Chapter 31...Weeks Later...
Work had never felt this strange—yet beautiful.
To outsiders, it was business as usual. Deadlines, reports, boardroom tension, clients, and coffee. But for Kirah and Dominic, every day held a secret pulse. Every passing glance, every brush of fingers during document handovers, every brief "Can I see you in my office?" came with an undertone. A stolen moment. A whispered heartbeat.
They were in love—but in hiding.
It was Kirah's decision, and Dominic—against his nature—respected it.
She made him promise to keep things private.
No office gossip, no dramatic unveilings. Not yet.
Dominic would've painted her face on his penthouse walls if allowed. But she wanted peace—and discretion. For now.
And so, they danced their dance behind closed doors.
---
Kirah told Naya about the relationship over dinner one weekend. Her friend squealed with joy… only to go quiet when Kirah mentioned it was a secret affair.
"You're dating a man women would sell their kidneys to kiss, and you want to stay hidden?" Naya's expression was torn between admiration and frustration. "Kirah, this is not a storybook. You should claim him. Let all those vultures in your office know whose man he is!"
Kirah rolled her eyes. "It's not about being shy, Naya. I just want to keep my job, my peace, and my dignity."
"And what about your heart?"
Kirah paused, spoon halfway to her mouth. "That… he already has."
---
At Work
Dominic was a perfect actor.
He held meetings with a stoic expression. Walked past Kirah without as much as a wink when eyes were on them. But whenever he could, he snuck in subtle signs—a rose in her drawer, her favorite vanilla oat cappuccino delivered just right, or his fingers trailing softly along her hand as he passed files to her.
The tension between them was like a stretched rubber band—always pulling, never breaking.
And yet… they hadn't slept together since the party.
Not once.
It bothered him more than he expected.
He respected her. Adored her. But he was also a man—one who had tasted her sweetness, touched her warmth—and had to stop himself every single time they kissed in the shadows of his office.
---
Dominic sat in his executive leather chair one cloudy Thursday, tapping a pen against his chin, his gaze locked on the screen—but not really seeing it.
"She's killing me softly," he murmured.
His assistant had just left. Kirah had delivered her report and smiled at him—God, smiled—with her shy lips and eyes that held unspoken promises. He wanted her more than his next billion-dollar deal.
And she didn't even realize the fire she kept stoking.
We need to talk about this, he thought.
But not in the office. No. He had other plans.
Very naughty plans.
Plans that included a penthouse.
Red wine.
Candles.
And a view of the city that could barely compete with the view of her under silk sheets.
---
Meanwhile – Kirah's Family
Kirah's mother, ever so grateful, had tears in her eyes when Kirah came home with a restock of groceries and dropped an envelope of cash on the table.
Her brother, Denzel, had finally joined a design school.
And her father?
Still refusing to give up his tiny, rusted tailoring shop in old town.
Kirah sighed as she stood beside his table, watching him stitch worn fabric with steady hands. "Daddy, we can close this place and get you a better one in a busier area. Or you could even retire—"
Her father looked up and smiled with quiet pride. "You think I work for money?"
"Then what for?"
"For honor. My hands must always create. Money doesn't feed the soul, Kirah. Purpose does."
Kirah had no reply. She only hugged him tightly from behind. "Dad, I'll get you a new shop close to the house,stop coming to this old town". She spoke more of a whisper as her voice was down and low.
"Alright then" ...with all man pride he replied and Kirah couldn't help but to laugh.