I made a mental note : after settling the little girl , I had to figure out his identity . For now , I could only handle one thing at a time . I led Emily around the corridor toward the reception area - where Jena was sitting . She was one of the warmest and most efficient colleagues I'd ever met . She'd been working here longer than I'd been alive , truly loved this place , and considered it home . Now that her children were grown and her husband had passed , the law firm had become almost her entire social life . " Jena , could you please help watch over ... " I was halfway through my sentence when I realized I hadn't asked her name . I quickly crouched down again to look at the little girl . " Sorry , I haven't asked what your name is yet . " " Emily Carson , I'm 6 years old , my birthday is March 14th , 2019. I live at 129 Maple Street . " " Wow- " I deliberately opened my mouth wide , acting shocked , " You're so smart ! " " Such a pretty name , " I stood up and smiled at Jena . " Could you keep Emily company for a bit ? Her father is meeting with Ashley , and it seems to have been going on for a while . I'll go check on the situation . " Chapter 10 " Of course , " Jena immediately switched into " grandma mode , " pulling Emily over and taking a candy from the jar to give her . With that settled , I turned and walked toward Rachel's office . The moment I found the door locked , my heart sank . I knocked heavily on the door , knowing in my heart what was likely happening , yet desperately hoping I was overthinking it . " Rachel ? It's Jossie . Could you open the door please ? " " Shit . " A deep male voice came from inside - unless Rachel had learned to speak in a bass voice overnight , this was obviously Emily's father . There was a flurry of panicked movement inside . No need to guess - they definitely weren't conducting proper business . I stood there , waiting patiently . " What is it ? " Rachel yanked the door open , glaring at me with a sharp tone . Her pupils were dilated , with an unnatural redness around her eye sockets . Her breathing hadn't settled yet , with a fine sheen of sweat on her forehead - whether from the intense activity just now or panic from being caught . Her pink shirt wasn't tucked in properly , buttons fastened wrong , obviously hastily put back on . Chapter 10 Her dress pants were wrinkled at the knees , she had her heels on but was missing a sock on one foot . " Fix your clothes , make sure your client's child gets picked up from Jena's , " I said to her in a low voice . Her nostrils flared slightly as she quickly glanced back into the room , where timely rustling sounds emerged . " Then come to my office . You have fifteen minutes . " Her face went pale . She nodded and gave me one last look before closing the door . I heard muffled arguing from inside - but I didn't want to listen anymore . That would only make things more embarrassing . Turning around , that man was still at the end of the corridor . He tilted his head slightly , still watching me . Getting closer , I could see he had blue - gray eyes that followed my movements without any attempt at concealment . Those gray - blue eyes were like a stormy sea , cold and dangerous , yet irresistibly captivating . This face was indeed excessively handsome , like a work of art - but what initially caught my attention wasn't his looks . It was that indescribable contradictory quality about him : out of place yet desperately trying to fit in ; clearly commanding presence yet deliberately restraining his aura . This made me inexplicably uneasy , a feeling of being drawn in that I didn't like . Chapter 10 " Do you need help ? " I walked a few steps toward him and asked . His eyes widened slightly , but I showed no hesitation , stopping directly in front of him . " Are you waiting to meet with one of our legal assistants ? " " No. " " Oh , " I responded quietly , frowning - what a convenient answer . " Then do you need to schedule a meeting ? This floor is for conferences . If you need directions elsewhere , I'd be happy to help . " " How do you plan to handle Rachel ? " he suddenly asked , his voice low and clean , but his tone carried a precise interrogative quality . " What ? " " The woman who's involved with her client , " he said it casually , as if discussing the weather . ( 1 ) Title: Cohabitating Lover by CrushReel In the romantic tale "Cohabitating Lover," Corinne, a runaway bride still donned in her wedding attire, and Andre find themselves mistakenly tangled in a leasing office mix-up. Despite initial reluctance, they become unexpected roommates after a series of arguments lead to an unconventional living arrangement. Exploring themes of love, transformation, and the magnetic pull of opposites, this modern romance unfolds against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and a high-powered office setting. As Corinne and Andre navigate their differences and shared living space, their individual glow-ups and personal growth intertwine in a heartwarming display of vulnerability and resilience. This sweet romance novel stands out for its portrayal of characters grappling with unexpected circumstances while discovering the true meaning of companionship. With a blend of CEO dynamics, modern settings, and the allure of opposites attracting, "Cohabitating Lover" offers readers a refreshing take on love and self-discovery. Escape into this ongoing story available to read at CrushReel for a captivating journey through the complexities of relationships and personal evolution.