Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 18: An Encounter with the Past (1)

Chapter 18: An Encounter with the Past (1)

Ella’s POV:

The elevator doors slid open with a quiet ding, and I stepped into the familiar lobby of Denco Group’s headquarters. It was one of those mornings where I felt a little lighter, a bit more optimistic about the day ahead.

Perhaps it was the quiet satisfaction of knowing I had done well on the last project, or maybe it was just the pleasant conversation I had with Karen on the way up. She was one of the few people who had been kind when I first started here, showing me around, making sure I didn’t get lost in this maze of corporate power.

"Ella, how are you managing as the assistant to the Vice President?" Karen had asked with a knowing smile as we shared the elevator ride to the 27th floor.

I shrugged lightly, a small smile playing on my lips. "It’s a lot of work, but I’m managing. Mr. Weston has high expectations, but I’m learning a lot."

Karen nodded approvingly, her gaze warm. "He’s a tough one, but fair. You’re doing well, Ella. Just keep up the good work."

Her encouragement meant more to me than she could know. We parted ways at the 27th floor, and I made my way to my desk.

Now, sitting at my desk, I focused on the steady rhythm of work, allowing it to calm my nerves. I could see Arec in his office through the glass wall, completely absorbed in his work. There was something about his intensity that was both intimidating and inspiring, and I found myself wanting to match that energy, to be someone he could rely on.

The morning flew by in a blur of emails, phone calls, and paperwork. Before I knew it, lunchtime had arrived. I was just about to head to the company cafeteria when Arec’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Ella, do you have lunch plans?"

I looked up from my desk, his question took me by surprise, and I hesitated. "I was just going to eat at the cafeteria," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Why don’t you join me?" Arec suggested with a small smile. "We should celebrate the success of the project. You were a big part of it."

There was a part of me that wanted to say no, to avoid the potential awkwardness of a one-on-one lunch with my boss.

I shouldn’t risk it, after what happens between us.

But there was another part, one that craved recognition, that wanted to be seen and acknowledged for my hard work.

"Alright," I agreed, returning his smile. "Let’s go."

The ride down the elevator was filled with a comfortable silence, a quiet that wasn’t awkward but rather soothing. Arec’s driver was already waiting for us at the entrance, and as I slid into the back seat, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement. This was a far cry from my usual routine.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I was momentarily taken aback by the sheer luxury of it all. The place was all soft lighting, polished marble, and the low hum of conversations among well-dressed patrons. It was the kind of place I’d only ever seen in magazines or movies, and for a brief moment, I felt out of place. But I quickly composed myself.

"This place is beautiful," I remarked casually, trying not to let my awe show.

Arec smiled. "It’s one of my favorites. The food is excellent. Go ahead and take a seat, I’ll just be a moment."

He gestured to a secluded table by the window before excusing himself to the restroom. I nodded and made my way over, weaving through the elegantly dressed patrons. Just as I reached the table, I felt someone bump into me, hard enough to jolt me off balance.

"Well, well, who do we have here?" a familiar, taunting voice drawled.

I turned, my stomach sinking as I came face to face with Klaus. And standing beside him, clinging to his arm like some sort of trophy, was the woman I had caught him with.

I felt a wave of nausea rise up in my throat as memories of that night crashed over me. The night I’d walked in on them together. The night my world had crumbled. But I couldn’t let them see how much this affected me. I forced myself to stand tall, to meet their cruel smirks with a calm, detached expression.

"Klaus," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside me.

Klaus’ smirk widened as he took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Fancy seeing you here, Ella. I didn’t think you could afford a place like this."

His words dripped with sarcasm, each one a sharp barb meant to cut deep. I knew I could walk away, but something in me wouldn’t let him have the satisfaction.

"What are you doing here, anyway?" Klaus continued, his tone mocking. "I know you can’t afford to buy anything in this restaurant."

I raised an eyebrow, refusing to let him get under my skin. "And you can?"

Klaus let out a harsh laugh, clearly pleased with himself. "You see, Mira’s uncle is Reginald Michael, the richest man in the world and the owner of this establishment. So yeah, I think I have every bit of right to be here."

Speaking of being shameless...

Mira’s smug smile was like salt in a wound, her gaze full of disdain as she leaned into Klaus, showing off her new trophy.

I knew who Reginald Michael was, everyone did. He was practically a legend, his name synonymous with power and wealth. And now Klaus was flaunting his connection to him, as if that somehow elevated him above me.

"So, you left me because of her family’s riches?" The question slipped out before I could stop it, my voice more bitter than I intended.

Klaus’ smirk faltered, surprise flickering in his eyes. He hadn’t expected me to be so blunt, to cut through his bravado with a simple truth. He stumbled over his words, his confidence momentarily shaken.

"Shut up, you bitch," he spat, his face contorting with anger. "I love Mira for her personality. She actually gives me attention, unlike you."

His words stung, but I refused to show it. I had given Klaus everything I had, only to be discarded when someone wealthier, more connected came along. The realization of how little I had meant to him was like a punch to the gut, but I held my ground.

Mira, who had been standing silently by Klaus’s side, finally spoke up, her voice dripping with disdain. "You’re pathetic, you know that? Thinking you could keep someone like Klaus interested. You’re nothing but a joke, a sad little girl who can’t let go."

I felt the sting of her words like a slap, but I refused to let them see my pain. I stood there, frozen, as they continued to hurl insults and taunts at me. Klaus’s eyes gleamed with malicious satisfaction, and Mira’s face twisted into a sneer that made my stomach churn.

Just when I thought I couldn’t take any more, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"What’s going on here?"

Arec’s voice was like a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge of despair. I turned to see him standing a few feet away.