The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 11

Outside the CEO's office.

Liam York stood by the doors clutching a stack of pending documents. Spotting Nora, he immediately stepped forward to block her path.

"Mrs. Hayes, the boss is currently in a critical executive meeting."

Liam's tone was strictly professional. "He gave strict orders not to be disturbed. Please wait out here."

Nora stopped and nodded calmly. She knew Gideon's habits; he absolutely despised being interrupted during high-level meetings.

This ironclad rule was known to everyone in the building. An executive had once been fired on the spot for taking a personal call. She had always tip-toed around his boundaries, never daring to cross them.

Taking two steps back, Nora sat down on the waiting area sofa.

Over the past three years, she had stood in this very corridor countless times, clutching a thermos of hot soup, eagerly waiting for his meetings to end, barely daring to breathe.

Ten minutes later, the private elevator at the end of the hall dinged.

Giselle rushed out like a whirlwind, sporting the latest Chanel tweed dress and a limited-edition mini bag, her stilettos clicking sharply on the tiles.

Liam, who had been guarding the door like a hawk, immediately dropped his stern posture, bowing slightly with a familiar, respectful tone.

"Giselle, you're here."

Giselle nodded dismissively, her peripheral vision catching Nora on the couch. Stopping in her tracks, she pivoted and strutted over, staring down at Nora with utter disdain.

"Well, if it isn't our incredibly devoted Mrs. Hayes. What, you caught a slap yesterday, so you're here to play the dutiful wife today?"

Giselle arched an eyebrow, her voice dripping with provocation. "Gideon won't even let you through the door. Don't you feel pathetic sitting out here? You'd be better off going home and learning how to actually please a man."

The terrifying storm surrounding Gideon vanished the exact second he registered who it was.

"What are you doing here?"

He instinctively caught her, letting her crash against his chest, a helpless, fiercely indulgent smile curving his lips.

"Why are you running? If you trip and scrape your knee, you'll be crying for hours."

"I was bored at home, so I came to see you,"

Giselle whined, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"Alright. Go play for a bit. I'll wrap up these signatures and take you out."