“Did you order champagne?” Elena’s voice was breathless as she stepped into the dimly lit room, her eyes scanning the elegant setup.
“No, but I thought tonight deserves celebration,” Mark smiled, pouring two flutes with a steady hand.
She crossed the room to him, her silk dress whispering against the hardwood floor. “You always know how to surprise me.”
Mark handed her a glass, their fingers brushing, igniting a spark neither could deny. “Tonight feels different. Like a new beginning.”
Elena’s lips curved into a smile as she raised her glass. “To beginnings, then.”
As the bubbles danced on their tongues, Elena’s eyes locked onto Mark’s. “You never said why you wanted me here, tonight, so suddenly.”
Mark’s gaze darkened, intense. “Because I can’t stop thinking about you. All day, every day.” His voice lowered. “Even in the moments we’re apart, you haunt me.”
A shiver traced her spine. She took a step closer, their breaths mingling. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
Mark reached out, his fingers tracing the curve of her neck, pulling her closer until their foreheads touched. “I want you more than I want anything else.”
Elena’s hands slid down his chest, feeling the strong pulse beneath his shirt. “Prove it.”
He didn’t hesitate. His lips captured hers in a fierce kiss, tongues exploring, bodies pressing together. The tension that had been simmering erupted like wildfire.
Between kisses, she whispered, “Mark, wait. There’s something I should tell you.”
He pulled away slightly, a frown creasing his brow. “What is it?”
Elena bit her lip, nervously twisting a strand of hair. “I haven’t been completely honest. There’s a reason I left so suddenly last time.”
Mark’s eyes searched hers, a mix of concern and curiosity. “You can tell me anything.”
She took a deep breath. “It’s complicated. I wasn’t just running because of work. Someone’s been following me.”
Mark’s expression hardened. “Following you? Who?”
Before she could answer, the doorbell rang sharply, cutting through the moment.
Elena’s heart pounded. “That must be them.”
Mark moved to the door, opening it to reveal a stranger—a man in a tailored suit, holding a file.
“Sorry to interrupt your evening,” the man said, his eyes cold. “But Elena Carlisle, you’re under investigation.”
Mark stepped forward protectively. “Investigation? What kind of investigation?”
The man didn’t answer. Instead, he handed Elena the file. She took it reluctantly, her hands trembling.
Mark’s voice was urgent. “Elena, what’s going on?”
Flipping through the papers, Elena’s face paled. “These... these are accusations. Fraud, embezzlement. They say I’ve been stealing from the company.”
Mark looked at her, disbelief mingling with confusion. “You? That doesn’t make sense.”
Elena’s voice cracked. “It’s true, but not how it seems.”
Mark’s eyes narrowed. “Explain. Now.”
She swallowed hard, the weight of the truth pressing down. “I did it. But not for myself. I was protecting someone. Someone who didn’t deserve to get caught.”
Mark’s breath hitched. “Who?”
Elena hesitated, then whispered, “My father.”
Mark’s shock deepened. “Your father?”
He stepped away, trying to process the betrayal and the confession. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was scared,” she admitted. “And I thought I could fix it before anyone found out.”
Suddenly, Mark’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then back at Elena, his gaze unreadable.
Elena’s pulse quickened. “What is it?”
Mark’s voice was low, almost cold. “It’s from my lawyer.”
She looked confused. “Why would your lawyer be texting you during this?”
He hesitated, then showed her the message: “Client, your investments tied to Elena Carlisle’s company have just been frozen pending investigation.”
Elena’s eyes widened in shock. “Mark, this affects you too?”
He nodded slowly, his body stiffening. “Yes, a lot. But there’s something else... something you might want to know.”
Elena leaned in, anxiety blooming. “What?”
Mark’s voice dropped further, intense. “Your father and I have a history. One that doesn’t just involve business.”
Her breath caught. “I didn’t know.”
Mark’s eyes darkened. “Because I wanted to protect you. But now, with accusations flying and secrets unraveling, I think it’s time you heard everything.”
Elena’s heart raced as the room seemed to close in around them. “Tell me.”
Mark’s confession tumbled out: “Years ago, your father betrayed me. Took everything—my company, my money. I’ve been watching, waiting for the moment to reclaim what was mine.”
She recoiled, stepping back. “So, this was all a setup? You knew about the charges?”
Mark shook his head. “Not exactly. But your father’s crimes destroyed me. And I’m sorry it caught you in the crossfire.”
Elena’s voice was a whisper. “What does this mean for us?”
Mark closed the distance, gripping her hands tightly. “It means we’re both trapped in a web of lies and revenge.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Then maybe... maybe we don’t have to be enemies.”
His thumb brushed her cheek softly. “Or maybe this is the beginning of a different kind of game.”
The tension between them shifted—dangerous, potent, and impossible to resist.
Elena smiled through her tears. “I like games.”
Mark’s grin was wicked. “Then let’s play.”
