The Trench Coat's Second Act

I stood frozen in the middle of the Valois Industries lobby, my heart sinking with each passing second. The receptionist's smug smile burned into my memory as her cruel words echoed in my head.

"He specifically said he doesn't want Seraphina Beaumont to return to his office."

My cheeks flamed with humiliation. I clutched my trench coat tighter around me, painfully aware of the lingerie underneath—a bold choice that now seemed pathetically desperate. What was I thinking, showing up like this?

The elevator doors opened behind me, and I forced myself to move. I needed to get out of here before completely breaking down. The last thing I needed was security escorting me out like some stalker.

"Miss Beaumont!"

The deep, commanding voice stopped me in my tracks. I knew that voice. I dreamed about that voice. But I didn't dare turn around, sure my mind was playing cruel tricks.

"Seraphina."