CHAPTER 5

Jack’s confident footsteps echoed through the grand lobby of Magnum Corporation, and Isabella walked half a step behind him like a newly hired personal secretary on her first day—nervous and confused. Every employee they passed bowed their heads quickly, greeting in nearly perfect unison, as if being one second late could end their careers.

Isabella squinted as she stared at Jack’s back. Was Jack’s demeanor at the office like Kim Jong Un’s, that everyone was so afraid of him?

She looked to her right and left, observing the panicked faces. Her lips puckered, and she whispered softly to herself, “God, he must be a terrifying boss… One look and the whole floor resigns.”

They walked past the lobby dominated by black and gold. The elegant, classy atmosphere of the building couldn’t erase the cold aura Jack Moore left with every step. He truly resembled the angel of death, frightening everyone in his path.

When they reached the elevator, Isabella looked down, fiddling with her stiff fingers. She had just realized that this was her first time setting foot in Jack’s office, even though they had been married for two years. Apparently, their past marriage really was pathetic. Isabella felt even sorrier for herself.

Ting!

The elevator doors finally opened. But before Isabella could step in, her eyes widened.

“Samuel?” she exclaimed excitedly.

The man, in a navy suit and messy hair typical of an architecture major, turned around and smiled broadly. “Isabella! Is that really… you?”

Isabella leapt into the elevator, like someone meeting a good friend at a reunion. Her expression lit up. “It’s been so long.”

“You’re right. You’ve gotten more beautiful!”

Isabella laughed happily and slapped Samuel’s hand playfully. “You haven’t changed either! Still like that college kid who insisted on eating instant ramen every night!”

Jack merely glanced briefly at the two of them before stepping into the elevator. Expressionless.

Once the doors closed, Samuel continued, “I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you were living in London after graduation. I lost contact with you after my phone got stolen.”

“That’s awful. I did continue my studies in London, but I came back to help my father manage the company. I’ve been busy with all that,” Isabella replied, half-heartedly.

Samuel grinned wide. “What a coincidence, Jack and I have a meeting today. We’re working on a new office project in Paris. You know, we’re old partners. I didn’t know you knew Jack, too.”

Isabella nodded with interest, her eyes lit up as she tried to change the topic. “Wow! Paris? That’s amazing. When does construction begin?”

Jack, who had been silent while staring at his phone screen, finally looked up. He squinted at how brightly Isabella smiled at Samuel’s words. His hand clenched slightly, unnoticed by anyone.

The elevator slowed and stopped on the twentieth floor. When the doors opened, Samuel stepped out first. But before he walked too far, he turned back and asked, “Isabella, are you coming with us?”

Isabella froze. She looked at Jack, then back at Samuel. Her face was panicked. And before Jack could say a single word, Isabella quickly pressed her hand over his mouth.

“No! I mean, we… Jack and I… we’re cousins. We need to talk for a bit. Just a small family matter,” she said nervously.

Samuel blinked, then smiled casually. “Oh, alright. I’ll wait in the meeting room, Jack.”

As soon as Samuel disappeared around the corner, Isabella pulled her hand back. But Jack had already grabbed it. In one swift motion, he seized Isabella’s wrist and pushed her against the still-open elevator wall.

Isabella’s eyes widened. “Jack—I… I’m sorry, I just didn’t want to make things awkward. Samuel and I—”

Jack stared at her sharply, both his hands now pinning hers beside her head. His breath was heavy.

“Why did you lie, Isabella?”

“What?”

“What is your relationship with Samuel that you had to tell him we’re… cousins?”

Isabella opened her mouth to answer, but her words got stuck as Jack leaned in slightly, bringing his face close to her neck. He inhaled. The scent of Isabella’s body mixed with the soft soap she had used not long ago. Jack held his breath.

“This perfume… isn’t appropriate for meeting business associates,” Jack murmured, his voice nearly a whisper.

“Jack… please let go of my hands,” Isabella whispered. Her eyes glanced at the now empty hallway, but her heart was already pounding like it was going to explode. Was being near Jack always going to be this dangerous for her heart?

But Jack didn’t move. “You know,” he said slowly. “If you wanted to shut me up earlier, don’t use your hand…”

Isabella frowned, not yet understanding what Jack meant.

“…use this.”

And without giving Isabella a chance to think, Jack kissed her.

Her eyes widened. Everything seemed to pause for a moment. Her breath caught, and for a second, the world went silent. Jack’s lips were warm. And strangely, Isabella couldn’t resist.

She could smell Jack’s familiar cologne faintly in the air, sending a fresh jolt through her chest.

Jack pulled away slowly. His gaze didn’t leave Isabella’s wide blue eyes. “That’s the correct way if you want to stop me from talking,” he said flatly.

Isabella tried to breathe normally. “You… you’re insane…”

“Insane is my middle name,” Jack replied as he stepped back and walked out of the elevator.

Isabella was left behind, still leaning against the wall of the elevator, touching her lips that still felt warm.

“What just happened?” she whispered to herself. “Did he just… kiss me?”

The elevator doors closed and began descending to the lower floor.

Isabella screamed and held her head in frustration. “No! I just gave my first kiss to the man I’m supposed to destroy! Damn it. This is such a stupid revenge plan, Isabella!”

And Isabella collapsed, sitting on the cold elevator floor. While sighing, she clutched her chest, which was finally starting to feel normal again.

“How am I supposed to get out of this situation if being near Jack always makes me lose my mind? You’re really cursed, Isabella.”