Torn Between The Alpha And The Billionaire

Mara sat at her cubicle, staring blankly at the screen. The cursor blinked on an empty document, mocking her inability to focus. She gripped her pen tightly, her knuckles turning white as the same name echoed in her mind.

Alexander.

Of all the people in the world… him?

She sat frozen in her chair, her thoughts spiraling. The boy she once knew—wild, carefree, with a smile that could light up the darkest days—was now a man exuding power and authority. His tailored suit, his perfectly combed hair, the calm sharpness in his amber eyes—it was almost impossible to reconcile this polished version of him with the memory she carried.

He doesn't even recognize me.

Her heart twisted painfully at the thought. She had watched his face carefully during the meeting, looking for even the faintest flicker of recognition, but there had been nothing. His gaze had swept over her once, briefly, his expression professional, detached, before moving on as if she were a stranger.

Good, she told herself bitterly. It's better this way. Better that he doesn't remember.

But the thought stung more than she wanted to admit.

It was ridiculous, she knew that. Years had passed. People changed. She had changed. And yet, some foolish, stubborn part of her had always thought that if they ever crossed paths again, he might remember her. That he might… apologize. Explain.

But there had been nothing. Not a flicker. Not a pause. Nothing to suggest he remembered the girl from so many years ago.

Her chest tightened as memories she had buried long ago began to surface, unwanted and raw. She could still hear his laughter, feel the warmth of his hand as he pulled her up from the ground after one of their many misadventures. She could still see the way he used to look at her, as though she were the only person in the world who mattered.

Does he even think about the past? Does he have any idea how much it mattered?

Her pen clattered to the desk as her fingers slackened. She pressed her palms against her face, trying to steady herself. This wasn't the time to dwell on things that couldn't be changed.

She straightened in her seat, forcing her face into a mask of professionalism.

Stop it, she told herself firmly. This is a professional setting. He's the CEO now, and you're just another employee. Nothing more.

But no matter how hard she tried to refocus, her eyes kept darting to the door of the conference room. Through the small glass panel, she could see him speaking to Mr. Hawthorne. Alexander's posture was relaxed, his confidence as unshakable as a mountain.

Does he ever think about what happened? About what he left behind?

Her stomach churned. She wanted to leave, to run out of the building and never look back. But she couldn't. She had worked too hard to get to where she was. She couldn't let the ghost of her past derail her now.

Taking a deep breath, she picked up her pen again and focused on the blank screen in front of her.

He doesn't know, and he doesn't need to know.

The words repeated in her mind like a mantra.

I can do this. I have to.