The Refusal

The week passed in its usual rhythm at Seraphina Textiles. Hillary kept her focus on work—checking reports, walking through departments, talking to staff. She told herself to think only about her duties. And yet, in quiet moments, her mind betrayed her with an unwelcome memory.

“I’ll see you again, Hillary.”

His words returned when she least expected them. She would quickly shake her head, pushing the thought away. He was a CEO, a man with power and eyes everywhere. She was just a worker. To even think about him was trouble.

Still, her chest tightened whenever she remembered the way he had said her name.

---

Arsen came back several days later. His visit was official—an inspection of the factory. The atmosphere shifted instantly. Managers stood straighter, workers rushed with new urgency. His presence was enough to bend the air.

Hillary tried to stay calm, keeping her eyes on the files in her hands. But when she looked up, she caught him watching her. His gaze was steady, unreadable. He gave no sign to anyone else, but Hillary felt it immediately—the silent weight of his attention.

She looked away at once, reminding herself not to be foolish.

---

In the afternoon, she was in the storage room arranging fabric boxes with another worker. Hillary braced her shoulder against the fabric roll, trying to lift it high enough to slide onto the wooden rack above her waist. It was heavier than she expected, and the edge wobbled dangerously as she tried to push it into place. Another worker had just stepped out to fetch the inventory sheet.

“You shouldn’t be doing that,” a low voice said from the doorway.

Startled, her grip faltered, and the roll began to slip. She gasped and tried to steady it, but before it could drop, Arsen crossed the distance in two strides. His hand caught the other side, his strength turning the task effortless.

Together, they slid the roll neatly into position on the rack. Hillary stepped back at once, brushing the dust from her hands, her heart racing from both the weight of the fabric and the suddenness of his presence.

“I can handle it,” she said quickly, trying to sound calm. “It’s part of my work, Mr. Valerievich.”

His brow lifted slightly. “Arsen,” he corrected softly, just as he had before.

Hillary paused, her lips parting. She wanted to be polite, but something inside her resisted. Slowly, she shook her head.

“I don’t think that’s right,” she said carefully, her voice respectful but firm. “You’re my CEO. I should address you properly.”

For a moment, silence pressed between them. His gray eyes searched hers, sharp yet unreadable. A lesser man might have argued or pressed further, but Arsen only tilted his head, as if studying a puzzle.

“Most people don’t refuse me,” he said at last, his tone even.

Hillary lowered her gaze but held her ground. “Then let me be one of the few who do.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***