My entire body froze . 0 The second the question let his mouth , I felt like someone had cut the air around me stood there , still in his shirt , my hand slightly raised as if I'd been about to tuck my hair behind my ear , but now I couldn't move . " Who's Lena's father ? " I had never prepared for what to do if Rick had to ask me about who his daughter was . Lopened my mouth , closed it , swallowed . My heart was pounding so loudly I felt like he could hear it . I couldn't look at him , not directly . My eyes darted to the floor , then to Lena who was already busy playing with the ribbons from a breakfast gift bag one of the staff had left I tried to speak , but what came out was just air . My throat felt too dry . He was still watching me . I licked my lips . " I … I don't think I'm ready to talk about that with you . " There was silence , actual silence . I finally looked at him . I expected something a shift in his eyes , a clenched jaw or even a scoff but there was … nothing . His expression didn't even ficker " Alright , " he said simply He turned away from me like he hadn't just asked the one question I'd been terrified of since the moment I walked back into his life . My fingers curled at my sides . " That's it ? " He was already walking toward the stairs . " Go get dressed . " I blinked . " For what ? " He didn't pause as he started climbing . " You need more work clothes . I'm taking you shopping . " I just stood there , confused , " Wait , what ? " ur new job . " He reached the top of the stairs and finally glanced back down at me , " You need to look the part for your new Then he disappeared into the hallway . I stood in the middle of the room like an idiot . That was not how I expected this morning to go . First , I woke up alone in a bed that still smelled like him . Then Lena jumped into my arms like she hadn't almost caught me committing a lila - ruining mistake . Now he wanted to take me shopping because I didn't have enough office clothes ? touched my face , it was warm and probably red . Still slightly dazed , I walked toward the guest room and closed the door behind me , I leaned back against it for a second , latting realized I'd been holding . At least he hadn't pushed the question . At least I hadn't completely razen or started crying o twent to the wardroba , will wearing his shirt | smand a little to mysel was proud of how I'd handled it . 10:14 Wed , 27 Aug Chapter 45 No breakdown , no oversharing . Just boundaries . Maybe I could survive this whole thing after all . I got dressed quickly , picking something simple but clean , I tied my hair up , brushed a bit of powder across my face , and stood in front of the mis adjusting the buttons of my blouse . Hlooked fine . Not nervous or awkward , not like a woman who'd just been intimate with her boss - slash - ex slash fucking husband while hiding a massive secret about their daughter's paternity . I nodded once at my reflection and headed out . I was going shopping with Rick , whatever that meant . Rick barely said a word as the car rolled to a slow stop outside a high - end boutique blinked at the name " Are you serious ? This place costs more than my rent . " He got out without answering , I sat there for a second before groaning and stepping out . The moment I entered , I could feel every eye on us . floor - to - ceiling windows and gold lettering on the glass . 1 The boutique was already buzzing with shoppers . Silk gowns , smart blazers , and the sharp smell of perfume filled the air , the kind of place where people didn't try things on unless they were absolutely buying them . Rick walked in like he owned it , a staff member approached him , already recognizing him . She bowed slightly and smiled . " Mr. Sterling , welcome back . Would you like a private fitting room today ? " He nodded . " Clear the second floor . I want it for her , " I tugged his sleeve . " You don't have to do that . I'm fine with the main floor . " He ignored me . The staff moved quickly , word spread , people whispered . Some glanced at me , probably wondering who I was . Before we could head upstairs , someone brushed past me . " Oh . What a coincidence , a familiar voice chirped . I turned . Marissa . Her hair was curled perfectly , a designer purse swinging off her arm . Right beside her , the stepmother . Both looked me up and down Like was dirt on their shoes . I hadn't seen thear since the marriage and I had avoided them best I could knowing how much they would both resentme ass point . " Didn't think i'd run into y o you here , " she said , voice sweet but sharp . I forced a smile . " It's a public store She glanced at the hanger in my hand . A navy blue structured dress I had been eyeing . " Oh , this is gorgeous , " she said , plucking it from me wi excitement . " Don't you think , Mother ? " Her mother nodded . " Classy , a little too classy for me . " bit my tongue . Fick stepped forward . Havalce cut through the tension . " Put it back . " Marsin bilnked . 10:14 Wed , 27 Aug Chapter 45 Her smile tightened . " You can't reserve clothes in a public store , Rick " He turned to the staff . " I want everyone out , shut it down . " The room fell silent , employees paused , shoppers turned and murmurs started . The manager rushed forward . " Of course , Mr. Sterling , we'll clear the floor right away . Marissa looked stunned , " you're kidding " Rick didn't even look at her . He took my hand , his grip firm , " let's go . " I followed , trying to ignore the rush of footsteps and hushed voices as the boutique emptied . Upstairs , it was quiet . The staff brought racks of clothing just for me . Tailored pants , blouses , suits in every shade . I tried on a few , Rick sat back on a velvet chair , watching " You're staring . " " I'm assessing . That blazer's loose . Try the gray one . " I huffed but did it anyway . He stood and came over , adjusting the lapel , brushing my shoulder lightly with his knuckles . My chest tightened , but I said nothing . Outfits piled up , houses , skirts , power suits . He nodded at some , rejected others with a shake of his head . Every time his fingers brushed my skin while fixing a cuff or tucking a tag , I pretended I didn't feel the heat . Try gowns now now . he said , " you'll need something for formal events ." I raised a brow . " This is about work , right ? " Hedidn't answer . He waved to the staff . They brought another rack . I grabbed a silver one with thin straps . Tried it on . He shook his head . " No. " " Too much skin ? " Too little shape . " Trolled my eyes . I tried a red one . He tilted his head . " Maybe . " I reached for a soft emerald green gown , simple but stunning , with a slit up one side and a subtle shimmer . I changed and stepped out He didn't speak I turned slowly . " Well ? Do I look ridiculous or not ? " He stepped forward , his eyes locked on mine . He didn't blink , didn't look away I waited . My heart was thudding . " Rick ? " He closed the distance , hand snaking around my waist so fast gasped . My back hit the wall behind me , His mouth was close to my ear . His voice was low . " So are we going to talk about last night or not ? " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!