Their marriage was arranged.
Their chemistry was undeniable.
Their breakup? Devastating.
Zara Hartley never expected to fall for Dylan Reid - the arrogant, devastatingly handsome CEO her parents forced her to marry. But beneath the power plays and p...
She didn't scream, didn't lash out, didn't block Dylan's number or throw glasses at the wall like in some dramatic film.
She simply disappeared from his reach.
She skipped the joint debrief with the design team. Canceled two standing calls they were meant to have. When she had to attend meetings, she sent one of her senior partners in her place—always polite, always professional, and always not Zara.
Dylan noticed. Immediately.
By Friday, he was pacing in his office, jaw clenched, phone in hand. The new contract with Hartley Global was set to launch, but everything felt... off.
Too quiet.
Too cold.
Too Zara.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
He fired off a text.
We need to talk. Don't do this.
No reply.
He called. Twice.
Voicemail.
When Monday rolled around, he showed up at her building—unannounced. Security gave him a visitor pass with a smile, completely unaware that he was walking into the battlefield unarmed.
Zara's assistant greeted him with her usual poise. "Mr. Reid. Ms. Hartley's schedule is full today."
"She'll make time," Dylan said, stepping forward.
"I'm afraid—"
"Is she in?" He asked.
The assistant blinked. "Yes, but—"
"I'll wait." He sat on the black leather bench by the glass partition like a man planting a flag.
Thirty minutes later, Zara walked out of her office.
She froze when she saw him. Just for a second.
Then the mask returned.
Composed. Indifferent. Regal.
"Mr. Reid," she said coolly. "Is this a surprise visit or just poor scheduling on your team's part?"
Dylan stood. "You've been dodging me."
"I've been working."
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
