Chapter 1 Prologue.

Prologue.

Elena's POV

"Who's Elena Kingston?" The question hung in the air and my breath hitched. Why would the CEO's PA be looking for me? I wondered, getting quickly to my feet.

"Me," I raised my hand hurriedly, getting to my feet. I could feel my insides tangle into knots as everyone's eyes were on me.

"You're needed in the CEO's office," the PA, a slim haughty woman everyone called Clara said. "He's going to be taking over the 'Houston Project,' she revealed a piece of shocking news.

"I..." the words lodged in my throat and for a moment all I could do was stare. I quickly caught myself, rushing to pack the files I'd worked on through the night before I rushed out of the office behind her.

I clutched the project file tighter, and my fingers felt damp against the smooth leather as I followed the PA through a maze of glass walls and neutral décor.

One month. That's how long I'd been here-long enough to blend into the background, unnoticed, unbothered. Just the way I wanted it.

"His office," Clara said, stopping abruptly. "He'll be overseeing the project with you. He's waiting for you," she glanced at me.

I nodded, my throat tightening. I hadn't had reason to meet the CEO yet but whispers about his ruthlessness had reached every corner of the building.

I rolled my eyes secretly. Perfect. Exactly what I needed-a demanding boss breathing down my neck.

I pushed the door open.

He was seated in his chair with his back facing me, his eyes fixed on the impressive skyline view.

"Good afternoon, sir," I said, trying to make my voice sound as professional as I could.

Silence greeted me. Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat and stepped forward, placing the file on his desk. "This is the report on the-"

"Quiet," he snapped, cutting me off. I froze, my heart skipping a beat and I wondered if I'd done something wrong.

I saw him raise his cell phone to his ear, he was on a call? I hesitated for a moment before I turned to leave, not wanting to listen in on his conversation.

"Did I ask you to leave?" I paused, the familiar voice freezing me to the spot.

My breath caught as I turned. The chair rotated on its wheel, revealing the face of the CEO.

Him? The sight of him knocked the air out of my lungs and I could feel the blood drain from my face.

How could it be him? I wondered, my gaze fixed on him. The man I'd sworn to forget. The man I once called my husband.

What was he doing here? Last I remembered he was working at his father's company.

I quickly arranged my features to be cool and calm. I didn't want the fear and shock that gripped me to sip through my expressions. I was no longer the woman he knew months ago. "Your PA asked me to present the project details to you," I forced myself to meet his gaze squarely.

"You..." his eyes widened with shock. "What games are you trying to play, Elena?"

Before I could respond, he stood and rounded the desk, grabbing my wrist.

"Sir, what are you-"

"Do you have any idea how much trouble you caused me with your actions?" His voice was heavy with a bitterness I hadn't expected.

"I..." I hesitated for a split second contemplating what next to do before I yanked my hand back, my mask of calm slipping back into place.

My thoughts were a mess and in a state of panic, the words, "I don't know what you're talking about. We've never met before today," trailed off my lips instinctively as a means of self protection.

I had started a lie I had to see through to the end.

His lips twisted into a smirk, one that sent shivers down my spine. "Really?"

Before I could react, his lips crashed onto mine. The kiss was searing, infuriatingly familiar, and I bit down hard. He pulled back, wincing, and the sound of my palm striking his face echoed through the room.

"What are you doing?" I snapped, chest heaving. I was careful to keep my expression disgruntled but I secretly felt happy at the feeling of slapping him.

He deserved it... And more.

"What..." His expression faltered-confusion and disappointment flashing briefly before he masked it. "You really don't know who I am?"

"No," I moved away from him, wiping my lips. "Why did you do that sir?"

"You..." Damien shuddered, his expression changing. "You may leave," he said finally, his tone hollow.

"Yes," I turned quickly, relief washing over me as my hand gripped the door handle.

"Wait."

I froze, glancing back. His eyes were sharper now, calculating. "I want you in my office tomorrow morning with additional details on the project."

"Yes, sir."

I left without looking back, my mind a chaotic swirl of thoughts.

My pulse was still racing when I reached my desk. But I'd made up my mind. If my leaving had shaken something in him, I wouldn't let it affect me. He made his choice long ago, and I wasn't about to fall for him again.

I would keep up this act. I would act like I didn't know him.

But the lingering burn of his kiss and the look in his eyes told me this was far from over.