Eternal bonds: love beyond blood
Temptations and choices

Evelyn left Alexander's office, her heart soaring with the news that she had secured the position at Blackwood Enterprises. As she stepped into the hallway, a sense of accomplishment mingled with the disbelief that she was now a part of this world—a world she had only glimpsed from the outside.

Her thoughts were a whirlwind of excitement and gratitude as she navigated her way through the elegant corridors. The employees she passed seemed to exude an air of competence, a reminder of the professional environment she was entering. She was ready to embrace this new chapter of her life with open arms.

But just as Evelyn was lost in her thoughts, a figure emerged from a side corridor—another woman, tall and strikingly beautiful. Evelyn watched as she approached Alexander's office, her steps graceful and confident. It was as if the very air shifted in her presence, carrying an allure that was hard to ignore.

As the woman reached the office door, Evelyn caught a glimpse of a fleeting smile exchanged between her and Alexander. Her heart sank slightly, though she couldn't quite place the unease she felt. She continued walking, giving the encounter little more than a passing thought.

Inside the office, the alluring woman leaned against the edge of Alexander's desk, her posture oozing sensuality. "Alexander," she purred, her voice like honeyed silk. "I was hoping we could catch up."

Alexander met her gaze, his expression neutral. "Natalia," he acknowledged with a nod. His eyes held a hint of weariness, as if he had experienced this scenario countless times before.

Natalia's lips curved into a seductive smile, and she trailed a finger along the edge of his desk. "You've been distant lately," she continued, her tone teasing. "I thought we could rekindle an old flame."

Alexander's gaze remained steady, unaffected by her advances. "Natalia, our history is just that—history. I've moved on."

Natalia's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a pout. "Moved on?" she repeated, disbelief coloring her tone. "And who could possibly be more intriguing than me?"

A subtle smile tugged at the corner of Alexander's lips. "Someone who possesses qualities beyond mere allure."

Natalia's eyes flashed, a mix of frustration and curiosity. "You'll have to enlighten me, Alexander."

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze unwavering. "I've found someone who piques my interest in ways you never could."

Natalia's demeanor shifted, her frustration giving way to a simmering anger. "This is preposterous," she spat, her voice tinged with venom. "You've always been mine, Alexander."

His expression remained impassive. "No one belongs to anyone, Natalia. We make our choices."

She pushed herself away from the desk, her eyes narrowed. "You'll regret this, Alexander."

He stood, his gaze unyielding. "I doubt that. Our paths have diverged, Natalia. It's time for you to move on as well."

Natalia stormed out of the office, the door slamming shut behind her. Alexander watched her departure with a mixture of resolve and weariness, as if he had expected this confrontation but still found it draining.

As he turned his attention back to his work, his thoughts drifted to Evelyn—his newly appointed secretary, a woman who held the promise of something different, something more meaningful. The threads of fate were weaving their way around them, entangling their destinies in ways that neither could fully comprehend.