When Love Hurts.

The night vanished in a flash, and before I knew it, morning had arrived. I swallowed a nervous gulp and adjusted myself calmly in one of the stylish armchairs in the reception area, waiting for the interview with the CEO of Pierce's Group, as requested in their email.

Although confused, I was the only one sitting there – I had expected to see others, maybe one or two other people who were also selected, since the email clearly stated "we" and not just me alone. But then, I shrugged it off.

The anxiety from the previous night resurfaced, and my hands clutched the documents tightly. I didn't plan for my nerves to rumble, but the nervousness eating away at me was so intense that I needed something to grip to avoid flipping out. I'd searched for the CEO of pierce group company but saw nothing but from the rumors, I heard he's the grandson of Leonard Pierce. I heard the grandson is so ruthless, a snub and cold.

I sighed again for the tenth time.

Time ticked by, and I used the opportunity to took in my surroundings. The Pierce's Group logo gleamed on the wall, and the spotless white tiles reflected the soft light. The air was quiet, almost eerily so, as if I was the only one there. I noticed the sophisticated decor – minimalist artwork, polished wood accents, and plush chairs that seemed to whisper luxury.

My eyes flickered to the few employees passing through, dressed in neat black suits, none of whom paid me attention. I felt out of place, questioning my reasons for being there.

Yet, my eyes lingered on the gleaming marble reception desk, where the receptionist, a young girl, maybe a year older than me, was sitting. Her fingers flew across her keyboard with precision. And I felt a flutter in my chest, my nerves getting the better of me. This was my first time stepping foot in such a renowned company, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement because I was selected and intimidation because of the luxurious atmosphere.

This company is among the best top companies in Boston and globally as well. So you see my reason for being nervous.

What if the CEO sees me and suddenly changes his mind? What if I don't fit into what they want?

A lot of doubts were fleeting in my head – a lot of what-ifs, tugging at me hard. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I waited for my name to be called.

I needed that salary more than anything else.

My phone beeped with a notification, and I removed my hand from the documents to retrieve it from my bag. My hand was trembling, and the ringing seemed to draw the receptionist's attention. She spared me a quick glance and focused back on her work, acting like I was an invisible breeze.

I managed to open the phone to see Emme's message: "Are you done with the interview? Ave... sorry it's coming late, work has been damn tight. I'll come see you once I close up, and ah, remember to gist on how hot the CEO of Pierce's Group looks. I heard he's so charming."

Gross!

I rolled my eyes and slid the phone back into my bag. Emme could be crazy at times, but she and Dex were the only two people I talked to since I arrived in this city.

I checked my wristwatch again, and frustration surged through me. It was already 9 o'clock. Were they intentionally ignoring me? Or was that how they operated?

Didn't she know I had an interview with their CEO?

I stood up and strode toward her, my finger tapping on the marble desk to grab her attention. She lifted her head, frowning upon seeing me. Again, I shrugged it off.

"I was emailed to come meet with the CEO of Pierce's Group today, this morning at 8 o'clock, and it's 9 o'clock now," I said, repeating almost what I said earlier when I came here this morning.

She eyed me up and down, scowling. I watched her dial a number and press the phone to her ear, her eyes giving me disgusted vibes. It seemed I had suddenly gotten myself a hater without doing much.

"Good morning. Someone is here to meet the boss," she said to whoever was on the other side of the phone, her eyes still eyeing me.

"Name?"

"Aurora Avery Brooks," I answered politely. She grimaced and mumbled the name to the person, then replied, "Okay," and ended the call.

She turned to face me, her face scrunched up as if my presence was disturbing her. "Follow your right, then take the first elevator to the third floor. You'll meet a man, Mr. Liam. He'll direct you to the CEO's office," she said in a dismissive tone.

"Thank you," I said and walked away in the direction she had given.

My heart picked up another racing beat at the mention of the CEO's office. I did as she instructed, and as soon as the elevator opened, I was greeted by a warm smile. It was a young man, probably in his early thirties, clad in a sleek black suit. He had brown messy hair, and the way he smiled at me made my knees weak.

He was handsome.

"Hi, I'm guessing you're Aurora Brooks," he said. I nodded. "Okay. I'm Liam Reynolds." Before I could speak, he beat me to it. "Hurry, Mr. Gray is waiting in his office.

I gulped with a nod, allowing him to lead the way. Soon, we stopped in front of a black glass door. Liam knocked twice, and a deep husky voice echoed from inside. "Come in."

The echo of the voice sent a thrill of electric shock down my spine. There was something familiar about that voice, like I had heard it somewhere before.

Liam pushed the door open and shifted for me to walk in. I pushed away the confused thoughts and entered. He closed the door gently behind him and motioned for me to step further in. I did, and in front of a wall-to-ceiling window was a huge, muscular, tall man with curly short jet-black hair.

He had his back to us, and again, the hairstyle seemed familiar, reminding me of someone special.

Now, my heart was drumming faster.

Liam stopped inches from his desk and bowed slightly. "Mr. Gray, she is here."

And slowly, the man started turning around. I could feel my body trembling slightly, unsure if it was due to anxiety or something else. But as the man fully faced me, I went completely numb.

Blood drained off my face. Those piercing green eyes locked onto mine, and I gasped in disbelief. My legs trembled, staggering me back a bit.

In front of me, clad in a sleek suit, looking rich and sophisticated, was none other than my ex-lover, boyfriend... Jaxson!

The man I thought I would never see again.