Ember held her gaze. What did Iris mean by she trusted her? This was clearly a lie and she wasn't going to fall for it.
"You barely know me."
Iris' eyes flickered for a second. "Oh," she said softly. "I think I know enough." She paused. "You'll be working closely with Edward, of course," Iris added casually.
How dare she say that like it meant nothing? Ember's pulse spiked. This was a tight spot but of course it came with a bonus which she very much needed.
"And I'd prefer someone… discreet," Iris continued. "Someone who understands boundaries. I hear you have a boyfriend… that's good then."
Ember's wolf snarled and Iris looked at her, like she felt it. That hadn't sounded like a proposal closing, it was a warning.
"I just want to see how professional you really are." Iris smiled. Ember nodded.
Iris didn't wait for Ember to respond immediately.
She simply slid a clean and organized folder across the desk, "Initial concepts," she said. "Review them."
Ember glanced down at the file but didn't open it.
"You'll meet with Edward this afternoon," Iris continued, her tone smooth and controlled. "He'll outline what he wants."
Ember looked up slowly, it seemed like they were still not on talking terms. She nodded and excused herself.
A few hours later, Ember sat at her desk, the folder still unopened. She saw Antoinette leave her desk. It was a signal Edward was around.
She finally opened the file. Inside were elegant designs, venues and guest lists meticulously planned. Except— one detail stood out, the wedding date.
It was too soon. Why were they rushing things like they were trying to run away from something.
"Ember?"
She looked up, it was Sofia.
"You've been staring at that file for ten minutes," Sofia said, lowering her voice. "Should I be worried?"
Ember sighed before telling her Iris just appointed her to be the official wedding planner of their wedding.
Sofia widened her eyes in shock. "Now that's weird." She said going back to her desk.
"What happened to Brenda? Are they not like best best friends?"
Ember signed . Ember closed the file slowly. "I have a meeting," she said. "With him."
Sofia furrowed her eyebrows as she watched Ember disappear into the hallway towards the elevator.
The door stood slightly opened, Ember paused outside.
Her heart pounding in her chest. This was their first encounter after the club last night. What if he confronted her about it? She wasn't ready for it but she had to do it anyway.
She peeped through the creak, she could see he was on the phone with someone. The voice was masculine.
You should just reject her already. We both know she's not your real match. You weren't meant to be together Edward. You've always known that.
Edward didn't say anything, he sucked his teeth. The mate bond twisted in her chest, a searing pain that held her breath.
Her wolf howled within her. He clearly didn't love her so why was he binding himself to her? A marriage laid on no love could never survive in her opinion.
She knocked lightly.
"Come in." Edward said. His voice was deep but sharp.
As she entered the office, she saw him tossed his phone onto the desk in a sharp motion.
She stepped further inside, closing the door behind her.
"You sounded busy."
His gaze held hers.
"Not anymore." He closed his laptop, giving her his full attention. He motioned her to a seat opposite his.
"Iris said we should go over what you want for the wedding," Ember said, keeping her tone professional.
A flicker of something dark passed through his eyes. Silence stretched between them for a second.
"Did she?"
Ember frowned slightly.
"Yes. She assigned me to plan the wedding, sir."
"I haven't agreed to anything yet."
Ember blinked.
"What?"
He woke up from his seat and stepped closer. "I haven't approved the date, nor have I approved the details," he said.
"Then why am I here?" Ember asked.
He reached for the folder, flipping it open briefly before closing it again, like he already knew its contents.
Then he looked back at her. "You're meeting my stylist tonight," he said.
Ember blinked. "Tonight?"
"At my place. I'll have someone pick you upNow's not a good time."
A time with Edward at night, hell yes! She was up for it. A faint smile crawled through her face.
He slid over a piece of paper for her to write her address. After writing she handed it over to him. But when her fingers brushed his, the bond reacted instantly.
Ember sucked in a breath and Edward didn't pull away. He looked at her like he remembered something.
"I will see you in the evening sir." She quickly took back her hand and excused herself.
"Ember" he called her back.
Her wolf snapped. Did he just call her by her first name? This was very unprofessional for a man like Edward.
She turned back slowly and he walked towards her. Ember gave three steps backwards as he came on to her.
"I know this might sound crazy, but I need an honest answer please. By any chance, were you at Eden's club four weeks back?"
Her breath cut. There were already so many lies hanging over her head for the past four weeks. She didn't want to add more to it but she couldn't just tell him she was the one he hooked up with.
"I don't quite remember the activities of that day sir. But I wasn't at a club." She lied.
Edward exhaled, running a hand through his hair, like he was trying to steady something inside himself.
"Are you sure?" He asked. " Have we met before now? I mean…. Before you started working here?"
"I'm not sure sir."
He moved closer again, but Ember couldn't move backward again because her back was already hitting the wall.
Just then, her phone buzzed, causing him to stop.
"I have to go sir. Iris needs me now." She said, running out of his office like he was coming after her.