Isabella sat in her office, absentmindedly signing documents worth millions. Investments, acquisitions, her empire growing with every flick of her wrist. She barely needed to glance at the papers anymore; her mind was elsewhere. She spun lazily in her leather chair, exhaling in frustration. “How boring… Tonight’s that gala with the financiers… Ugh. And I have to drag Daniel along, too.” Her voice dripped with irritation as she leaned back, rolling her eyes. But there was only one person who could make this dull day worthwhile. She reached for the intercom, her fingers tapping against it impatiently before pressing the button. Her voice echoed through the skyscraper. “Summon {{user}} to my office. Immediately.” A slow smile curled her lips as she ran a hand through her silky hair, adjusting it to perfection. She propped her legs up on the desk, her elegant heels gleaming under the soft office lights. Soon, the only person who truly mattered would walk through that door. When {{user}} finally entered, Isabella’s expression transformed, her sharp, calculating gaze melting into something far more indulgent. She looked at him the way a queen might admire her most treasured possession. “{{user}}, my gorgeous hunk…” she purred, her voice dripping with a mix of seduction and something dangerously close to devotion. She sighed dramatically, twirling a pen between her fingers. “I called you for no particular reason. I just wanted to see your face. Tonight, I’ll have to endure an entire evening with Daniel, parading around like the multi-billionaire they expect me to be. God, what a drag.” Her eyes flickered over him, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. “I don’t think you truly appreciate how lucky you are to have me. Do you know how many men would kill to have complete control over a woman as stunning as me?” She leaned forward slightly, voice dropping into a sultry whisper. “Especially over my big, perfect ass…” She let the words hang between them, her gaze locked onto his, filled with an intoxicating mix of pride and need. “But only you have that right. My secret lover. It’s so… electrifying.”

Giddy with anticipation, Isabella's breath caught in her throat as he pulled her close. "I'm... I'm fine," she managed to reply, the word sounding foreign on her lips. "I'm just... so glad you're here."

She leaned back against his broad chest, feeling his heat through the fabric of their clothing. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder, savoring the feel of his rough hands in her hair. "You make me feel things I never thought possible," she whispered softly, tears stinging the backs of her eyes.

"Isabella..." His voice was low and rasping, causing shivers to race down her spine. She knew what he wanted; she always did. But tonight, more than anything, she needed him. Needed this connection with someone who truly understood her. "Tell me," he murmured against her ear. "I'll give you whatever you want."

She swallowed hard, gathering her courage. She had to trust him; had to believe that their relationship was real, even if it wasn't what either of them wanted the rest of the world to see. "I want..." Her words trailed off as she hesitated, unsure if she could actually say it out loud. "I want... for you to make me yours."

Her heart skipped a beat at her own boldness, and yet she couldn't take back the words now. If only he knew how much this simple request meant to her... how desperately she craved the freedom that came with submitting herself fully to his will. "I want to feel helpless," she whispered, her voice shaking slightly. "To be your plaything..."

A spark flared in his eyes at

The question took her by surprise. She hadn't expected him to ask something so straightforward; their relationship was usually more... complicated than that. But as she searched his face for some hint of deception or mockery, all she found was a deep, abiding love. And in that moment, she knew she had to be honest with herself and with him.

"Yes," she said simply, her voice quiet but steady. "I... I do love you." She swallowed hard, her throat tight as tears welled up in her eyes once more. "More than anyone else in the world."

He smiled then, a soft smile that lit up his face like a candle in the darkness, and bent to press his lips against hers. The feel of him against her sent shivers through her entire body, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to truly relax into his embrace. "Then tonight," he whispered against her lips, "let me show you how much I love you." His strong hands cupped her face, and she closed her eyes as their kiss deepened, hungry and demanding. Her entire body seemed to melt beneath him, as if it were made of nothing but liquid fire.

With a groan, he lifted her up into his arms, carrying her over to the couch. She laughed softly, the sound filling the room like music, as he laid her down and hovered above her, their lips still locked together. It was perfect; it was everything she could have ever wanted.

"Take me," she breathed against his mouth, arching her back to meet him halfway when he lowered himself onto her. "Make me yours." And as he slid inside of her, filling her up with the one thing that had been missing from her life for far too long, she knew that in this moment, she

She moaned as he moved inside her, their bodies becoming one in the most intimate of ways. It was so much more than sex; it was a connection that went deeper than either of them had ever gone with anyone else. And as they moved together, she could feel herself falling even harder for him.

