Page 74 of The Temporary Bride

He starts showing us around, pointing out the existing office spaces and outlining the areas where the sound stages would need to be built. The place has potential, no doubt, but there’s a lot of work to be done.

Tristan positions himself subtly but deliberately on my left side, ensuring that my good ear is closer to the real estate agent. It’s a small gesture, but one that I can’t help but notice.

“Over here, we have the main office area,” Russell says, leading us into a spacious room with large windows. “It’s already wired for high-speed internet and has a good layout for collaborative workspaces.”

I nod, absorbing the information. Collaborative workspaces will be ideal for writing teams, and I can see a few walled-off rooms behind glass windows that will make for perfect brainstorming spaces.

“And this section,” the agent continues, guiding us down a corridor, “could be converted into sound stages. The ceilings are high enough, and the space is versatile.”

I have to admit, I can picture it. Tristan has found the perfect home for Eclipse Studios.

“Let me take you up to the fifth floor,” Russell says. “It’d be perfect for executive offices, and you could use the lower floors for editing suites and other production offices.”

As he guides us toward the elevators, Tristan leans in close, his voice dropping. “Hey, what’s going on with you?”

I stiffen, my gaze fixed on the real estate agent as he strides ahead of us. “It’s nothing,” I reply, my tone clipped.

He doesn’t buy it. “Talk to me. I can tell something’s bothering you.”

Tristan’s persistence breaks through my defenses. Finally, I sigh and turn to face him, my expression guarded. “I saw the picture of you and your ex,” I say quietly. “You two certainly looked cozy, despite you saying you’ve got no interest in her anymore.”

Tristan’s eyes widen in surprise. “That’s what this is about?”

I glance away, feeling a twinge of guilt but also a stubborn desire to hold on to my hurt. “It didn’t seem like you were as over her as you claim to be.”

Tristan’s expression softens, his shoulders relaxing as he takes a deep breath. He opens his mouth like he’s about to explain himself, but I don’t have the patience to hear his bullshit excuses. I turn away pointedly as Russell summons the elevator.

“Here we are,” Russell says, seemingly oblivious to the charged air between me and Tristan. The elevator chimes softly, and the doors slide open, beckoning us inside.

As we ride up to the fifth floor, I can feel Tristan’s gaze on me. The back of my neck prickles, but I do my best to ignore him, instead focusing on Russell.

“So,” I ask, winding a strand of dark hair around my index finger, “how long have you been in real estate?”

Russell looks over at me, a smile creeping across his face. He’s not my type, certainly, but he’s definitely attractive. There’s an easy warmth in his eyes, and he’s styled himself meticulously.

“About ten years now,” he replies. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of different clients, from small businesses to large corporations. Each project is unique, which keeps the job interesting.”

I nod. “What’s your favorite part of the job?”

“Finding perfect spaces for people like you,” he responds smoothly.

The elevator doors slide open, and Russell gestures for us to follow him. “This way, please.”

We step out into a spacious hallway that mirrors the one on the first floor. As Russell begins to show us the rooms and explain their potential uses, I do my best to stay focused on his words. The building truly is perfect for Eclipse Studios, with ample space and flexibility to create exactly what we need.

Yet, Tristan’s presence looms behind me like a shadow. Every time I steal a glance at him, he’s watching me with an intensity that’s hard to ignore. It’s clear he wants to say more, but I’m not ready to hear it. Not now.

Russell leads us into a large, open room with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. “This could be an excellent space for your main editing suite,” he says, gesturing around. “It’s isolated enough to keep the noise down but still accessible to the rest of the offices.”

I walk around the room, envisioning the equipment, the desks, the creative energy that would fill this space. It’s perfect.

Tristan steps beside me, his tone quiet. “Chloe, please. Let’s talk about this.”

I take a deep breath, my eyes fixed on the room rather than him.

“This view is incredible,” I say, moving closer to the windows. “You must have clients who fall in love with places like this immediately.”

Russell smiles, joining me by the windows. “Absolutely. The view is a major selling point for a lot of people. It’s hard to resist, isn’t it?”