KISS' POV
One week.
That was how long it took for the tension between us to become something everyone could feel—but no one dared to name.
The contract between Wilson Empire and Goodwill Empire had been finalized on paper days ago, yet the official meeting had been postponed again and again, as if both sides were afraid of what would happen once we sat in the same room.
Afraid of what would break.
Or what would resurface.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my office, fingers adjusting the cuff of my tailored suit. Black. Sharp. Controlled. A queen's armor.
No emotions.
No past.
No him.
"Ma'am," my secretary's voice came through the intercom, careful, respectful. "Goodwill Empire's delegation has arrived."
My heart skipped.
Just once.
"Send them in," I said calmly, my voice betraying nothing.
The glass doors slid open.
I didn't look up immediately.
I didn't need to.
I felt him.
Adrian Goodwill.
The air shifted the moment he stepped inside. It always did—like the room itself recognized him before my heart could stop it.
I forced my gaze to remain on the documents in front of me.
"Miss Wilson," Isaac's familiar voice greeted warmly. "It's been… a while."
I lifted my head then, offering a composed smile.
"Mr. Isaac," I replied. "Mr. Oscar."
Only then did my eyes meet his.
Adrian stood at the center of the room, dressed in a charcoal suit that fit him like it was molded into his skin. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes—
"God",I muttered under my breath.
His eyes searched my face like they were trying to confirm I was real.
"Mr. Goodwill," I said evenly.
His jaw tightened.
"Mrs… Wilson," he corrected slowly.
A pause followed.
Heavy.
Deliberate.
Isaac cleared his throat quickly, stepping forward. "Shall we begin?"
"Yes," I said, breaking eye contact first.
"Let's start.
THE MEETING
The conference room filled with quiet efficiency. Papers were passed. Screens lit up. Voices discussed percentages, territories, shared investments, expansions into European markets.
I spoke when needed.
So did Adrian.
Professionally.
Coldly.
Painfully.
"And Clause 17 ensures that neither party interferes with internal management unless a breach occurs," Oscar explained.
"I have no objections," Adrian said, his voice firm. "As long as transparency is mutual."
"It will be," I replied immediately. "Wilson Empire values clarity."
His eyes flickered to me.
Just briefly.
Like he wanted to say something else.
Like he swallowed it.
Isaac leaned back slightly. "This partnership will dominate the next decade if managed correctly."
"Agreed," I said. "Which is why this meeting matters."
Minutes turned into hours.
Every word between Adrian and me felt like walking on glass.
We didn't mention the past.
We didn't mention the children.
We didn't mention the nights, the loss, the year of silence.
But it all sat between us.
Unspoken.
Alive.
Finally, the last document was signed.
I stood first, gathering my files.
"Thank you for your time," I said professionally. "My assistant will coordinate future schedules."
I turned to leave.
"Kiss."
My steps stopped.
The sound of my name—my real name—from his mouth felt like a blade pressed gently against my chest.
The room went silent.
I didn't turn immediately.
"Yes, Mr. Goodwill?" I asked, my back still to him.
"I think," Adrian said slowly, "we should talk."
Isaac glanced between us, instantly understanding.
Oscar stood as well. "We'll… give you two some space."
Isaac hesitated for half a second before nodding. "Don't kill each other."
The doors closed.
Leaving us alone.
JUST US
I turned then.
Adrian was already looking at me—no, at my face, as if he hadn't memorized every line of it already.
"You look well," he said quietly.
"So do you," I replied just as softly.
Silence stretched.
Dangerous.
"Is this really how it's going to be?" he asked. "Strangers?"
"We are business partners," I corrected.
"Nothing more."
His lips twitched bitterly. "You disappeared."
I inhaled sharply. "You think I don't know that?"
"You took my heart,soul and mind from me," he said, his voice low. "You vanished without a word."
"I was taken," I snapped, control cracking for the first time. "I was unconscious. I woke up in another country. I fought my way back to power just to survive."
His eyes darkened. "You could have sent a message."
"You think I didn't try?" My hands curled into fists. "You think it didn't tear me apart knowing you were raising them alone?"
He stepped closer.
One step.
"Then why are you standing here like I'm nothing to you?"
Because if I don't, I will break.
I swallowed hard.
"Adrian," I said slowly, carefully. "This meeting is about business."
"Is that all we are now?" he asked. "Paper and signatures?"
I met his gaze fully then.
"No," I admitted. "But it's all we can be—for now."
"For now," he echoed.
He studied my face like he was searching for permission.
Then he said it.
"If you want to see the children… you can."
My breath caught.
"They ask about you," he continued, voice rough. "Especially our daughter."
I looked away instantly.
"She keeps asking when her 'pretty mama' is coming home," he added quietly.
My chest tightened painfully.
"I don't think I'm ready," I whispered.
He frowned. "Why?"
"Because if I see them," I said honestly, "I won't be strong enough to leave again."
He softened.
"You don't have to leave."
I shook my head. "Not yet."
Silence wrapped around us again.
Finally, he nodded slowly.
"Whenever you're ready," he said. "The mansion doors are open to you. Always."
I looked back at him then.
For the first time since I returned.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
Not for the invitation.
But for understanding.
I turned and walked away before my strength failed me.
Before he could see the tears burning behind my eyes.
ADRIAN'S POV
Watching her leave felt like losing her all over again.
But this time…
I knew she was alive.
I knew she was close.
And I knew this war between us wasn't over.
It had only just begun.