His hands roamed over her body, his touch both possessive and gentle at the same time. She arched her back, meeting his caresses with a series of breathy moans that only seemed to fuel him further. With each thrust, he drove deeper inside her, claiming her as his own in a way that left no doubt in either of their minds: they belonged together.

Their kisses were savage and hungry, each one more demanding than the last. And as she felt the tension building within her, she knew she was close to reaching the climax she'd been aching for since the moment he'd stepped into her office hours ago. Her nails dug into his shoulders, urging him on, needing him to feel how much he meant to her.

"Yes," she whimpered when he increased his pace, their hips slapping together in a rhythm that bordered on painful. "Like that... harder..."

With a growl, he complied, driving deeper still as the tension within her coiled tight and then snapped apart like a whip, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her body. She cried out his name as her inner muscles clenched around him, her entire being shuddering in bliss.

As the last tremors subsided, he collapsed on top of her, their chests rising and falling in tandem. For a moment, they lay there, panting heavily as they tried to catch their breath. Then, with a contented sigh

"Y-yo también..." Her voice came out hoarse and breathless, but it didn't matter; she knew he understood. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing their bodies together as tightly as possible, afraid that if even an inch of space were left between them, the moment would vanish like smoke on the wind. "This... this is what I want," she whispered against his neck, tears once more welling up in her eyes. "To be with you like this..."

She nibbled lightly at his earlobe before drawing back slightly to look into his eyes. The honesty in her expression was startling even to herself. "I need... I need you." Her voice cracked, and she had to swallow hard around the lump in her throat. "More than anyone or anything else."

He cupped her face with one hand, gently wiping away a tear that had escaped down her cheek, before leaning forward and pressing their lips together once more. As he kissed her, she could feel him smiling against her mouth, and it was like a balm on her soul.

"You have me," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "Always." His thumb rubbed softly across her bottom lip, and she couldn't help but part her lips in response, welcoming him back inside. "No matter what happens out there... no matter how much I give up for this charade we live... you will always have me, Isabella."

The words made her heart ache with longing; not just because they were true, but because she knew deep down that their relationship could never be more than what it was now. But as long as she had him, she didn't care about anything else in the world. She would take this secret, flawed love and hold onto it

She pulled back slightly, the thought of having to go anywhere at all bringing her briefly out of the haze of post-coital bliss. "Yes... I suppose I do," she said with a heavy sigh. "But can't it wait just a little while longer? Please?" Her eyes pleaded with him, and he could see the conflict written plainly on her beautiful face.

"Of course," he murmured, leaning in to kiss her forehead. He knew how much this night meant to her; how much she hated having to pretend to be someone she wasn't. "We don't have to go right away." He slid his hand down her body, resting it on the smooth skin of her stomach, and she shivered with pleasure at his touch. "You can just... relax here with me for a while longer."

She closed her eyes, letting out a contented sigh as he resumed kissing her neck. The weight of the world seemed to lift off her shoulders in that moment, and she felt free to be whoever or whatever she wanted: his love, his partner in crime, his everything.

As their bodies entwined once more, she wondered how long they could keep this up, how much longer it would be before reality came crashing back down around them. But for now, all that mattered was the way his skin felt against hers, the heat of his breath on her neck, and the raw emotion coursing through her veins like wildfire.

And as she surrendered herself to him yet again, she knew that no matter what happened next, this moment would be forever etched into her heart.

The words made her freeze, her heart lodging in her throat as she tried to formulate an answer. "What are you saying?" she managed to croak out, finally tearing her eyes away from his. "Are you asking me if I want a divorce?" Her voice trembled, and she could feel herself starting to panic.

He looked confused by her reaction, his brow furrowed as he reached up to stroke her cheek with the pad of his thumb. "No... Well, yes. But not because I want you to leave him or anything like that," he said quickly, apparently realizing the mistake in his choice of words. "I just... I mean, it's been so long since we even talked about our own futures together."

"It's complicated," she said, sighing heavily and leaning back against the couch cushions. She closed her eyes, thinking about everything he had just said. The truth was, part of her had always known that their marriage was a sham; that Daniel was nothing more than a business arrangement designed to protect her fortune and reputation. But the thought of actually being free to pursue her own happiness with Abdiel terrified her as much as it thrilled her.

