Erin’s POV
“It’s my mom’s birthday today, and I’m planning a small surprise party for her. Nothing fancy, just family and close friends,” he continued, “I’m terrible at this kind of thing. Decorations, cake, gifts–I don’t know where to start. He glanced at me hopefully. “You’ve always been good at organizing things. Could you help me set up? It would mean a lot to my
mom.”
“Of course I’ll help,” I said without hesitation, touched by his thoughtfulness. “What time are you planning to start?”
Relief washed over his face. “Really? That’s great! I was thinking around 7 PM. I’ve already ordered a cake from her favorite bakery, but I need help with decorations and maybe some gift suggestions.”
For the remainder of the drive, we discussed party plans–what kind of decorations we needed, who would be attending, and potential gift ideas.
When we reached Stone Group, I felt a wave of gratitude for Tomas’s friendship. Unlike those who had believed the worst of me after Bradley’s lies, Tomas had never wavered in his support.
“Thanks for the ride,” I said as we parted ways in the lobby. “I’ll come help you set up for the party after my shift.”
“I’ll wait for you in the lobby at 5:30,” he confirmed with a smile. “Thanks again for your help, Erin. You’re a lifesaver.”
An hour later, I stood outside Derek’s office with a fresh cup of coffee in hand, my heart inexplicably racing. After the confrontation with Bradley and the mysterious texts, I felt strangely nervous about facing Derek.
I knocked gently on the door.
“Enter,” his deep voice called from inside.
I pushed the door open to find Derek standing by the window, his tall figure silhouetted against the afternoon light. He turned as I entered, his gray eyes immediately locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.
“I brought you coffee,” I said, trying to maintain professional composure as I walked toward his desk.
Derek’s gaze shifted from my face to the cup in my hand, then back to my face. “I don’t want coffee.”
I stopped in my tracks, confused by his refusal. In the weeks I’d served as his personal secretary, I’d learned that Derek always appreciated a fresh cup of coffee in the afternoon. It was part of our routine–one of the few constants in our otherwise unpredictable interactions.
“Are you feeling all right, Alpha?” I asked, concern evident in my voice.
His jaw tightened. “I’m fine. Get back to work.”
The coldness in his tone stung, especially after the confusing warmth he had shown yesterday. I placed the coffee on his desk, trying not to let my hurt show on my face.
“Of course, Alpha. I’ll be at my desk if you need anything.”
1/2
Chapter 117
As I turned to leave, I couldn’t help wondering if those mysterious texts could possibly be from Derek. His mood swings were so unpredictable, it almost made sense–perhaps he was more comfortable expressing himself through anonymous messages than face–to–face,
Back at my desk, I pulled out my phone and stared at the message again: [Your eyes shine like amber in the sunlight.)
Taking a deep breath, I typed a reply: [I don’t know who you are, but I feel like you might be someone close to me.j
I hesitated before pressing send, my thumb hovering over the button. Was I setting myself up for embarrassment? What if it wasn’t Derek at all? But curiosity won over doubt, and I sent the message before I could change my mind.
For the next hour, I processed financial reports, occasionally checking my phone, but no reply came. The lack of response only added to my uncertainty. If it was Derek, why wouldn’t he answer? And if not him, who could it be?
By five o’clock, I had nearly convinced myself that the messages were just a prank, possibly orchestrated by some Stone Group employees jealous of my promotion to Derek’s personal secretary.
I gathered my things and headed to Derek’s office to inform him I was leaving. I knocked lightly on his door.
“Come in,” he called.
I entered the room to find him reviewing documents at his desk, his expression focused and serious. “Alpha, I’ve completed the financial reports you requested. They’re in your inbox. I’d like to leave for the day, if that’s all right.
Derek looked up, his gaze penetrating as he studied me. “People should reply to text messages they receive, don’t you think?”
My heart skipped a beat. Was he referring to the mysterious messages? Were they really from him?
“I… I suppose so,” I managed to answer, struggling to keep my voice steady.
Chapter Comments
Cherie A
if the secret admirer I’d Thomas I’m going to be annoyed
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