just happened. It was as if the air between them had suddenly become charged, like there was some kind of force pulling them together. He had never felt anything like it before, and it scared him. He didn't want to feel this way, he didn't want to be drawn to her. But he couldn't deny the way his heart beat faster when she was near.

"I'll be in my office if you need me," he said, his voice sounding more gruff than he had intended. He turned and walked out of the room, leaving Alexia

As Alexia left the room, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She hadn't meant to touch Elijah, it had been an accident. But the way he had looked at her, the way he had acted...it was unsettling. She had thought that he had moved on, that he didn't feel anything for her anymore. But now she wasn't so sure. She couldn't let herself think about it, she had to focus on her work. She had a job to do, and she was going to do it well.

The rest of the day passed by in a blur, and before Alexia knew it

As Alexia talked on the phone, Elijah's mind was racing. She had kids? How could she have kids and he not know about it? He had thought they had been honest with each other, that there were no secrets between them. But clearly, he had been wrong. He had never been so angry, or so hurt.

When Alexia hung up the phone, she could feel the tension in the air. She turned around to see Elijah, his face as cold and hard as stone. "You have kids?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alexia nodded,

Instead of getting angry, Elijah took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. He couldn't afford to let his emotions get the best of him. He needed to be professional, no matter how much it hurt. "I need you to finish up the work for today, then you can go home," he said, his voice steady and even.

Alexia nodded, her eyes still wet with tears. "Yes, sir," she said, her voice barely a whisper. She turned back to her desk and started working, her hands shaking as she typed.

The hours dragged on, and Alexia's eyes began to droop