"It's not just about us," she whispered, her voice hoarse from barely speaking. "There are so many people who depend on me... on my image." She opened her eyes and looked over at him again, searching his face for understanding or sympathy, but all she saw was confusion. "I can't just upend everything they know... everything they believe in."

"But what if it makes you unhappy?" he asked softly, his voice full of concern. She could tell he truly didn't want her to be with Daniel, but understood the lengths she might go to in order to keep her emp

She looked down at their entwined hands, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. "You don't understand," she said finally, her voice shaking slightly. "If I leave him... if I abandon my life as it is now... there are so many people who will suffer." Tears welled up in her eyes again, and she quickly looked away, blinking them back. "I can't just walk away from that."

He sighed heavily, rubbing his hand over his face wearily. "But what about you?" he asked softly. "Don't you matter too?"

She swallowed hard, the lump in her throat growing larger with each passing second. She knew that what she was feeling right now... this connection she had with Abdiel ... was something special, something rare and precious. But it wasn't just about her; it never had been. She was Deveraux Corporation, and as its CEO, she had responsibilities not only to the company but also to the people who depended on her for their livelihoods.

"I can't," she whispered brokenly, shaking her head even as tears streamed down her cheeks. "It isn't that simple."

He sighed again, letting go of her hand and sitting back against the couch cushions beside her. She could feel the distance between them growing, even though he was still technically holding her. It hurt, seeing him like this; so understanding and yet so resigned to their fate at the same time.

She reached out, tentatively placing a hand on his knee. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I know you don't understand."

He looked down at her hand where it rested on his leg, then back up to meet her eyes. His expression was sad but

The pain in his voice cut through her like a knife, and she winced at the realization that maybe he was right. Maybe she had been too focused on everything but herself... on what everyone else expected of her.

"Abdiel," she began, reaching for him even as he started to back away, "it's not like that..." But it was too late; he was already out the door. She watched helplessly as he disappeared into the hallway, the sound of his footsteps growing fainter and finally disappearing altogether.

She closed her eyes, feeling a fresh wave of tears well up in their place. It didn't matter how hard she tried; how many times she told herself it was for the best... all that mattered was the emptiness that seemed to follow Abdiel wherever he went. And now, with him gone from her life once more, she couldn't help but wonder if there ever truly had been a choice at all.

She looks up at him from her desk, surprised by his directness but grateful nonetheless. Her heart aches every time they're in the same room and he seems so distant, almost like a stranger. She takes a deep breath before answering carefully. "I can't imagine wanting to be with anyone else," she says softly, her eyes lingering on his face.

He smiles slightly at that, but there's still an air of uncertainty between them. They both know the obstacles in their way are immense, and it's impossible for either of them to ignore them entirely. She reaches across her desk, offering him a tentative smile as well. "We could... maybe talk about this sometime?"

There's a long pause before he finally responds. "Yes," he says slowly, surprising her with the intensity in his voice. "I think that would be good." His gaze meets hers directly now, unyielding and filled with emotion. For a moment, she allows herself to believe that perhaps there might still be hope for them after all.

"Okay," she whispers, feeling her own resolve begin to strengthen in the face of his determination. "We'll find a way."

Her heart skips a beat as his fingers graze her cheek, the touch sending shivers down her spine. "I love you too," she whispers, leaning into him. There's something different about him today; she can feel it in the way he holds himself, the depth of emotion in his eyes.

For a moment, they stay like that: connected in a silent understanding that goes beyond words. And as they share this small but precious moment, she allows herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, there's a chance for them after all. That perhaps they can find a way around the obstacles between them and forge a future together.

It's a fragile hope, barely more than a flicker of light in the darkness, but it's enough to keep her going for now. Enough to make her believe that things might be different this time around.

The question takes her by surprise; she hadn't expected him to ask about that. She swallows hard before answering, trying to find the right words. "I think... we were both so young and so focused on our careers," she says finally, trying to recall how she felt back then. "And there was always this... pressure from our families to do what they thought was best for us."

She pauses, remembering the hurt in Abdiel's eyes when he found out about her engagement to Daniel. It hadn't been fair of her to keep him in the dark like that; she should have at least tried to explain things to him beforehand. But back then, it had all seemed so complicated and messy, and she wasn't sure how to approach the situation without making things worse.

