The CEO's Secret Obsession

Chapter 1: Obsession

Evelyn Charlotte Carter stumbled out of the hotel room, tears spilling faster than she could wipe them away. Her heart clenched with pain as Jack’s cruel words echoed in her mind.

"You are pathetic, Evelyn. Two years and you still can’t give me what I want? Get out."

Her trembling hand reached for the door but before she could knock again, a woman brushed past her.

"Excuse me."

The stranger swiped the card, entered and shut the door. Moments later, Evelyn heard laughter—her laugh and Jack’s low, intimate voice.

Evelyn’s chest tightened as if someone had crushed it in their fist. She pulled her thin cardigan tighter around her body, the only thing she had managed to grab before he shoved her out.

Barefoot and broken, she wandered down the empty hallway. The soft carpet muffled her steps but nothing could silence the ache roaring in her chest.

When she reached the hotel lobby, she froze.

The late-night crowd didn’t notice her but she felt exposed, humiliated and abandoned.

No phone. No money. No dignity left.

Then—

"Evelyn."

That low, familiar voice pierced through her haze. Her head snapped up.

At the reception desk stood Alexander Lucas Reid. He was tall and imposing.

His presence drew every pair of eyes but his gaze locked only on her.

He strode toward her. His expression was unreadable but his dark eyes were storming with intensity.

"What are you doing here?" He frowned. He didn’t get a good feeling about the whole situation.

Evelyn’s lips trembled. Words failed her. How could she tell him she had been thrown out like trash?

Without hesitation, Alexander removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders, shielding her trembling frame. He hand pressed protectively against her back as he leaned close.

"It’s okay. I am here."

When she heard his calm comforting words, something inside her broke. She leaned into his warmth, desperate for the comfort he offered.

Alexander’s jaw tightened as he glanced at his assistant. "Cancel the meeting. Get the car ready."

Carl, who was surprised to see Evelyn in her current state, nodded quickly. "Y-Yes, Boss." He rushed away.

Alexander lowered his head. "Who did this? Jack?" This time, his voice didn’t feel warm or comforting but rather sharp and lashed with anger.

At the mention of Jack, her tears spilled uncontrollably. She tried to wipe them but they kept falling.

His eyes darkened. "Come with me." He didn’t wait for her answer. His hand guided her firmly out of the hotel and Evelyn didn’t resist.

For the first time that night, she felt safe.

....

Inside the sleek black car, Alexander pulled her close. He said nothing yet his arm around her shoulders spoke louder than words.

"Where to, sir?" Carl asked from the driver’s seat.

"Evelyn’s—" Alexander paused, catching her frantic shake of the head. "My place," he said.

The car glided through the silent streets.

Evelyn rested her head on his shoulder, clutching his coat as though it were her only lifeline.

When Alexander glanced down at her trembling form, his dark eyes softened for a fraction of a second. He had sworn to keep his distance but after seeing her broken like this? Impossible.

When they arrived at his penthouse, he kept his arm around her in a steady and possessive manner as Carl opened the door.

Not a word was spoken, yet his unspoken command was clear. He did not wish to be disturbed tonight.

Understanding the situation, Carl quietly left the scene.

....

The elevator doors slid shut, enclosing them in silence.

Evelyn stared at the floor, she was ashamed to even look up.

Alexander’s gaze, however, never left her. The reflection of his eyes in the mirrored wall burned with something dangerous—something far stronger than sympathy.

Obsession.

.....