Boundaries and Unraveling Secrets
Aelira stumbled into Nancy's room, her face flushed with a mix of emotions. She ignored Nancy's questioning gaze and bolted into her room, slamming the door shut.
Nancy, curious and concerned, knocked on the door. “Aelira, what’s going on? You look like you’ve seen a ghost! Open the door!”
Inside, Aelira leaned against the door, her chest heaving. Her assistant, the tiny hamster-like shape-shifting creature, sat on her dresser.
“Hey, girl,” it chirped. “I’ve analyzed your behavior, your flushed face, your rapid heart rate... This feeling you’re experiencing is love. A total commitment to another individual for the duration of a human life cycle. Quite inefficient if you ask me.”
Aelira glared at it, her voice a mix of panic and irritation. “Love? I—No, that’s ridiculous! I can’t be in love with him. I’m here for my mission, not to... to feel anything!”
The assistant smirked, as much as a hamster could. “Tell me, Aelira. Do you want this? To stay here? To abandon your mission and tether yourself to a human? Have you forgotten about returning to our planet?”
Her expression hardened. “Of course not! I haven’t forgotten. This... whatever I’m feeling is irrelevant.”
The assistant tilted its head. “We’ll see.”
---
The Next Morning
Aelira composed herself, determined to face the day like nothing had happened. She walked into Arthur’s office confidently, her usual air of professionalism masking her inner turmoil.
However, the sight of an unfamiliar, sharply dressed man in the office lobby stopped her in her tracks. He was holding a magazine with a bold headline: “CEO and Employee Romance: A Scandal or True Love?”
Arthur’s father, Richard Langston, glared at her as their eyes met briefly.
Before Aelira could process the situation, Arthur arrived. His face lit up in surprise. “Dad? What are you doing here?”
Richard turned to him, his expression stern. “This isn’t a casual visit, Arthur. We need to talk.”
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Arthur frowned. “Is this about business?”
Richard thrust the magazine into Arthur’s hands. “It’s about this. Care to explain why every gossip column in the city is talking about you and your employee?”
Arthur’s jaw tightened as he looked at the photo of him giving Aelira CPR during the fire incident. “Dad, it’s not what it looks like. It’s a misunderstanding.”
Richard ignored his explanation and got straight to the point. “Enough distractions. I’ve come to discuss your future. You’re getting married.”
Arthur froze, his voice a sharp whisper. “Excuse me?”
Richard continued, unfazed by his son’s shock. “It’s time to stop these foolish scandals and secure our family’s legacy. I’ve arranged your engagement to Luna Grey. Her family’s partnership is invaluable to our business. This marriage will solidify our alliance.”
Arthur’s eyes darkened. “Dad, you can’t be serious. I’m not interested in Luna, and you can’t just dictate my life like this.”
Richard smirked, his tone cold. “You’ll do as you’re told. I’m not asking, Arthur. I’m telling you.”
---
Meanwhile
Astron had been passing by Arthur’s cabin when he overheard the heated conversation. His heart sank as he heard Luna’s name mentioned as the bride. Quietly, he slipped away to his own office, where Aelira found him moments later.
Astron sat slumped in his chair, his face pale. Aelira raised an eyebrow as she entered. “Astron, you look like you’ve just heard the world’s worst news.”
He glanced at her, his voice trembling. “It’s not about me... It’s Arthur. His dad’s forcing him to marry Luna.”
Aelira’s stomach dropped, but she masked her feelings with a smirk. “So? Why does it bother you so much? You’re not the one being forced to marry her.”
Astron hesitated before blurting out, “Because... I love her!”
Aelira blinked, then burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as she collapsed onto the floor. “You? Love Luna? Oh, this is too good! The brooding artist has a secret crush!”
Astron scowled, crossing his arms. “It’s not funny, Aelira. You don’t understand how complicated this is.”
Before she could tease him further, the door slammed open, and Richard Langston strode in. His piercing gaze fell on Aelira.
“You,” he said coldly, pointing a finger at her. “Stay away from my son.”
Aelira straightened, her smirk fading. “Excuse me?”
Richard stepped closer, his tone menacing. “Don’t play innocent with me. I’ve seen how close you’ve gotten to Arthur. Whatever game you’re playing, it ends now. I won’t let some... employee interfere with his future.”
Aelira clenched her fists but kept her voice calm. “With all due respect, Mr. Langston, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Richard leaned in, his voice a low growl. “I have eyes everywhere, girl. One wrong move, and you’ll regret it.”
He turned and left without another word, leaving Aelira and Astron in tense silence.
Astron broke the quiet, his voice soft. “Are you okay?”
Aelira smirked, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ve dealt with worse threats. Let’s see how this plays out.”
But inside, her resolve hardened. She wasn’t about to let anyone dictate her fate—or Arthur’s.