Chapter 5

Maddy's POV

The morning air felt different today. I felt alive, and a different kind of electricity was coursing through my veins. I hadn't been able to wipe the image of hate's smiling face from my mind all night, the subtle brush of our hands as we had clinked glasses. Our fake date had gone surprisingly well; it felt real. Nate was charming and respectful to me. I had a buzz of excitement to get to know this man better.

He'd talked about his vision for the latest project, which painted Max's company as a stagnant, morally compromised shadow. Every word had only fueled my resolve, giving my personal vendetta a sharp, professional edge.

"Ready for your first day, Maddy?" Sarah's voice, bright and full of nervous energy, snapped me out of my reverie. She stood by the front door, her new blazer a sharp contrast to her usual laid-back style.

I took a deep breath, adjusting the strap of my new, sleek handbag. "As I'll ever be. Let's go conquer the corporate world... or at least our small corner of it."

It did not take too long to get there, and once we arrived, I took a deep breath, reminding myself that everything was going to be just fine.

Nate's building was like a monument to modern ambition, steel and glass. It was a luxurious place, and I already enjoyed being around it. Sarah led me up the corridor to a vibrant, open-plan space that was buzzing with energy and excitement. I got greeted with smiles and hellos from anyone who spotted me walking by. It was a surprise to me because nobody seemed as friendly as this back at my old workplace. Not that I was going to complain.

Sarah leaned over me and beamed like a Cheshire cat. She had been so happy she had heard I got the job. "This is bloody amazing, Maddy. We are working together," she clapped her hands gleefully, causing me to roll my eyes in amusement. "You fit in so well," she continued to grin as she winked and started to focus on her work.

And there was Nate.

Nate Harrison.

He walked through the department exuding an aura of calm authority. His eyes were sharp and perceptive, scanning the area until they met mine. He smiled a little, but not enough to catch any watchful eye around us. Just sufficient to acknowledge the shared agreement between us.

I watched as he moved along, stopping at various desks to speak with other employees.

Throughout the day, I learnt more about Nate. He wasn't just a CEO; he was hands-on and would listen to his team members with respect, unlike Max. I couldn't help but compare the two of them; they were so different. Max didn't give a shit about anyone unless it benefited him. Whereas Nate cared, he made his workers feel listened to and worth being around.

By lunchtime, my head ached from all the new information, and I needed some fresh air and a coffee. "I'm popping out, do you want anything? Maybe a coffee?" I called Sarah as I grabbed my bag and swung it over my shoulders.

Sarah shook her head, clearly engrossed in her project." No thanks, Maddy, but the boss might." She smirked, nodding over to Nate, who was sitting at his desk with the door wide open, lost in thought.

I looked over and bit my lower lip.

Why was he so handsome, and I couldn't stop looking at those luscious lips of his?

I swallowed hard and pulled myself together, not wanting anyone to suspect anything.

"I'll grab him one while I'm out."

Walking towards the nearest cafe, I pulled out my phone and wrinkled my nose—nothing from Max. Why did I think there would be anything I didn't know? I saw the posts of him and Alissa together on his Instagram and almost laughed out loud to myself. They had already announced her pregnancy. A pair of idiots, I thought to myself; they wouldn't know what had hit them soon enough.

As soon as I walked out of the cafe with two steaming coffees, one for me and the other for Nate, my breath hitched.

Max and Alissa.

They were standing together outside a high-end boutique, and Alissa was smiling and laughing melodramatically at something Max had said. Her hand was on his arm as if marking her territory.

My first impulse was to avoid them and keep walking as if they did not exist.

But then I thought of all the betrayal, the lies, the making me lose my job. It was all suddenly too much.

"Maddy?" Max suddenly noticed me. I straightened my shoulders, and a sudden urge of adrenaline rushed through me.

This time, I was in control.

"Max," I said. "Hello, Alissa. Nice to see you both are still attached to each other's hips." I smiled sarcastically, pushing away the metallic taste of their betrayal. Alissa's smile was now replaced by a scowl that marred her makeup.

Max's eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion. "What are you doing here?" he eyed the coffee in my hand questioningly, like it was his business to know.

"Oh, is that the time? I'd best be off now. Have a nice day, I have to get back to work." I smiled sweetly. I could feel their eyes burning into me, but I didn't care. In fact, I felt great.

My heart was pounding like a drumbeat, and it felt good, so good. Seeing Max and the fear in his eyes confirmed to me that I was on the right path. But then I thought of Nate.

My stomach churned at the internal conflict I was beginning to feel. How would I expose them without risking everything and tarnishing Nate's reputation or his company? That place had already become a place that I thoroughly enjoyed being at. My next move would be precise and untraceable to either me or Nate. The very thought sent a shiver down my spine.

"You got a job already?" Max could hardly hide the surprise in his tone whilst Alissa stepped closer to me, sneering at me as if I were beneath her. "Of course, Max. She is climbing the ladder simply by sleeping her way to a job. Who else would want to hire someone like her?" Alissa spoke so loudly, it was humiliating. I felt the shame rise to my cheeks as people standing nearby looked at me in shock and disgust.

Alissa snuggled into Max with a satisfied smirk. He looked at me, and I shook my head, but before anyone could say another word, a familiar deep voice called out.

"Who says she needs to rely on another? She is my girlfriend."

Nate!

He took my hand and pulled me close, sending waves of shock through me. I suddenly felt safe for the first time in so long.