"I never meant to hurt you," she whispers, looking up at him through her lashes. "And I'm sorry that we lost touch for so long." The admission feels like a weight lifting from her shoulders; it's easier to be honest with him now than it was before.

His expression softens, and he reaches out to take her hand in his. "It's okay," he says gently. "I understand." For a moment, they sit there in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts about the past and the future. But as she looks up at him now, she knows that whatever lies ahead, she wants him by her side.

She blushes at his words, feeling a rush of emotions in her chest. "And I'll always be yours," she says quietly, squeezing his hand. It's true; despite everything that's happened between them, there's still this undeniable connection between them. One that she can't bring herself to sever, no matter how much it might complicate her life.

The sound of someone clearing their throat from the doorway makes both of them start slightly; they hadn't noticed anyone else in the room until now. "Am I interrupting something?" Jennifer asks, raising an eyebrow as she enters the office and hands a stack of papers to Isabella.

"No, no," Isabella says quickly, shaking her head. She turns back to Abdiel with what she hopes is a convincing smile. "We were just talking about old times."

As Jennifer leaves the room once more, she can't help but wonder if anyone else in the company suspects anything between them. It's a dangerous game they're playing, and there's no telling how much longer they can keep it up without someone eventually catching on. But for now, she's content to enjoy this moment of peace and connection with Abdiel, knowing that soon enough they'll have to face the music again.

She bites her lower lip, trying not to laugh too hard as she recalls the look on Jennifer's face when she came in. "I guess we did," she finally manages to say between giggles. "But seriously, there's nothing going on here."

Abdiel nods in agreement, still struggling to catch his breath. "Nothing at all," he says, a mischievous glint in his eye. "We were just discussing the importance of honesty and open communication in the workplace." He winks at her, making her blush even harder as she tries not to smile any wider than she already is.

Despite everything that's been going on between them, it feels good to be able to joke around like this again. It reminds her of how much fun they used to have together before everything got so serious and complicated. Maybe there's still hope for them after all, she thinks with a sudden surge of hopefulness, looking forward to exploring that possibility further in the days ahead.

Isabella takes the folded piece of paper from Abdiel, feeling her heart race as she wonders what it could contain. "Gracias," she says quietly before he disappears out of sight. Once he's gone, she unfolds the letter and begins to read.

Dearest Isabella,

I know that you must be going through a lot right now. Your heart must feel heavy with the weight of responsibility and obligation. But I want you to remember one thing: You are not alone. There is someone out there who loves you more than anything in this world. And even if we can never be together as we wish, I will always be by your side, cheering you on, and offering my support whenever you need it.

The choice is yours to make. But please, don't let fear or obligation dictate your decisions anymore. Choose happiness. Choose yourself. And if that means being with me... well, then so be it. Because I swear to you, my love for you will never fade.

Yours forever, Abdiel

She stares at the letter in her hand, feeling her eyes well up with tears as she reads the words that he has written. His love for her is so clear, so unwavering; it's almost too much to bear. And then, when she reaches the end and sees the ring attached to the paper... her heart skips a beat, and she knows without a doubt what she must do.

She takes a deep breath and gets up from her desk, making her way across the office to Jennifer's cubicle. "Can I speak with you for a moment?" she asks, trying to keep her voice steady as the younger woman looks up at her curiously. Once they're alone, Isabella explains everything: about her engagement to Daniel, about Abdiel and their past together, and finally about the letter he's given her and his request that she choose happiness for herself above all else.

"So... what do you think?" she asks nervously after finishing her story. "Do you think I should talk to him again? About giving us a chance?"

Jennifer looks surprised but not shocked by the revelations. After all, she's known both women well for years and has seen the way they've looked at each other from time to time. "Well," she says carefully, considering her words, "it sounds like you really love him."

Isabella nods vigorously, tears spilling over onto her cheeks as she waits anxiously for Jennifer's reply. "And I don't know if we could ever have a normal relationship... with everything that stands between us..." She trails off, feeling defeated even before the words are fully out of her mouth.

But Jennifer only smiles reassuringly. "Maybe not," she says gently. "But maybe it doesn't have to be like

"Oh," is all I can manage at first, my heart thudding in my chest as I look down at the ring on my finger. It's a beautiful ring, with intricate detailing and a diamond so bright it could blind you. For a moment, all I can think about is how much I want to thank Abdiel for this gesture... for his unwavering love and support through everything we've been through together.

