Chapter Four

" - Elsie's POV

I couldn't believe what I had just seen. Jayden, my employee, was being groped by his ex-girlfriend in his office. It was a sight that made me sick to my stomach. I had always known that Jayden was a good-looking man, but I had never imagined that he would stoop so low as to let someone like Sarah touch him like that. Right now, I'm so damn angry that I had to fire him to serve as a deterrent to others so I called him back to my office for a lecture.

Earlier on I just couldn't shake off the anger that was why I stormed out of his office, feeling a mixture of anger and hurt. I had always been attracted to Jayden, but I had never acted on those feelings. As a CEO, I had always been focused on my work, and I didn't have time for romantic entanglements. But seeing Jayden with Sarah made me realize just how much I cared for him.

But I couldn't let myself be vulnerable like that. I was a strong, powerful woman, and I refused to let anyone take advantage of me. So, when Jayden tried to apologize and explain what had happened, I refused to listen.

"I can't believe you would let someone like Sarah touch you like that," I said once he stood before my desk, my voice cold and hard. "I thought I could trust you, Jayden. But it seems that I was wrong."

Jayden looked devastated, and I could see the pain in his eyes. But I didn't care. He had betrayed my trust, and I wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily.

"I'm sorry, Ms Beckman," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I didn't mean for it to happen. I was just caught off guard."

But his excuses fell on deaf ears. I knew that Jayden was a good man, but I couldn't forgive him for what he had done.

"Get your things and leave, Jayden," I said, my voice trembling with anger. "I don't want to see you here again."

Jayden looked like he was about to say something, but he stopped himself and turned to leave. I watched as he walked out of my office, feeling a sense of sadness wash over me. I had lost a good employee, but more than that, I had lost someone that I had started to care for.

As I sat at my desk, going through some reports, I couldn't help but feel a sense of regret. Maybe I had been too hard on Jayden. Maybe I should have given him a chance to explain himself. But it was too late now. Jayden was gone, and I was left alone with my thoughts.

But even as I tried to focus on my work, my mind kept drifting back to Jayden. I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more between us, something that we had both been too afraid to acknowledge. And as I looked out of the window, watching the sun set over the city, I knew that I had to make a decision. Either I could let my fear and anger consume me, or I could take a chance on love, and see where it would lead me.

Jayden's behavior with his ex-girlfriend had left me feeling hurt and angry. I couldn't believe that he had let someone like her into his life, let alone his office. I had always thought that Jayden was a professional and respected architect, but his actions had made me question my judgment.

I knew that I needed some time to clear my head and figure out what I wanted to do about our working relationship. So, I decided to take a few days off and go on a luxury yacht vacation. It was the perfect way to escape the stress of work and clear my mind.

As I lounged on the deck of the yacht, sipping a glass of champagne and enjoying the sea breeze, I couldn't help but think about Jayden. I had been attracted to him from the moment I had met him, but his behavior with his ex-girlfriend had left a sour taste in my mouth.

I didn't know if I could trust him anymore, and that scared me. I had worked hard to get where I was, to become a successful CEO, and I didn't want to jeopardize that by getting involved with someone who didn't share my values and work ethic.

But at the same time, I couldn't deny the chemistry between us. There was something about Jayden that drew me to him, something that made me feel alive and invigorated. And as much as I tried to push those feelings aside, they kept creeping back up.

As the yacht docked back at the marina, I made a decision. I would give Jayden another chance, but only if he proved that he was worthy of my trust and respect. I couldn't let my feelings cloud my judgment, but I also couldn't ignore the connection between us.

When I returned to the office, I called Jayden into my office for a meeting. I could tell that he was nervous as he walked in, his eyes darting around the room. But I was determined to be firm and clear about my expectations.

"Jayden, I want to be clear about something," I said, my voice stern. "I value professionalism and respect in the workplace. I can't tolerate any behavior that compromises that, whether it's from you or any other employee."

Jayden nodded, his eyes focused on mine. "I understand, Elsie. And I want you to know that I take full responsibility for what happened with Sarah. It was a mistake, and I promise that it won't happen again."

I could see the sincerity in his eyes, and it gave me some comfort. But I knew that actions spoke louder than words. "I'm willing to give you another chance, Jayden. But you need to prove to me that you're committed to your work and to maintaining a professional relationship with me."

Jayden nodded again, his eyes filled with determination. "I won't let you down,Ms Elsie. I'll work hard to earn your trust and respect."

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of hope as he spoke those words. Maybe there was a chance for us after all. But I also knew that I needed to stay focused and not let my emotions cloud my judgment.

As Jayden left my office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. I had made my expectations clear, and now it was up to him to follow through. I didn't know what the future held for us, but I knew that I was willing to give him another chance - as long as he proved himself worthy.