Chapter 7 When the Past Knocks

Monday arrived with rain.

Gray clouds blanketed the skyline of Manhattan, and the sound of thunder rolled like distant unrest. For most, it was a gloomy start to the week. For Agnes Hart, it was the first day she would walk into a new department with a new title-Strategy Lead, European Expansion-and no longer just the CEO's assistant.

She had earned this.

And yet, her hands trembled as she buttoned the collar of her dark green blouse and stared into her bathroom mirror. Because something still lingered in her mind-an invisible weight that hadn't lifted even after the perfect weekend with James.

Fear.

Not of the job. Not of success.

But of what might come knocking now that things were finally starting to feel good.

Her phone buzzed on the counter.

James: You're going to be incredible today. But just in case-coffee and courage are waiting downstairs.

Agnes smiled and grabbed her bag.

He knew her too well.

A New Beginning

The lobby was alive with movement when Agnes stepped out of the elevator. But the moment she crossed into the Strategy Department, things changed.

Whispers.

Glances.

Soft smiles.

And something new-respect.

Claire Yu, her new department head and longtime friend, greeted her with a hug and a grin. "Welcome to the jungle."

Agnes laughed. "Am I supposed to roar or run?"

Claire handed her a folder. "Roar. And then casually land our biggest international expansion to date."

Agnes flipped through the notes. "No pressure."

"Oh, none at all." Claire's voice dropped. "Also, don't look now, but Gerald Langston's mole in this department is probably already writing an email about your lipstick shade."

Agnes rolled her eyes. "Let them watch. I'll give them a show."

She dove into work, her confidence blooming with every hour. For the first time in weeks, she wasn't just reacting-she was leading.

And then, just after noon, her phone buzzed again.

Not James.

Unknown Number: We need to talk. I'm in the lobby.

She stared at the message for a long moment before her breath caught.

Matthew.

The Past Returns

Matthew Clark, her ex-fiancé, was the last person she expected-or wanted-to see on her first day in a new role.

But curiosity, that wicked whisper, pulled her downstairs.

He stood by the reception desk, drenched in charm and smug confidence, dressed in a navy blazer and open collar shirt. He looked like a memory she'd rather forget.

"Agnes," he said smoothly, as if her name hadn't once shattered in his mouth.

She crossed her arms. "This is inappropriate."

"I just want to talk."

"You did plenty of that when you walked out."

Matthew had the decency to look uncomfortable. "Can we sit somewhere? Two minutes."

Against her better judgment, she led him to a side lounge near the back. Glass walls. Minimal privacy. She sat across from him, keeping her expression blank.

"What do you want?"

"I made a mistake."

Her stomach twisted. "You're married."

"I know."

"Then you really made a mistake."

Matthew leaned forward. "I saw the press. You and James Reed."

Her jaw tightened. "What about it?"

"You don't belong in his world."

Agnes let out a low laugh. "Wow. That's the opening line you chose?"

"I'm serious," Matthew said. "He'll hurt you."

"Already did that. Survived. Moved on."

His voice dropped. "I'm trying to say... I regret what I did. I thought Olivia was the safer choice. But you-"

"Stop," she said firmly.

He froze.

"You don't get to waltz in here because you saw me on some headline and realized what you lost. I am not a backup plan. I am not a regret. I'm someone who rebuilt herself after you left her for convenience."

Matthew flinched.

Agnes stood. "Goodbye, Matthew. Don't text me again."

The Fallout

Back upstairs, Agnes felt shaken.

Not because she still cared-but because Matthew's words echoed with the same doubt she carried inside.

You don't belong in his world.

Hadn't she thought that once herself?

She tried to brush it off. Buried herself in work. Avoided James's calls all afternoon, even when he sent her lunch from her favorite café.

It wasn't until after hours that James finally found her, alone in a conference room with a half-eaten salad and a screen full of financial projections.

He knocked gently.

She looked up, surprised.

"You've been dodging me," he said quietly.

"I've been working."

He came inside, shut the door. "You okay?"

Agnes hesitated. "Matthew came by."

James stilled. "What?"

She sighed. "He said he made a mistake. That I don't belong in your world."

James crossed the room in two strides. "You know that's not true."

She met his eyes. "Do I? You're a billionaire, James. You own this world. I'm the girl who used to fetch your dry cleaning."

"You were never just that," he said. "You made yourself indispensable. Brilliant. Respected."

"I feel like I'm pretending half the time."

James reached for her hands. "Then pretend until it feels real. That's what I did... until you."

Agnes blinked. "What?"

"I used to fake it too-confidence, love, control. Then you walked into my life and suddenly everything felt terrifyingly real. And I've never wanted anything more."

Tears stung her eyes.

"I love you, Agnes."

The words stunned them both.

But he didn't flinch.

"I love you," he repeated, steady this time. "And I don't care what anyone else thinks."

She was silent for a beat, her breath catching.

Then: "I love you too."

The Kiss That Changed Everything

James kissed her then-soft, deep, grounding. And it felt different this time.

Not like a performance.

Not like a promise.

But like a declaration.

When they pulled apart, Agnes was breathless.

He leaned his forehead against hers. "Let them question. Let them whisper. We know what this is."

She nodded, heart full. "And I'll stop questioning myself too."

"Good," he said. "Because you belong in every room you walk into."

Later That Night – New Foundations

That night, as they lay curled up in James's penthouse, the rain returned, gentle and steady against the windows.

Agnes ran her fingers over his chest. "Do you ever wonder what would've happened if I hadn't said yes to your fake dating plan?"

He smiled. "I would've found another plan. But none as perfect as you."

"You really think this can last?"

"I don't think," James said, pulling her closer. "I believe."

And with his arms around her, Agnes believed too.

Because the past had knocked.

But love had opened the door.

And this time, she wasn't walking away.