Tuesday was a lesson in silent endurance.
The white marble desk sat to my left like a silent, elegant taunt.
I spent the entire day trying to ignore its existence, but it was impossible.
Every time I reached for a file or answered the phone, the sleek, empty surface caught the corner of my eye. It was a reminder that my territory was no longer mine alone.
Julian was in and out of the suite all day, buzzing with a kind of restless energy I hadn't seen before. He was personally overseeing the delivery of a bouquet of white lilies for the new desk and a "welcome kit" that looked more like a curated gift basket than office supplies.
"Isabella loves the scent of lilies." Julian remarked as he adjusted the vase for the third time. "They remind her of the gardens at the estate in Surrey. Don't you think they brighten the place up, Madelyn?"
"They're very nice, sir." I said, my voice tight. The cloying, sweet scent of the flowers was already starting to give me a headache.
