Unwanted Arrangements
The Next Morning
Celeste stared at her reflection, lips pressed in a tight line.
Her father had sent over an entire business wardrobe—sleek skirts, tailored blouses, and heels. Normally, she wouldn't mind, but today?
It felt like a uniform of defeat.
She smoothed down her blouse and huffed. "I cannot believe I'm doing this."
Resigned, she grabbed her bag and made her way downstairs—only to freeze at the sight in front of her.
Adrian.
Standing by the entrance, casually sipping his coffee, waiting for her.
He was dressed in a crisp charcoal suit, his usual effortless elegance in place. But that wasn't what made her pause.
It was the small bouquet of white tulips in his free hand.
Celeste's brows furrowed. "What are you doing here?"
Adrian's gaze flicked up, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Picking up my secretary, obviously."
She blinked, thrown off. "I told you—I'll go on my own."
"And yet, here I am." He took a slow sip of coffee. "You're late, by the way."
Celeste gaped. "It's 7:59!"
"Exactly."
Before she could protest, Adrian leaned in smoothly, pressing a quick, feather-light kiss against her cheek.
Celeste froze.
Her brain short-circuited.
Then, as if he hadn't just completely thrown her off balance, Adrian held out the bouquet lazily with a small, knowing smile. "Welcome to Sinclair Corp, Mrs. Sinclair."
Her stomach flipped.
Her entire body betrayed her.
She snatched the flowers, scowling. "This doesn't change anything."
Adrian smirked. "Did I say it did?"
Ugh. So annoying.
With an exasperated sigh, she walked past him—only for him to fall into step beside her.
"Are you seriously walking me to work?" she asked, incredulous.
He smirked. "What kind of boss would I be if I let my secretary be late on her first day?"
Celeste groaned.
This was going to be a nightmare.
—
The moment they stepped into Sinclair Corp., the buzz began.
"Is that Mrs. Sinclair?"
"She's working here now?"
"She looks... gorgeous."
Celeste kept her head high, ignoring the stares. She was used to attention—but this? This was different.
Adrian, completely unfazed, led her to his office, stopping at the sleek desk just outside. "That's yours."
She placed her bag down, giving him a flat look. "Great. So, what do I do?"
He leaned against the doorway, exuding lazy confidence. "Answer calls, manage my schedule... and try not to cause another scandal."
She shot him a scathing glare. "You're so—"
His phone buzzed.
Adrian checked it, brows furrowing slightly.
Celeste arched a brow. "What? Another business meeting?"
Adrian sighed, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "No. My mother's coming for a visit."
Celeste froze.
"Oh."
Yeah. Oh.
She had always gotten along fine with Adrian's mother, but given the current state of their marriage...
This was going to be interesting.
Adrian exhaled, running a hand down his face. "This is going to be a long day."
Celeste smirked, crossing her arms. "What, nervous?"
He glanced at her, then—to her complete and utter shock—leaned down, his face a mere breath away from hers.
Her heart stuttered.
Adrian's voice dropped to a low murmur. "Should I be?"
Celeste's brain short-circuited.
Her breath caught, and for a second—a brief, dangerous second—she forgot how to think.
Then, with a knowing smirk, Adrian pulled back, grabbed a file from his desk, and walked into his office like nothing happened.
Leaving Celeste standing there, red-faced, flustered, and very, very annoyed.
She clenched her fists, her pulse still racing.
This was going to be a nightmare.
A very, very infuriating nightmare.