The Boy I 3

Posted by adminh, ? Views, Released on April 4, 2025

Chapter 3

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“Noah Alvarez” The name echoed in my ears as I stared at the man before me. Mis jy blue eyes locked onto mine, baring me to look away, I remembered Noah Alvarez vividly, ban the men sitting arose from me looked nothing like the boy love

knew.

The boy I remembered was chubby, with dark hair and freckles scattered across his face. He wore round–rimmed glasses and often stumbled over his words, just seeing him used to irritate me.

But the man in front of me? He was a stark contrast. Confident, poised, with an aura so commanding it was hard to believe that he was the same person as the boy in her memories, they couldn’t even be from the same family, let alone the same person.

“You…” I managed to mutter, my voice catching in my throat. “You’re Noah?”

“It’s disappointing that you’ve forgotten me, especially after what you did,” he sneered, pointing to a faint scar on his forehead. “How nice your life must be now. You seem to be doing so well”

“Pardon me…” I stammered, my words faltering, I didn’t know how to respond. I hadn’t seen him since that day–the day of the accident.

Was it really that bad? His mother had said he was fighting for his life, but I didn’t think it was that serious at the time, though I couldn’t forget the sight of blood on the staircase, that was the first time I was seeing that much blood.

“I’m sorry,” I finally said, summoning the courage to meet his gaze again. “I didn’t realize you would be here. It’s just that.”

My words trailed off, leaving the unspoken tension hanging heavily between us.

He cut me off sharply.

“Just that you didn’t think Kai Hezron and Noah Alvarez were the same person, or you’d never have come here looking for a job,” he said, answering the words I hadn’t yet spoken. I opened my mouth to deny it, but the truth sat like a lump in my throat. He was right.

“To be honest, I was surprised when I saw your name on the résumé. For a moment, I doubted it was really you. That’s why I decided to conduct the interview personally–I needed to see for myself,” he explained, rising from his chair. His movements were deliberate as he began pacing the room.

The air grew heavier and my chest tightening until it felt like I could barely breathe. Goosebumps prickled across my skin as though someone had poured ice water down my spine. In his office, I felt insignificant, a tiny, insignificant speck of dust in his world.

“I wondered if you knew,” he continued, his voice calm but cutting, “and were just pretending not to.” He stopped in front of me, and his piercing gaze seared through me like lazers. My breath hitched, and I dropped my eyes to my hands, clasped tightly in my lap.

“But judging by the surprise in your expression, you truly had no idea that I am Noah.”

“Yes,” I whispered, barely audible. “I have no reason to lie to you. I didn’t come here knowing…I didn’t come here on purpose.”

His eyes narrowed, scrutinizing me like I was a puzzle he was trying to solve. My stomach churned under the weight of his inspection, and I felt exposed in a way I couldn’t explain.

“You don’t seem to be living your best life,” he said finally, his gaze roaming over me, unflinching and

rvant. “What happened to you? You used to be so full of life, radiant even. And weren’t you blonde? What happened to your hair?”

He gestured toward my red hair, neatly tied in a bun, and I turned my face away, unwilling to meet his gaze any longer.

1/3

Chapter 3

In a hurry I gathered my files. There was no point in clinging to hope–1 already knew my fate Meme on would never hire me after what had happened between us.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice steady, his hands sliding casually into his pockets. His calmnesse only second the storm inside me. I blinked furiously, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.

“I know how happy you must feel, seeing me here like this,” I said, clutching my purse so they my knuckles tursed whe “Groveling for your mercy.

I scanned for an opportunity to leave but found none. “But I won’t be an object of entertainment for you. As for whe happened back in school…”

I stood, slinging my bag over my shoulder, my face set in determination. Turning to face him, I found him warting me unbothered and almost amused, like I was a puzzle he was content to toy with.

“I know an apology isn’t enough, but I am deeply sorry. And even though you won’t believe me i want you to know fret 1 didn’t push you down the stairs.” My voice wavered slightly, but I forced myself to hold his gaze.

Without waiting for a response, I turned and headed for the door. My hand was just brushing the handle when I felt stron hands grab me from behind.

Before I could react, I was spun around and slammed against the door with a force that knocked the air from my lungs. A gasp escaped me, my purse and files falling to the floor.

My heart pounded wildly, the pulse thrumming in my neck as his arms caged me in. His face was close, too close, and his intense gaze burned into mine, leaving me breathless and cornered.

“What gives you the right to think you can just mutter some half–assed apology and leave?” His voice was dangerously close to my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. My eyes darted to his large hand gripping the door handle, steady and unyielding.

“Like I said, I’m not done evaluating you. If you’d kindly return to your seat, we can wrap this up.”

Without waiting for my reply, he released me and stepped away, his footsteps retreating across the room. I stood frozen for a moment, trembling, before bending to pick up my scattered documents. My hands shook as I gathered them, my mind racing.

Fine. I would let him have his moment.

I returned to my seat hesitantly, my heart pounding in anticipation. He was already seated, his expression unreadable as he opened the envelope containing my résumé.

“According to your grades, they’re far too poor for the position you’re applying for,” he said bluntly, sliding the envelope back across the desk toward me. My chest tightened, but before I could respond, he continued, “However, I have another offer for you.”

My eyes widened in disbelief. An offer? He wasn’t just trying to humiliate me?

“You could work as my personal assistant,” he said, leaning back in his chair with a faint, unreadable smile. “The pay will be as discussed.”

“But why?” I blurted out, unable to hide my confusion.

He shrugged nonchalantly, tapping his fingers on the desk. “You don’t know how hard I’ve searched for you, Chelsea.” His voice softened, but his words carried a sharp edge. “Life has handed me a rare opportunity to pay you back. Do you think I’d just let you walk away?”