Chapter 5

Eilidh's POINT OF VIEW

"I don’t want to move..."

The phrases left my mouth before I may want to forestall them.

As soon as I found out what I had said, I froze. My coronary heart clenched. My throat tightened. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to regain my composure.

"Mr. Fraser, I apologize for my conduct," I said quickly, straightening my posture. "But I don’t want to go."

Hamish Fraser, my boss, raised an eyebrow. "Eilidh, you understand why we moved you down here." The contract has settled, but the selection no longer favors you as much."

My hands curled into fists at my sides. "I should have gone back to France," I asserted. "My role is at the Pinnacle workplace. "I don't have any purpose to stay here."

I wasn’t going to allow this to appear once more. I had carried out the entirety to move forward. To rebuild. I want to leave that aspect of my life behind.

Six years ago, my internship was divided into portions. The words nonetheless haunted me.

"I don’t want the child."

I had carried the one's words with me like a wound that refused to heal. Now, in spite of everything this time, I had no interest in seeing him once more. I had no interest in revisiting the past.

Hamish let loose a gradual breath. "Eilidh… the company was bought out. You realize that, don’t you?"

I stiffened. "Yes, I understand."

"Then you also recognize that Ruaridh MacKinnon is now at the rate."

The ground beneath me appeared to disappear. My belly became….

Six years in the past, my marriage was in his hands. Now, how is my career faring?

I should eventually feel the walls closing in.

I took a deep breath, trying to be consistent with myself. "That doesn’t imply he receives to determine whether or not I stay or go away."

Hamish gave me a look—one I had seen earlier than. He expressed that he understood the situation, but that there was nothing he should have done.

"It’s out of my arms," he said genuinely. "If you need to go away, you must take it up with him."

Him.

I may want to softly say his name in my head, let alone to his face.

My pulse pounded in my ears. No. This has become a nightmare. I had come back for paintings, not for… this.

The moment stretched among us. Hamish gave the impression that he wanted to say extra; however, earlier than he should, a voice cut through the office.

"Mr. MacKinnon is here."

The words sent a shudder down my spine.

Footsteps. Heavy. Measured. Commanding.

I didn’t have to turn around to find out who it was.

The air inside the room changed, as if a typhoon was about to roll in.

I turned my head slightly, just enough to peer at him.

Men in dark suits surrounded him, their eyes scanning the room like guards in a citadel. But it changed into him—Ruaridh MacKinnon—who commanded all the attention.

His presence filled every inch of the space.

Black match. White blouse. A high-priced watch glinted on his wrist.

His face turned unreadable. Sharp angles. Cold eyes. The presence was so overwhelming that humans instinctively stepped back.

A king among men. Untouchable. Unshaken.

Six years. And yet, the sight of him made my chest tighten painfully.

For a moment, I believed I had transformed into a frozen state. But then—instinct took over.

I lowered my head and took a deep breath, making plans to slip past him and out of the room.

But before I could, an arm blocked my direction.

"Miss MacLeod, please stop."

The bodyguard’s tone left no room for argument.

My breath stuck in my throat as I compelled myself to raise my gaze.

Ruaridh was right in front of me now.

His eyes locked onto mine.

"Eilidh MacLeod."

He spoke my call slowly, as if he turned into tasting it.

My pulse hammered.

"You live," he stated.

The phrases crashed over me like a wave.

Stay?

No.

I sensed the walls closing in once more. Trapped. Cornered.

Hamish improved quickly, his voice cautiously measured. "Mr. MacKinnon, Eilidh just arrived from France and is still adjusting. I suggested she rest earlier than return to work."

Silence.

Ruaridh didn’t study him. His interest remained with me; his expression was unreadable.

For a moment, I thought he might say something.

But then, without uttering a word, he turned and walked away.

I let out a quiet breath of comfort.

Maybe he changed into an accomplice with me.

Perhaps I transformed into someone free to depart.

I took a step back, geared up to go—

"Miss MacLeod, follow me."

My breath caught.

I became sharply aware of my surroundings. "Excuse me?"

He didn’t repeat himself. He just walked beforehand, waiting for me to observe.

I clenched my jaw. Every instinct screamed at me to walk within the contrary route.

But I knew better.

Refusing could only make things worse.

So, I observed.

The next hour felt infinite.

I walked behind Ruaridh as Hamish briefed him on the organization’s affairs. Ruaridh listened, nodding every now and then; however, he by no means looked at me again.

He kept his distance.

I felt like I was just another employee.

We felt as though we had never been anything else.

And that becomes excellent. That turned into a top.

It meant I should do my task and go away.

At least, that’s what I think.

Then my telephone vibrated in my pocket.

I pulled it out fast, shutting off the alarm before it was able to make any noise.

four:00 p.m.

I had set the alarm as a reminder.

I am going to pick up my son from college.

For a brief second, panic flared inside me.

I needed to cross.

I turned slightly, getting ready to excuse myself—

But then—

Ruaridh’s voice cut through the silence.

"That’s enough for nowadays."

Hamish nodded. "Understood. If something else comes up, I’ll have your assistant reach out."

Ruaridh nodded slightly, then turned away.

But just as he reached the door, he spoke again.

"I nonetheless have to pick up my daughter from school."

My heartbeat stopped for a seconds

Everything in me went nonetheless.

Daughter?

The phrase echoed in my thoughts.

No. It couldn’t be.

I stood there, frozen, as Ruaridh walked away.

Six years in the past, he had told me he didn’t need our toddler.

And now… he had a daughter?

I felt like the floor had simply disappeared underneath me.

What did that imply?

What am I supposed to do now?