After My Ex Became CEO, He Wanted Me Back

The morning sun slanted through the glass tower of Archer Design, casting the interview room in honeyed light that felt too warm, too exposing. I smoothed my navy pencil skirt for the third time and tried to steady my breathing. Four months of unemployment had taught me the taste of desperation, and I wouldn't let it show today.

'Your portfolio is impressive, Ms. Carroll,' said the hiring manager, a woman with kind eyes and a stack of my work spread before her. 'The layout work for Vantage Media was particularly strong.'

'Thank you,' I replied, keeping my voice level. 'I believe in letting the design speak for itself, but not letting it scream.'

She smiled, and I felt a flutter of hope. The final round interview had gone better than I'd dared to expect. As I gathered my portfolio, she extended her hand. 'We'll be in touch by tomorrow morning.'

Outside, Manhattan bustled with the particular energy of a Tuesday afternoon. I wanted to celebrate, just a little. The café across the street had a 'Help Wanted' sign in the window, but also looked like the perfect place to sit with a single celebratory cookie and savor the possibility that my life was about to change for the better.

I pushed through the door, the bell above it chiming, and froze.

Calum Edwards sat at a corner table by the window.

He hadn't changed. Dark hair still perfectly styled, his expensive suit still cut with mathematical precision. But it was the way he held himself—that unhurried confidence of a man who owned every room he entered—that sent ice through my veins. A woman with platinum blonde hair was draped against his shoulder, her manicured fingers playing with his tie.

I should have turned and walked out. Every instinct screamed at me to run. But my feet had rooted to the floor, and before I could move, Calum's eyes lifted from his companion and found mine.

His lips curved into a smile that never touched his eyes.

'I'll get us another round,' the blonde woman—Payton, I remembered—said, but Calum caught her wrist with casual ownership.

'Stay,' he murmured, just loud enough for me to hear. 'I want you to meet someone.'

He stood and crossed the café with predatory grace, each step deliberate. I couldn't retreat without looking like I was fleeing, so I stood my ground, hating how my heart hammered against my ribs.

'Demi Carroll,' he said, my name sounding like a caress and a claim all at once. 'What a pleasant surprise.'

'Calum,' I managed, my voice steadier than I felt. 'It's been a while.'

'Has it?' He glanced back at Payton, who was watching us with the brittle smile of a woman who knew she was being used as a prop. 'Payton, this is Demi. An old... friend of mine.'

The pause before 'friend' made it clear what he really meant. Payton's smile tightened as she extended a hand that trembled slightly. 'Nice to meet you.'

'Payton