She turned around and plodded out of the lobby, with three pairs of watchful eyes on her back.

Kira found a stone bench on the square outside and plonked herself down.

She buried her head in her knees.

She had no phone, no wallet, and two dollars left in her pocket.

What was she supposed to do?

***

212

Kai caught the dour look on Andrea's face as she stepped out of the lift.

'What's wrong?'

Andrea forced a smile. 'Nothing. Just got rid of another one of the president's crazy stalkers.' She shook her head. 'I've seen plenty of their type before, but this one really takes the cake.' 'Oh? What did she do?' Kai's curiosity was piqued. 'She claims to be the president's wife and demands to be let in without an appointment.

Kai was laughing before an idea suddenly struck him.

The laughter died in his throat.

"This woman, did she leave a name?'

'No. I didn't need to ask. She's the same crazy lady who kept showing up at the office during the past week. I told her repeatedly that you and Mr McCarthy were away on a business trip, but she just refused to listen.'

Kai had a sinking feeling in his stomach. "This crazy lazy, she wouldn't happen to be a woman in her early twenties, would she? Petite, long black hair, big eyes? Probably wears a t-shirt and jeans?'

Andrea nodded. "That's right. You know her?'

'Shit. Where is she?'

'I showed her the door two minutes ago. She may-

Kai dashed into the lift before the door slid shut.

He found Kira on the stone bench outside.

It was easy; she was the only one there.

'Young Madam!' Kai stopped in front of her, panting. 'What are you doing here?'

Kira looked up in a daze.

She had planned to wait here for Austyn to get off work.

'I came here to see Austyn, but the secretary wouldn't let me in.'

'They don't know who you are. Don't worry, I'll put your name on the list of pre-approved visitors. You can go straight up to the forty-eighth floor next time.' Kira nodded mechanically. 'Come with me, please. Boss will be thrilled to see you.'

The assistant led her back into the office building, catching curious glances from everyone he passed.

'Is there something urgent?' he asked as he stepped into the lift.

'Uh, no, not really.

'You could have given Boss a call before you came. Or you could've called me.'

'I lost my phone.'

Do You Want A Boy Or A Girl?

'Oh.' Kai made a mental note to get her a new phone later.

Boss would be picking up the tab, of course.

'What colour do you like? Black? Grey? Pink?' he asked.

'What?' Kira thought Kai was making small talk, though the choice of topic was an odd one. 'I don't really have a preference.

She wasn't in the mood for conversation.

She was still trying to process Gideon's words.

He said Austyn married her because he wanted something from her.

But what could it be?

Why did Gideon say that?

Was it just an arbitrary excuse he made up on the spot, purely for the sake of driving a wedge between her and Austyn?

Or did he have a reason for saying so?

Kira cautioned herself not to fall into his trap.

Gideon had always been smarter than her, not just academically.

Maybe he was just playing on her insecurity.

But psychological insecurity wasn't something she could just reason away.

Her mind was telling her to ignore Gideon, but a voice in her heart was saying something else...

'We are here.'

Kai's voice pulled Kira back to reality.

They were standing outside the president's office on the forty-eighth floor.

Kai was about to knock when the door was pulled open from the inside.

Kira looked up and saw Austyn.

He held an empty mug in one hand.

Both of his shirtsleeves were rolled up.

'Daley, get me another cup-'Austyn pulled up short at the sight of Kira. 'What are you doing here?'

Kira forgot all about the voice in her heart and launched herself into his arms.

The impact knocked him back a step.

Austyn opened his arms without thinking.

Kira clung to his waist and buried her head in his chest.

Daley, Andrea and the other three secretaries gawked openly.

Kai recovered first and took the mug from Austyn's hand.

He was just as surprised, but he hid it well.

He thought Kira didn't like her relationship with Boss to become public knowledge.

Austyn was also puzzled by Kira's unusual display of public affection. 'What's wrong?'

Shouldn't she be at home right now?

Kira said nothing.

She just burrowed deeper into his arms.

Andrea stared at the woman hugging the president, her mouth agape.

Wasn't she a stalker?

Or was she telling the truth about being the president's wife?

Otherwise, Mr McCarthy would have shoved her away and called security the moment she made her move. Andrea was completely baffled.

Had she failed in her gatekeeping duty once again and kept the wrong woman away?

Austyn cleared his throat and shot a warning look to the secretaries, who took the hint and scattered.

He half-carried Kira into his office and kicked the door shut.

He led her to sit down on a sofa and lifted her face with a finger, 'Kira, what's wrong?'

She looked like she was in shock.

'N-nothing.' Kira shook her head.

the scanned the surroundings and seemed to have prat altuet where the we

Austyn frowned. 'Are you

"Yes, I'm sure

Austyn scrutinised her face for a long while

Kisa looked away

He decided not to pr

Kira wasn't the type who could keep things to heel as hang

She would tell him eventually.

"Okay, ber kald

Kira was secretly relieved.

She had rushed here without thinking it through

After she got away from dom, all the wanted was to Austyn and fast Seasoning prosmes.

She also wanted to ask him about what he, but mathing held here har

Austyn said he married her end of chari

Kira was sure she would get the same anewry if the acted aga

The question was endy going to pics hom aff.

He would probably accuse bey of dwelling on the past, and he would be right

"You don't look so well "Austyn anticed the sweat on her forehead. Have you been minning

No, I took a tass here."

"Then why are you sweating?"

Kira touched her forehead. "I don't know. Maybe it's hot in here"

Are you sure? I could call a doctor here"

"No. I'm fine, really. I'm thirsty, though. Do you have anything to drink?

Austyn got up and fetched her a bottle of Exam

She swigged the entire bottle in five gulps.

'Better?"

"Yes, much"

Are you hungry?"

"Not really." Kira touched her stomach "Actually, yes, I'm a little peckish,"

Austyn opened the door and said something to Kal

Something sour would be nice," Kita said from the sofa

"Sure. Just give me a minute Kai nodded and left.

Austyn returned to the sofa and kept staring at birt.

Something was clearly bugging het.

She was all fidgety and on edge What was she biting?

Did something happens back home?

But Elsie would have called him if it didExclusive content from .

Had Kira gone out during the day?

Where did the go?

"What? is there something om Exce? Kita seguintes fidee kustyn's searching gase

Since when do you like out food? the saked.

Didn't she use to have a sweet tooth?

1 dit ke 22's just a sudden crateg

"Then I guess we're having a here.

What do you mean

lee told me a ciring fine sweet food means yet haring a girl, whereas craving salty files a "That's and wees' tale Kisa pulled a face