A begining, not an End

(Elias’ POV)

I don’t know why I bother sometimes.

She’s a puzzle, and while I like to think I have the patience to figure it out, there’s something about Seraphine that makes me question it. She’s sharp, yes, but there’s an emptiness behind those eyes. She hides it well—too well, most days—but I can see it. I’ve always been able to see it.

I stand by the door for a moment longer, my fingers lingering on the handle. The tension that hangs between us isn’t new.

It’s a constant, like static electricity in the air, just waiting for the right moment to snap. But today, something was different.

She didn’t bite back like she usually does. She didn’t push me away with her sharp words.

She was quieter, distant, and for once, I could almost hear the exhaustion in her voice, even though she tried to hide it. But I’m not here to babysit her.

I don’t care enough to fix her.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

I walk back to my office, the echo of my footsteps the only sound in the empty hallway. The whole building feels like it’s holding its breath, waiting for something to change. It always does.

When I reach my desk, I pull out the report I need to finish. Numbers. Always numbers. But my mind keeps drifting back to the boardroom. To Seraphine.

She’s a nuisance, a reminder of why I keep my distance from people like her.

She’s trapped in her father’s expectations, in the legacy of a company that will chew her up if she lets it. But she’s also something else—something raw, buried beneath all the layers she’s put on.

I’ve seen it enough times to know when someone’s on the edge of breaking. And I can’t help but wonder just how close Seraphine is.

Still, I don’t care.

At least, that’s what I tell myself as I finish up the report and send it off to my assistant.

There’s a knock at the door.

"Come in," I say, barely looking up.

One of the board members steps inside, briefcase in hand. "Elias, the Ashford deal—"

I cut him off with a wave of my hand. "We’ll handle it. Don’t worry."

The man hesitates, but I can already see his discomfort. He’s not used to being dismissed so easily, but I’ve built my reputation on doing things my way.

"Understood," he says, taking a step back. "Just make sure you're prepared for the next meeting."

I nod, but I don’t care about the next meeting. What I care about is what’s coming after.

Seraphine’s fight isn’t over. She hasn’t even started to understand what’s at stake. And I can’t wait to watch her fall apart—because she will. They always do.

The question is, when she does, will she be strong enough to put herself back together, or will I be there to pick up the pieces?

I laugh to myself, but it’s not a laugh of amusement. It’s a laugh of someone who’s already placed their bet on how this will end.

This is just the beginning.

And I’m not done with her yet.

End of Chapter 5

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