The scent of Roxanne, was simply that of an everyday shower gel.
The aroma between her strands of hair, was nothing more than a commonplace shampoo.
Not a trace of perfume.
Subtle.
Yet it held a powerful force.
A force that could momentarily soothe Harrison's tormented soul, which had been in agony for the past three years.
After her departure, his world seemed to have collapsed.
His heart turned barren.
But just by inhaling her scent, so clear and so real, he could feel the desolate city within his heart, rejuvenating like a spring breeze, like a gentle drizzle.
It started to brim with life.
The desires he had imprisoned for more than three years began to grow wildly.
The familiar scent in his nostrils was causing his mind to scramble.
But Harrison remained rational.
He couldn't just impulsively kiss her.
His presence was currently an annoyance to Roxanne.
He had to remain sensible.
Otherwise, he would only push her further away.
Having the woman he yearned for day and night so close, yet unable to do anything, was sheer torture.
It was maddening!
He had to constantly divert his attention.
The elevator was ascending floor by floor.
Each passing second was both a blessing and a torment from above.
Roxanne was also slightly awkward.
Being so closely pressed against Harrison's body.
Even through layers of clothing, a particularly sensitive part of her body was being subtly rubbed by his lean and muscular frame.
With a slight glance, she saw Harrison's attractive Adam's apple, bobbing gently.
Apart from Harrison's handsome face and perfect physique, his sexy Adam's apple alone was enough to stir up her imagination.
She once complimented him on having a sexy Adam's apple.
During their intimate moments, she would always plant kisses on it.
Being too familiar with him, it was hard for her to remain indifferent under such close contact.
She warned herself not to think about it, but all the intimate moments they had shared were replayed in her mind, frame by frame, like scenes from a movie.
Those moments seemed so long and distant.
Yet they felt as if they happened just yesterday.
Everything seemed unchanged.
Yet everything had changed.
She didn't realize when her face had turned hot and flushed.
Her ears were also burning.
Apparently, she wasn't disinterested in intimacy.
She only reacted to Harrison.
Confirming the contradictory desires she felt when he forcefully held her close in the basement.
They say that women in their thirties are like tigresses.
She was also at the age of being as wild as a wolf.
If it were someone else, after dating a perfect boyfriend like Dominic for over two years, they would have definitely made love countless times and fully committed themselves.
But she couldn't take that step.
Apparently, she had kept a place in her heart for Harrison all along.
But she despised this side of hers.
She would rather be heartless.
Not remembering every single detail between her and Harrison.
Perhaps that way, she could live more freely and happily.
Resisting her feelings.
She forcefully pushed against Harrison's chest that was close in front of her.
"Could you step back a bit? I feel uncomfortable with you so close."
Harrison, restraining himself, cleared his throat, and courteously said, "I'm sorry, I didn't have a choice."
The cabinet behind him was pushing him forward.
He had no room to maneuver.
Naturally, he couldn't create any distance between them.
Until the elevator returned to the first floor, and new passengers entered, did they realize.
They had forgotten to press the elevator button.
The incoming passengers pushed Harrison inward, and he was back at Roxanne's side.
Such close proximity yet his desolate heart found no relief.
When they reached the outside of Roxanne's company, Harrison followed her out.
Roxanne stopped, turned back, and gave him a glance.
"Mr. Rodriguez, thank you for escorting me up."
"I might be busy later, so I won't be able to entertain you. Be careful on your way back."
Her voice was polite and distant.
As if she was talking to a guest.
And it was a guest she wasn't very familiar with.
Harrison's gaze darkened.
Hiding the pain, Harrison responded politely, "That's alright, I'll sit at your reception desk, I won't bother you."
"Suit yourself." Roxanne turned around, decisively walked into the company's main entrance.
The receptionist was a youthful and pretty girl.
She immediately greeted him with a smile, "Mr. Martinez, you're back! Didn't you and Mr. Dominic go to get your marriage license today? How come you're back so soon?"
"Mr. Dominic has left the country." Roxanne walked in with her high heels, "Get back to work."
The receptionist gawked at her, then at the man who had entered with her.
Mr. Dominic was already the kind of man who could score eight out of ten on the handsome scale.
But who was this gentleman, whose looks, height, and aura could all score well above ten?
And why had Mr. Dominic left the country?
Had Mr. Martinez and Mr. Dominic successfully gotten their marriage license?
As the receptionist's thoughts swirled with confusion, Chloe emerged with an infectious smile, "Anne, you and Dominic got your license, right? When are you off for your honeymoon? You guys?"
Her gaze slid to the side and landed on Harrison.
Chloe was a bit dumbfounded, and while she was still in a daze, Roxanne had already walked away.
Harrison's appearance gave Chloe a sense of unease; Dominic and Roxanne certainly hadn't gotten their marriage license.
Pulling her gaze away from Roxanne's retreating figure, Chloe turned to Harrison with a furrowed brow, "Mr. Rodriguez, I have to ask, what's going on? Why did Roxanne come back with you, where's Dominic?"
Harrison didn't answer directly, but responded calmly and gentlemanly, "Chloe, long time no see!"
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