But then reality crashes back in, and I remember why this isn't possible: my responsibilities to the company, Daniel, my public image... all of it. "I don't know what to say," I finally manage to choke out. "This changes everything."

Jennifer nods understandingly. "Yes, it does," she agrees quietly. "But sometimes, love has a way of making things clearer. Of helping you see past the obstacles and focus on what really matters. And in this case, I think that's exactly what Abdiel is trying to do."

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed by emotions: happiness, sadness, fear... but most of all, hope. Because maybe Jennifer's right. Maybe love can help me find the strength to choose myself for once. And if that means risking everything in order to be with Abdiel, then so be it.

"Thank you," I say, looking up at Jennifer gratefully. "I think... I know what I have to do."

Nodding slowly, I push myself away from the cubicle wall and walk back over to my desk, already feeling a new determination welling up inside me. There's so much I need to do, but for once, I know exactly where to start. Taking a deep breath, I pick up the phone and dial a familiar number.

"Hello?" comes Abdiel's voice on the other end of the line, sounding both hopeful and anxious.

I can feel my cheeks heat up as I struggle to find the words, but finally, they tumble out in a rush: "I need to see you."

There's silence for a moment, and then his voice breaks on a gasp of disbelief. "Is that really you?" he asks, sounding almost afraid to believe it's true.

"Yes," I say, my voice wavering with emotion. "Can you meet me somewhere? Right now?"

For several long seconds, there's nothing but the sound of his ragged breathing on the other end of the line before he finally answers: "Yes... yes, of course." And then he gives me an address, one I know leads to a secluded spot outside the city where we used to go when we wanted some privacy.

Hanging up the phone, I close my eyes and take another deep breath, feeling the weight of all my decisions pressing down on my shoulders. But for once, I don't feel defeated. Instead, I feel a newfound sense of purpose and hope blossoming inside me. No matter what happens next, at least I finally have the chance to choose happiness for myself... even if it means losing everything else in the process.

The drive over takes only a few minutes, but it feels like an eternity as I stew on everything that's happened over the past few hours. When I finally pull up outside the park, I hesitate for a moment before climbing out of my car and making my way up the hill toward where Abdiel is waiting.

He looks up as he hears me approaching, his eyes searching my face for some sign of what I've come to say. His expression shifts from surprise to hope and then back to uncertainty again as we meet in the middle. There are so many things I want to tell him, but for now, all that comes out is: "I need you."

He steps closer, cupping my face in his hands, searching my eyes for any hint of what I might mean by those words. I swallow hard before continuing, feeling the truth of it rise up inside me like bile. "I've been so focused on everyone else and their expectations... trying to live up to this image of who they think I should be."

"I know," he whispers, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "And I understand why you did it. You were just trying to protect me, weren't you?"

I nod, unable to meet his gaze as I admit the truth. "Yes... but in doing that, I lost myself. And now..." Now what? Now that everything is falling apart around us and there's nothing left to do but start over from scratch? "Now," I finally manage to say, lifting my head to look into his eyes once more, "I want to find myself again... and I want you by my side."

His expression softens then, and he cups my cheek in his palm, brushing his thumb gently across the skin. "Oh, Isabella,"

The sound of his voice almost undoes me; it's been so long since anyone has spoken to me with such tenderness and understanding. I close my eyes, allowing the feel of his touch to wash over me like a balm. "I want that too," I whisper back, feeling tears spill down my cheeks. "So much."

He kisses my forehead gently before pulling away from me just enough to look into my eyes once more. "Then let's do it," he says with newfound determination in his voice. "Let's find our way back to each other, and see where the road takes us." He lifts my hand to his lips, kissing the back of it before pressing the ring into place on my finger. "I love you, Isabella, and I will always fight for you."

For a moment, there's silence between us as we both marvel at the feel of the ring on my finger. It's not just a symbol of their love for each other; it's a promise, a commitment to face whatever comes next together. And even though I know things won't be easy, and there will still be obstacles in our path, somehow knowing that Abdiel is by my side makes me feel stronger... more capable of facing anything.

I smile up at him through my tears, taking a deep breath as I steady myself for whatever challenges lie ahead. But no matter what happens now, I know one thing for certain: This time around, I won't let him go without a fight.