Chapter 19 Hey Ana , we need Sir Ares signature on this Galvez contract , Nikki said to me . I glanced up at Nikki and acknowledged with a nod , taking the papers from her . Why werent you here yesterday ? Sir seemed off without you , she commented , making me cringe . There was a family emergency . Ill get this to him ASAP . Hes still in a meeting right ? I shifted the conversation and nodded at her . She seemed like she wanted to say more but left instead . I peeked at Aress office . He wasnt there ; he was still in the conference room . had just arrived and really wanted to avoid crossing paths with him . Even though I knew I couldnt escape once he confronted me , I was trying to steer clear for now . I was afraid he might see something in my eyes . I let out a tired sigh and went back to what I was doing . A little later , I tensed up and straightened in my seat when I saw Ares walk into his office . He didnt seem to notice me . Following him was Lorraine . I wasnt sure if I should follow or not . Have you two spoken ? I dont think he saw you , Elena remarked , then glanced at my cubicle . I avoided her gaze and shrugged . Whos the new guy ? I changed the subject , which she picked up on but didnt press on the matter between Ares and me . Guy named Jack . Hes in our department , she whispered to me , causing me to furrow my brow . Why are we whispering ? Hes right in the cubicle next to mine , she whispered again , almost making me laugh . Before I could say anything , Elena and I exchanged glances as my intercom buzzed . I pressed it , and Ares deep , irate voice immediately filled the room . Are you there ? I need coffee , he demanded with his cold , baritone tone . I nervously bit my lower lip . Im c coming , sir … I stammered and stood up . Elena laughed at the situation Boss seems quite upset . Maam Lorraine is in there too . Wonder whats going on… She teased , and I just stared at her . I hurried to his office . Upon entering , I made a beeline for the mini pantry , trying not to pay attention to what was happening . I could hear Lorraine speaking and felt my hands trembling as I brewed the coffee . Once done , I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down before finally approaching Ares desk . H heres your coffee , sir … I almost whispered , making sure he heard me . Placing the coffee on his desk , I nearly jumped in panic when he suddenly grabbed my hand tightly . Stay here . Lets talk , he said coldly , and I met his gaze . I gasped when I saw his icy eyes and dark expression . I knew that look . It was anger . Was it because of me ? Did he already find out ? Damn ! Were done talking here , Lorraine . You can leave . I still have important matters to attend to , he told the woman in front of him while still holding onto my hand . Really ? Whats so important that it cant wait , even more important than the proposal Im presenting ? Lorraine asked incredulously . I bit my lower lip and looked away from them . I knew these two would argue again , and it would be because of me . Just leave , Lorry . I dont want to talk about it right now . Please , Ares said firmly , maintaining his grip on me . The room fell silent for a moment . Later , I heard Lorraines frustrated sigh , and then she left . As the two of us remained , my heart pounded faster because Ares still wouldnt release my hand . I wanted to look at him , but I couldnt . My guilt was consuming me slowly . Whats troubling you , Anastacia ? Why wont you talk to me ? His serious , deep voice sent shivers down my spine , and I could sense the resentment in it , leaving me even more unsure of how to respond . Did something happen that night ? Whats going on in your mind ? Did I make mistake ? Why wont you speak to me ? Are you angry with me ? His 20:51 The Double Life of My DINK Husband : What is Business Trins Were Really U43 . Chapter 19 voice wavered . I let out a heavy sigh and held his hand . Looking up at him , I saw the pain in his eyes as he gazed at me . He looked exhausted . Im not mad , Ares . I just wanted … some time to myself that day . Im sorry for causing you worry . Damn liar , Ana ! A furrow appeared on his forehead , his gaze piercing through me . It felt like he was peering into my soul , so I looked away once more . Are you certain ? He asked , a hint of a threat in his tone . I tried to meet his eyes again , and I did , deciding to hug him as I felt something inside me . That feeling that told me I might cave in and tell him the truth at any moment . But I didnt want to destroy us over an accident . Just why … screw it ! Y yes … Im sorry … I truly am , I whispered to him and hugged him even tighter . He pulled me to sit on his lap . As I looked at him again , his expression softened , allowing me to breathe more easily . He brushed aside the hair obscuring my eyes and gently kissed them . Its alright . You know how much I trust you … and I missed you . Lets move our wedding up . I cant wait to be your husband , he said softly to me . In those moments , I found myself lost for words . Each time he brought up this topic , I used to be thrilled , but now it felt different . The excitement in my heart seemed to have dwindled . I did want to speed up our wedding , to be honest , but after what happened , I wasnt sure if I could go through with it . I heard another son of Don Damien just arrived . Didnt Ares mention anything to you ? Riley asked me , and I looked at her , shaking my head . Hes not well known here because he operates mainly in Las Vegas . Word is hes Ares biggest rival , Via added . For some unknown reason , fear crept in when I heard the place she mentioned . My gaze remained fixed on the coffee in front of me as I struggled to recall why that place sounded familiar . It was as if Id heard it from someone before. I think thats what they were discussing in the conference room earlier , Ana . Hes going to oversee the familys other businesses . Galvez even offered him a partnership , Elena mentioned . My eyes widened at her words . I looked up at them . Riley and Via had dropped by this afternoon and were still here . Elena mentioned theyd be staying in her condo for a vacation . Where did you hear that ? Are you sure ? I asked , surprised because , to my knowledge , the Galvez family rarely extended partnership offers , even to close associates . I overheard Don Damien talking about it in the conference room earlier . You werent there , which is probably why youre unaware . Maybe thats why Sir Ares was in a foul mood , she responded . Hey , what really happened to you , girl ? Where were you that night ? Riley inquired , and I blinked rapidly , realizing they didnt seem to know yet . When I glanced at Elena , she subtly shook her head at me . I just headed home early because I needed a break , I lied once more . Really ? Without informing Ares ? Thats out of character , she added , catching me off guard . I sipped my coffee and winced at its bitterness . Getting up , I headed to the coffee shop counter to ask for some sugar . As I turned to return , a man bumped into my shoulder . When I looked back , he had his back to me , seemingly choosing his order . I glanced over at him . He wore a white polo with sleeves rolled up , and his hair was tied in a bun . Was he not going to apologize I considered leaving , but then I caught a familiar scent . I glanced down at his arm . Confusion knitted my brow when I noticed a partially visible dragon tattoo . Only half of it showed , with the head likely on his arm . When he tilted his head , I saw his sharp nose . He had Ray Bans on , so I couldnt make out his features , but he definitely had an air of arrogance about him . Ana , Via was supposed to be first whats going on ? 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