Chapter 1
In the daylight hours, Isolde Fairweather was known for her poise and efficiency as the chief executive officer’s secretary at Ravenswood Enterprises. However, as the sun dipped below the horizon, her role transformed dramatically. At night, she became a willing partner, ensnared by desire, completely devoted to the whims of her boss, Cedric Ravenswood. Despite the complexity of her two jobs, there was only one boss in her life—Cedric, a man whose affections were forever tied to someone else. Isolde often found herself playing the role of a substitute, her heart aching at the realization that her love was unreciprocated. As the nights spent in Cedric’s bed turned into an obsession, Isolde's performance during the day began to falter. The line between her professional and personal life blurred, with Cedric occasionally insisting on her presence in his private quarters in the middle of a workday. For all his infatuation with her body, Cedric’s heart remained anchored to his first love. The conflict left Isolde trapped in a whirlwind of emotions; she loved a man who would never fully belong to her, driving her to question her worth outside of his desires. In a world where her office role required maximum focus and dedication, she became increasingly unable to juggle her dual existence. At home, Isolde often reflected on her relationship with Cedric, grappling with her feelings of being merely a stand-in for the woman he truly loved. Yet, the electrifying chemistry between them pulled her back into his embrace, and with every encounter, she felt a mixture of ecstasy and despair. In the elegant settings of the Gilded Rose Inn, where they sometimes sought refuge from the world around them, their stolen moments felt both magical and devastating. Isolde’s heart conflicted between fantasies of love and the stark reality—she longed for more than fleeting encounters. As Cedric etched his name deeper into her life, Isolde embraced the intoxicating chaos of their connection, caught between dream and reality, love and longing. Each moment she spent with him on the luxurious sheets was a fleeting escape, but it was one that always returned her to the truth: she was a mere alternative in his heart, forever haunted by the shadow of the love he could not forget.
Chapter 2
### For Love or for Desire? **Seraphina Willow** This is a story of a CEO and his secretary. In this tale, the secretary seeks intimacy fueled by love, while the CEO desires love driven by passion. The narrative is rich with moments of intense emotion, but ultimately, the heroine wins the sincere affections of the hero, culminating in a perfect ending. Seeking intimacy for love often comes with some sacrifice; wanting love purely for desire can be profoundly moving. The heroine offers everything she has, and in return, she discovers the hero’s true love. Such a profound connection is rare in real life, which is why we often turn to the world of fiction to seek out that flawless, heartfelt romance. When faced with the pains of love in reality, immersing ourselves in stories provides both joy and solace. Whether in joy or sorrow, laughter can erupt or tears flow freely as we lose ourselves in the narrative. After experiencing all the ups and downs, facing our lives again may feel just a bit lighter. Some say that those who watch plays or read stories are foolish. I believe there’s happiness in that foolishness, for it allows one to spend an entire day laughing without worry. In contrast, being too clever can lead to endless calculations, often resulting in our own plans backfiring. I wish all readers a life of sincerity and peace. Most importantly, don’t forget to check out my book! I would also love to hear your thoughts and criticisms; they mean a lot to me! Warmly, **Seraphina Willow** Feel free to chat with me anytime!
