Chapter Six

Stella wiped her tears as she sat back down in her chair. Her heart pounded as questions swirled in her mind. How could Peter have hidden such a huge part of his life from her? She stared blankly at the pile of papers on her desk, trying to regain her composure.

Taking a deep breath, she turned on the computer, the soft whir breaking the silence. Magnus had promised to brief her later, but for now, she decided to familiarise herself with the files she had been given.

She pulled up the day's schedule—meetings, appointments, tasks. Stella skimmed through them, making notes and planning her approach. The first task was to arrange a board meeting, followed by reviewing a few confidential contracts that required Peter's signature. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she typed emails and set reminders. She needed to keep her head in the game, despite the emotional chaos raging beneath the surface.

Halfway through reviewing the financial report, a soft chime from her phone interrupted her focus. It was a message from Peter.

'Ella, we need to talk. Please don't avoid me.'

Stella deleted the message. She needed to set boundaries, and right now, the job came first. She returned to her work, immersing herself in the numbers and the company's affairs, hoping the distraction would calm the storm in her heart.

Suddenly, the intercom buzzed. It was Magnus, the CEO's personal assistant. 'Miss Adams, Mr. Peter wants the report for today's board meeting.'

Her hands trembled slightly, but she knew this was part of her job now. Taking a deep breath, she gathered the necessary files from her desk. As she walked back towards the CEO's office, she straightened her posture, determined to maintain professionalism despite the emotions swirling within her.

She knocked, and Peter's voice called, 'Come in.'

The tension in the room was thick as she entered, but she forced a polite smile. 'Here are the files for the board meeting, sir,' she said, her voice steady despite her internal turmoil.

Peter looked up at her, his expression unreadable. 'Thank you, Stella,' he said quietly, accepting the documents. She nodded, and as she turned to leave, Peter spoke again, his voice softer now. 'We still need to talk, Ella.'

Stella paused but didn't look back. 'I'll be ready when you are,' she replied, her tone professional but distant, before exiting the office.