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My gaze shifted to the desk, where a collection of framed photographs caught my eye.
The pictures depicted the Hartman family—Eugene and Denise Hartman, Alexander, and Allan, all frozen in moments of joy and togetherness. Those photographs had undeniable warmth and a sense of family that resonated with me.
As I continued to explore the study, my eyes settled on a miniature portrait of Alexander and Allan as kids. Their youthful innocence and bond were evident even in that small image.
I couldn't help but smile at the sight, imagining the mischief they might have gotten into growing up.
As I held the portrait and marveled at the brothers' dynamic, a sudden noise drew my attention. It sounded like a helicopter was landing nearby.
My heart skipped a beat as I rushed to the window, peering out to see what was happening. To my astonishment, a helipad was right behind the house, and a helicopter was indeed landing on it.
As the helicopter's door opened, I watched with curiosity and anticipation.
Alexander stepped out, his figure striking yet graceful. Suddenly, he turned toward my direction, and our eyes met through the window. My heart raced, and I ducked.
But something in his expression shifted — I saw a frown forming. Panic surged through me. Did I do something wrong? Was he disappointed to see I was here?
I quickly placed the portrait back on the desk and rushed back to my seat, my thoughts a whirlwind of worry. What had I done to elicit that frown?
My palms were slightly clammy as I sat there, my heart pounding, waiting for Alexander to enter the study.
Seconds felt like minutes as I anxiously waited. The door finally opened, and he walked in with a composed yet slightly distant expression.
He looked as handsome and confident as when I first met him. My nerves kicked into overdrive, but I did my best to keep my composure, even as my breathing picked up.
"Elizabeth," he greeted with a nod, his voice smooth and controlled.
"Mr. Hartman," I replied, my voice steadier than expected.
He closed the door behind him and stepped further into the room. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, and a part of me wanted to shrink under that scrutiny.
But then he surprised me. The frown that had etched his features when he exited the helicopter faded as he took in my expression.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting," he said, a hint of warmth entering his voice.
"Oh, it's no problem at all," I replied, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart.
As Alexander walked through the study, removing his suit jacket and revealing a more relaxed side, a mixture of surprise and unease washed over me.
He moved with casual confidence, making himself at home as he poured a cup of coffee and grabbed a doughnut from a tray on a side table.
My eyes widened slightly, noting the absence of any gesture to offer me something. I watched silently as he settled into the chair opposite me.
My heart clenched, a mixture of offense and irritation rising within me.
Was this how he treated everyone?
Or was it just me?
I couldn't help but feel he was intentionally trying to throw me off balance, perhaps testing my reactions.
A part of me wanted to call him out, to demand the same consideration he'd show any guest. But another part of me hesitated, not wanting to appear too aggressive from the start.
As I navigated my feelings of offense, his eyes drifted to his family portrait on the desk. To my surprise, he noticed it had been moved and adjusted it back to its original position.
The gesture accompanied a condescending look in my direction, sending a prickle of irritation down my spine. Had he moved it because of me? Did he think I was being too forward?
As he settled back into his seat, his eyes met mine, exhaustion evident in his gaze.
