Chapter 2

Isabella's POV.

Looking back, I realized that deep down, I always had feelings for him. But at that time, the age difference made things complicated, especially knowing he would soon leave for college. So, I settled for being friends and enjoyed the time we spent together. However, in the last semester of school, our paths began to diverge, and eventually, he went off to college and never responded to my messages to keep in contact. We drifted apart, each pursuing our own separate lives. But when I saw him walk through that elevator, the way his amber eyes met mine with recognition and a familiar smile, I knew there was something still between us.

"Hello? Isa? Can we get back to the story?" Rishma waved at me, bringing me back from my deep thoughts.

"Right," I hummed and refocused. "That was some background story. Now let's go back to four months ago when I started my job at Majestic Meadows."

***

Four months ago...

"Mr. Volkov." I cleared my throat, watching as he approached me and took a seat across from me. Seeing him in a well-tailored suit, looking more mature and refined surprised me. His hair was no longer parted in the middle but neatly swept back.

“Ms. Mancini, still, I assume?” he asked, taking a seat across from me.

"Correct," I replied, sitting up straight and looking at the folder he pulled out.

"Wow, it's been years," he sighed, a touch of nostalgia in his voice.

"It has indeed," I agreed, studying his face and realizing that time had treated him well.

"I see you pursued your dreams," Ares mentioned, aware of my passion for interior design.

"I have indeed. I didn't know you were interested in hotels," I replied, genuinely surprised. I remembered his dreams of becoming a successful businessman.

"My first investment went well, so I stuck with it," he explained, a proud smile on his face.

"That's great, Mr. Volkov," I said, genuinely happy for him. Seeing my old friend succeed brought me joy.

"You can call me by my first name, Bella," he suggested, his amber eyes locking with my green ones. There was a warmth in his gaze that I hadn't seen before, and it caught me off guard.

"I prefer not to while we're doing business," I replied, feeling a tinge of shyness but also wanting to maintain professionalism.

"Right, well, have you been briefed on which rooms and suites we'd like to renovate?" Ares asked, diverting the conversation to business matters. He started flipping through the folder that contained some of my previous design works.

"Of course, sir. I have some designs I'd love to show you," I offered, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. I had prepared several designs since the day I learned they had accepted me for the job.

"I'd love to see them, but I want to involve the group in the decision-making process as well," Ares said, his attention fixated on one of the potential designs. I hoped his focus meant he liked it.

"Tomorrow, we'll meet here again, same time, and discuss the designs with the others. Bring your best," Ares instructed, and I mentally noted to add the plans to the agenda.

"For today, I suppose we should talk about your contract, pay, and the duration of the project," he continued, handing me a contract he retrieved from his briefcase. I read through it carefully, agreed upon the terms, and assured him that I would complete the project on time. Little did I know that signing those papers would change my life in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Two weeks had passed since I signed the contract. Ares and his team had chosen the final designs and made some adjustments. I was diligent, arriving early to work every day and giving my best. Surprisingly, Ares visited the same hotel every day, even though he had several others to oversee. I appreciated his presence, and he often brought hot beverages for the staff. Everything went smoothly until one morning when I ran significantly late.

"How come you're so late?" Mr. Volkov stood by the entrance, his question catching me off guard. I cleared my throat, trying to regain composure and standing up straight to face him.

"I'm terribly sorry, sir. It won't happen again," I apologized, hoping he wouldn't press further. But instead of letting it go, he stepped to my side, blocking my path completely.

"What happened that made you come in so late?" Ares inquired, his arms crossed and a raised eyebrow conveying his seriousness.

"I don't want to make excuses," I muttered, averting my gaze and observing the hotel guests coming and going, their opulence evident in their appearance. This place catered to the affluent, and I felt a pang of insecurity.

"I asked for the reason, Bella," he spoke in a softer tone, his voice tinged with concern. There it was again, that nickname. 'Bella,' a shortened version of Isabella that only he used. It stirred something within me, a mix of familiarity and tenderness.

"The place I moved into is quite far away," I finally admitted, feeling a need to get it off my chest. It wasn't an excuse but a genuine explanation. I had to wake up early to beat the traffic and reach the hotel on time, considering the distance and the bustling city during work hours.

"Did you move there because of this job?" Ares questioned, motioning for me to walk toward the elevator.

"Yes, most closer places were unavailable when I needed to rent a place," I sighed, revealing my struggle to find suitable housing. When I secured the job, the most desirable locations were already taken.

"You should've just told me," Ares shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. He pressed the elevator button for the office floor, and we stepped inside. “There are few rooms for employees. I want you to make use of one,” He explained his gaze on me rather than the reflection of himself on the mirror walls.

"I couldn't accept that, sir," I responded awkwardly, my gaze shifting to the floor. I didn't want to burden him further.

"I need you to accept it. I won't tolerate you being late again," Ares said sternly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. I knew he had high expectations and had even fired employees in the past for similar reasons.

"Fine, I'll pack my things and move in later then," I acquiesced, a mix of defeat and acceptance washing over me. It made sense practically, and I could use the extra time for myself instead of battling traffic.

"I could help you with that," Ares offered unexpectedly. I turned to him, surprised by his willingness to assist. I hesitated for a moment before shaking my head.

“I wouldn’t want to be a burden," I said, grateful for the gesture but also mindful of our professional boundaries.

"I don't mind helping an old friend," Ares shrugged nonchalantly, catching on to my hesitation. Memories of our past flooded my mind, reminding me of the strong bond we once shared.

“Friend,” I repeated in a scoff so quiet.

"Anyway, we should get to our jobs," he cleared his throat, snapping back to the present, and headed towards his office. I followed suit, our conversation hanging in the air, along with the remnants of unfinished emotions. It seemed as though the past had caught up with us, and the future held uncertainties and possibilities.