Alfred

University Days

The library was quiet, save for the gentle rustling of pages being turned and the soft footsteps of students moving between the shelves. You were immersed in your book, your nose nearly touching the pages as you pored over the dense text. The last thing you needed was a distraction, especially one in the form of Max and his obnoxious antics.

You felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as Max approached, his shadow falling over you. You sighed internally, already knowing what was coming. Sure enough, his grating voice pierced the air.

"Hey, beautiful. How about we ditch this dusty old place and go grab a coffee?"

You didn't even bother looking up, your voice dripping with disdain as you replied, "No thanks, Max. I'm here to study, not to waste my time with idiots like you."

Max laughed, clearly not taking the hint. "Aw, come on, don't be like that. I could show you a real good time."

Before you could deliver a scathing retort, a deep, commanding voice cut through the air. "Didn't you hear what she said? Move along, now."

You recognized that voice instantly—Alfred. You glanced up, seeing him standing there with his arms crossed, his dark eyes boring into Max. The fool was frozen in place, clearly intimidated by Alfred's presence.

"But Alfred, we were just—" Max stammered, but Alfred cut him off with a glare that could melt steel.

"I said move along. Now."

Max scurried off like a frightened rabbit, leaving you alone with Alfred. You turned back to your book, trying to ignore the prickling sensation on your skin where his gaze lingered.

"I don't need you to help me," you muttered, not looking up. "I'm not some weak woman for you to save."

There was a pause, and then Alfred spoke, his voice low and dangerous. "I didn't do it because you're a weak woman. I did it because you're my woman, and I won't let anyone stop you from succeeding—not even yourself."

You slowly raised your head to meet his intense stare. After a moment's pause, you scoffed at his words and ignored him. His woman? How ridiculous.

---

Ten years later...

Eliza had built a name for herself—her architectural firm was finally on the verge of expansion, and this new contract could change everything.

The proposal had come from a prestigious company with deep ties to urban development and government funding. She had signed the papers eagerly, until she noticed a familiar name at the bottom of the email confirming the partnership:

Alfred Kessler.

A cold knot formed in her stomach. No. It can’t be...

But it was.

She hadn’t seen him in a decade. Not since they both graduated—she with top honors, he with political ambition burning in his eyes. Their rivalry had been legendary, ruthless. But after graduation, they had gone their separate ways. Or so she’d thought.

Now, he was the company’s lead political liaison—the same company that was funding her dream project.

The meeting was scheduled for Monday morning.

[Time skip to Monday morning]

The headquarters was sleek and quiet, filled with polished glass and the kind of silence that demanded respect. Eliza walked in, file in hand, heels clicking softly against the floor. Everything was as she expected—except for one thing. Or rather, one person.

He was there.

Alfred.

He stood at the head of the conference table, fingers loosely clasped in front of him, gaze lowered to the screen of his laptop. But when the door clicked shut behind Eliza, he looked up.

Their eyes locked.

No greeting. No smile.

Just silence—and a gaze that held more weight than any words. Heavy, unreadable... or maybe full of things both of them had buried for years.

Without flinching, Eliza walked to the seat across from him and sat.

Alfred pulled out his chair and said evenly, "I knew I’d see you again. I just didn’t think it would be this soon."

Eliza glanced at her documents. "I’m here for the project, not to relive dusty memories from college."

A cold smirk tugged at the corner of Alfred’s mouth. "Still so direct. And proud."

"And you still have that same voice—empty of warmth, full of ego."

A brief silence followed. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. It felt like a chess match that had been paused ten years ago—and now, resumed.

"We should keep this professional, Eliza," Alfred said calmly. "This project matters to both of us."

Eliza leaned forward slightly, her voice cool and firm. "As long as no one gets in my way, I’m the most professional person you’ll ever meet."

Alfred’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Is that a threat?"

"No. A reminder."