3| The Unexpected Reunion

KATHERINE POV

On my first day at Sterling Corps, I felt small compared to the magnanimous bustling going on around me.

The building was elegant and modern, it was a place I never imagined I’d work. I stepped into the elevator, my palms sweaty and took a deep breath. You've got it, Kat.

I met my supervisor, an almond-eyed woman named Sherry who showed me to my desk.

The day was a blur of introductions and orientations and I loved it. As I settled Into my new role, I felt relieved, I never knew I would enjoy it like I did.

The work was challenging but manageable, back at home Charlotte’s silence still spoke volumes.

I was enjoying my work, grateful not to think about Max or any negativity, but what I was unaware of was the past was about to force its way into my present.

Few weeks had passed since I started working in Sterling Corporation. Everyone was on deck as we heard the CEO was going to be on seat and he wanted to meet all the new employees.

“Katherine, you missed yesterday, why did you go home so early?” Zoe, my closest seat partner, said drawing her chair closer.

“What happened?” I looked curious. Had I missed some important information?

“The new CEO came in briefly after work ended and a few of us were opportune to see him, he is such a young handsome guy, you would literally eat him when you see him,”

I burst into laughter as she watched her. “So what happened?”

“You don't feel anything?” Zoe rolled her eyes, “I'm sure your emotion will surely change when you see him,” I smiled and continued working.

“How young are we talking about?” I asked typing on my keyboard.

“He is twenty-nine,” I glanced at her in awe, “but you can never detect, he looks mature.” she quickly added.

“Twenty-nine? Zoe, are you not thirty-three and married?” I was amused.

“So? It's not bad admiring such a hot young guy, age is just a number,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears.

My mind drifted to that night with that young hot stranger, Lucy and Angela had said the same ; age is just a number.

I shook myself out of the reverie, that was the past. Nothing of such could happen again. It was just the heat of the moment. Not having sex with a younger guy again.

It had just been a few weeks but Zoe and I had bonded. Funny enough, I didn't know what the CEO looked like. I was grateful I got the job.

After a few hours of work, I got up to use the bathroom. When I returned, I noticed the office was unusually quiet, none of my colleagues were at their desks.

My phone beeped with a message notification from Zoe. “Get your ass into the big room ASAP, the hot CEO is here,” I hurried through the corridors, my heels clicking at every step.

“Shoot,” I cursed as she heard chattering inside, “I was only gone for a minute,” How embarrassing.

Bracing myself, I pushed through the translucent door, and everyone went quiet as all eyes were on me briefly before turning to the guy who sat on the chairman’s chair.

I felt like I was drowning as eyes were on me briefly before they turned to the man delivering the speech.

“Now, the CEO, Mr Adrian Sterling would address you all,” My eyes darted embarrassingly to the CEO and my eyes widened in horror.

The CEO of my workplace was the young guy I had a one-night stand with in a hotel in the United Kingdom two years ago.

Our eyes met and I felt like vanishing into thin air, my cheeks had never turned that red before, I could feel it burning.

I tried to maintain my composure but I couldn't ignore the rapid beating of my heart.

Calm your nerves, Katherine. He won't recognize you. But as our eyes met, I knew he recognized me.

I looked at my sweaty palms and could hear him introducing himself. How did we get here? All I wanted to do was run out of the room, home, and scream into the pillow.

I tried to keep her attention on his word but my mind kept spinning. I didn't know I was going to be face-to-face with him again.

And the fact that the guy happened to be my employer in my workplace, my face turned red with embarrassment as she remembered those details of that night.

I wished I could see the two devils who encouraged me to meet him, I would...

The staff clapped and I was thrown out of my reverie, our eyes met briefly again before he shifted his attention back to the room.

“Before I conclude, I would like to hear your names and departments. Please introduce yourselves one by one.”

ADRIAN POV.

What a twist of fate! I never would have imagined I would see the lady in red so soon.

Not only was her dress red that night, but there was a deep blush of red on her cheeks, and I couldn't help but smile.

The employees began introducing themselves in turn, and I smiled at them. When it got to her turn, she introduced herself briefly without meeting my gaze.

“Sorry, I can't hear you Miss,” Adrian said and she looked up embarrassed.

She gulped. “Katherine Turner, Financial Analysis Department.” I locked eyes with her with as she spoke.

I nodded to her introduction and moved on. Soon the introductions were finished and I dismissed the room.

Kat was the first to file out. I couldn't help the grin on my face. I stayed behind and a senior staff gathered my papers and we both headed to my private office.

The senior staff left and once I was alone, I picked up the landline and dialed the HR department.

“I need you to prepare a background file on an employee–Katherine Turner from the Financial Analysis Department,” I requested. “Make it thorough.”

I hung up the phone and leaned back in my chair, my fingers drumming the desk. I remembered her vividly.

Even with her dyed black hair, I still recognized her, I had always secretly wished I would bump into her again when I went to the UK. But here she was in my own company.

I got the information about her and dived into it. The background information on Katherine was comprehensive.

However, one detail caught my attention and left him puzzled, her marital status was listed as ‘Miss’. I found myself wondering how a grown beautiful woman remained single.

My mind drifted back to our chance encounter two years ago. She was undeniably beautiful and sweet and knowing that she was single brought a smile to my face.