Chapter 3
Isolde Fairweather had always wondered just how deep and intense love for someone could be. From the moment she met Cedric Ravenswood in middle school, he became the sole focus of her gaze. He was the golden boy—always at the top of his class, excelling in sports, effortlessly charming, yet he had never once noticed her. It wasn’t until their second year of college that a twist of fate reunited them. Her best friend Elena Brightmoon had recently started dating someone she'd met online and invited Isolde to tag along for the meeting. To her surprise, Cedric was there—Elena’s online friend. Yet, Elena’s interest was drawn not to Cedric but to his friend, Oliver Ashcroft. Cedric immediately fell for Elena, captivated by her beauty, grace, and elegance. She was the kind of girl who turned heads the moment she stepped into a room, the kind of princess that made it impossible for anyone to look away. Isolde’s name was lovely, but sadly, she didn’t quite match up in looks. People often expressed curiosity about her beautifully poetic name, only to be met with disappointment upon seeing her for the first time. Those stares and sighs felt like daggers to her heart over the years, a sting she learned to numb. Her appearance was simply a matter of genetics; there wasn’t much she could do about it. Each of her features was attractive individually, but together they seemed to lose their charm. Still, Isolde had a gentle and kind spirit, which made it easy for her to forge connections with others. Cedric, an ever-bright light, always had beautiful women around him, yet he chose to fall for Elena. Unfortunately, when Elena's affections landed elsewhere, it shattered his confidence, and he found himself heartbroken. When Isolde saw Cedric again, her long-buried feelings surged back like a tidal wave, and a familiar longing bubbled up within her. She had never really forgotten him; she just kept her yearning hidden away deep in her heart. Seeing him again brought a rapid heartbeat and a rush of emotions—each pulse seemingly declaring her silent love for him. Through Elena’s relationship with Oliver, Isolde learned all about Cedric. The two men were friends, and she found out where he attended school—just a short distance away—and that he was well-liked, a campus icon. In college, he preferred his coffee black and enjoyed running on the track at dawn or dusk, often preferring solitude. He had yet to officially date anyone he acknowledged as a girlfriend. Isolde couldn’t help but notice the way Cedric’s eyes lit up whenever he talked to Elena. It sent shivers down her spine. The object of his affection was clearly Elena. His gaze never lied; he treated everyone else with casual politeness, but his demeanor softened when he engaged with her. Isolde felt like an outsider in Cedric’s world, despite knowing that Elena was in love with Oliver. Cedric's feelings for Elena were steadfast, while Isolde's love for him quietly deepened. She was willing to remain in the shadows, just wanting to see him safe and happy, even if it meant living as his shadow for the rest of her life. After graduation, Cedric joined his family's business as the general manager, and luck struck Isolde when she also landed a job at Ravenswood Enterprises. He noticed her because she was Elena’s close friend. He offered her a position as his secretary, hoping to glean information about Elena’s past from her.
Chapter 4
It was a heartbreaking scene… Cedric Ravenswood's eyes sparkled like stars, a reflection of his intense fascination with Elena Brightmoon. Isolde Fairweather felt a deep ache in her heart. She didn’t want to share every little detail about Elena with him, but he relentlessly pressed her to speak. “What’s the point of knowing her past if you can’t get inside her heart?” One day, Isolde finally broke down, unable to hold back her emotions any longer, and shouted at him, tears streaming down her cheeks. Cedric's face darkened, and he fixed her with a piercing stare, but she met his gaze without flinching. To her shock, he kissed her. In that moment, she was frozen, her first kiss stolen away in a confusing haze. Did he finally realize how much she loved him? Whenever he appeared, her eyes would inevitably follow him until he was out of sight. She thought no one noticed her silent longing, trapped in a world of self-deception… He looked at her with a wicked gleam and remarked coldly, “You’re no different, thinking that by staying close to me, you can get into my heart.” It turned out, he had always known her secret… Isolde Fairweather felt both lonely and embarrassed. She had thought about leaving him, but afterward, he would act as if nothing had happened, treating her with the same respect as always and even giving her a raise. It confused her—was he acknowledging his earlier words? Was that why he gave her a raise out of the blue? She decided not to bring up the pain of love again and stopped discussing Elena Brightmoon’s past. He, in turn, no longer asked about Elena and shifted all his focus onto work, becoming a true workaholic. A year later, his capabilities were recognized by the family, and he became the CEO. Isolde ended up as his executive assistant. It became a silent game between them. Whenever they found themselves alone in the office, he would tease her playfully, leaving her blushing and desperate to escape his gaze. Yet he knew just how far to take it—sometimes serious, other times carefree, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions in her heart, leaving her confused and unsettled. Yes, she loved him. And she knew in her heart that she could never be enough for him—he was a shining star, and she, merely a grain of sand beneath his feet, worlds apart. She never considered claiming him for herself nor confessing her feelings, understanding that doing so would only lead to deeper wounds. In his eyes, she had never existed. She learned to give, to remain silent, as long as he was happy, as long as she could work by his side in silence, as long as she could secretly love him—that was enough. Sometimes her workload would suddenly increase, and Isolde would unwittingly stay late to finish tasks. One night, as she worked late until ten, stretching her neck and massaging her shoulders, she was about to leave when she noticed the lights still on in the CEO’s office. Could it be that Cedric Ravenswood hadn’t left yet? Suddenly, a crash sounded from within—something shattering against the wall. Isolde jumped. Was he okay? She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Summoning her courage, she opened the door and found the imposing Cedric Ravenswood defeated, a sheet of paper lying on the desk. The sight was stunning—a bright red invitation boldly displayed on the table, and she recognized it because she had one too—it was the wedding invitation of Elena Brightmoon and Oliver Ashcroft.
