chapter 1: An unwelcomed guest

The city pulsed with life tall glass towers gleamed beneath the afternoon sun, and the hum of traffic echoed through the streets. The sidewalks overflowed with people, all moving with purpose, but none commanded attention the way Felix Donovan did.

Inside the heart of the financial district, the Donovan Enterprises building stood like a monument of power. Forty stories of steel and glass, a symbol of ruthless ambition. And at the very top of it all, Felix reigned.

He wasn't just a CEO he was a force. With sharp, chiseled features, piercing dark eyes, and a presence that made people stand straighter, Felix had built an empire from the ashes of his father's mistakes. But while the world admired his success, few dared to see beyond it.

"Mr. Donovan, the quarterly reports are ready."

The voice of his assistant, Andrew, broke through Felix's thoughts. Andrew was as efficient as ever, standing with a tablet in hand, his expression composed. Felix gave a curt nod, the gleam of his watch catching the light as he adjusted his cufflinks.

"The boardroom?" Felix's tone was low, authoritative.

"All waiting, sir. Impressive numbers this quarter. The acquisition of Livingston Enterprises was a success."

"As expected." Felix's words were devoid of pride. Winning wasn't impressive it was mandatory.

He moved with purposeful strides, each step echoing on the polished marble floor. The Donovan name carried weight, and Felix had ensured it remained untarnished. But even now, in the face of success, a familiar emptiness gnawed at him.

Just as he reached for the glass doors of the conference room, his phone buzzed. Felix's jaw tightened. Only a select few had access to his private line, and when the name flashed on the screen, he felt the weight of it.

"Father."

He knew better than to ignore it. With a controlled exhale, he answered.

"Felix," came the deep, commanding voice. Even through the phone, his father's presence loomed. "I expect you at the gala tonight."

"I'm busy." Felix's response was firm. There were always meetings, deals, and acquisitions. Work was the perfect excuse.

"Cancel it," his father replied. "The Donovan name will be represented. And Felix, you will not arrive alone."

The unspoken demand lingered. A partner. A woman. It was always the same. The media wanted the image of a grounded, respectable businessman. The shareholders wanted stability. And his father wanted control.

Felix clenched his jaw. "I'll handle it."

"You always do," came the cold response. The line went dead.

For a moment, Felix stood still, the weight of expectation pressing down. He had built everything in defiance of his father, yet the shadows of the past still lingered.

"Sir?" Andrew's voice brought him back.

Felix pocketed the phone. "Let's get this over with."

As the glass doors opened, the board members rose to their feet. Respect. Fear. Admiration. It was all there. Felix Donovan was untouchable or so the world believed.

But beneath the polished facade, a storm was brewing. And soon, one forbidden desire would threaten to unravel everything.