Chapter 5
The table was littered with empty bottles as Cedric Ravenswood stared at her with glazed eyes, his dark gaze piercing through the haze of intoxication. "Come here," he commanded. Isolde Fairweather hesitated, her bright eyes filled with concern. "Mr. Ravenswood, you're drunk. Should I call a car to take you home?" He repeated himself, “Come here.” With trepidation, Isolde walked slowly towards Cedric, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mr. Ravenswood…" Before she knew it, he had pulled her into his embrace, kissing her deeply. The scent of alcohol made her cheeks flush; she tried to push him away, but he forcefully parted her lips. In that moment, it felt like the world faded away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in a passionate embrace, all their sorrows forgotten. Isolde found herself unable to resist. Cedric's masculine presence enveloped her, making her feel warm and safe. She pressed against him, his mouth exploring hers, drawing out a wave of heat that pooled in her stomach. His hands slid down, gripping her curves tightly, their bodies entwined. Her face burned with embarrassment as she squirmed, but he held her firmly in place. His kisses grew more intense and longer, enough to melt chocolate and leave one breathless. After what felt like an eternity, he gently released her. Isolde opened her eyes, dazed and ashamed. With her head lowered, the color in her cheeks caught his attention. "I want you," he admitted in a husky voice, his desire laid bare. His mouth had left marks on her soft lips, and the scent of her perfume was subtle yet intoxicating. He breathed it in greedily. Her body lingered, awakening a longing within him… Isolde shivered as she met his deep, dark gaze, feeling as though she were drowning. "Give it to me…" His voice was magnetic, igniting a fire in her soul. "Okay…" After what felt like an eternity, she heard herself respond in a soft, almost kitten-like whimper. In a swift motion, he swept her off her feet, clearing the table of documents and folders, before placing her on its surface. "Mr. Ravenswood…" she murmured, filled with trepidation. He tore off her clothing, leaving her upper body bare, his gaze lingering on her as her bra fell away. In that moment, he was stunned by her beauty. Hidden beneath her modesty lay a figure that was nothing short of breathtaking. His hands roamed her skin, testing the softness of her curves, "You're beautiful…so soft…, I had no idea you were this well-endowed..." He smirked, causing her to bite her lip in shy indignation. Leaning forward, he suckled on her sensitive peaks as if savoring a cherished delicacy. Isolde gasped, waves of pleasure coursing through her. Her private self stirred, and a rush of warmth began to seep out… He kneaded her breasts, playing with her responsive buds that had hardened under his touch, unrelenting in his teasing, seemingly testing her limits. He suckled deeply, a wicked grin on his face as Isolde arched her body to meet him, unable to suppress her soft moans, her breath coming in quick gasps as tension swelled within her. Cedric's relentless affection fueled her desire, her skin flushed from the heat, bursting with life in response to his every caress.
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