Chapter 23 The Dead First Love
Donovan strolled into the company lobby, his gaze landing on a stunning figure. He paused for a moment in surprise.
Paisley Torres, hearing someone behind her, turned around. "Donovan? Long time no see," she said with a smile as she walked closer.
Paisley's attire was an elegant and luxurious emerald green dress with matching heels, displaying a stretch of pale, tantalizing calf. Her wet-look hair suggested the allure of seaweed, and on her hand, she wore a sophisticated emerald ring, the epitome of a mature, refined woman.
"It's been a while. Come to my office," Donovan suggested, noticing the gathering crowd. "Sure," Paisley replied with a smile.
After finishing her words, she followed Donovan into the elevator.
Watching Paisley's graceful figure, several receptionists couldn't help but whisper among themselves:
"Paisley is so beautiful. A big star is just different from ordinary folks."
"Yeah, and she has a different status too. Look at our CEO's office. When has he ever let a woman in? Paisley comes along, and just like that, she's in."
"That's where you're wrong." The reception desk manager said with a sly smile, "Paisley is no ordinary person. I've heard she used to date Mr. Blake, they were even close to getting engaged."
"What happened after that?"
"I'm not going to spread gossip about the boss. Just know that Paisley is important. Next time she comes, give her a proper welcome."
"What about Chloe? I heard she's been getting close to the CEO lately."
"She thinks that just because the CEO gave her a few lifts, she's Donovan's girlfriend? No way he'd be interested in her."
"Exactly."
With that, the receptionists let out low chuckles.
Donovan's office was quite spacious, its black and white color scheme complementing his cool demeanor.
Donovan lit a cigarette, "Back from your trip?"
"You're one to talk. I come back, and you don't even come to pick me up," Paisley said with a mock pout.
"Too much work at the company."
Paisley parted her lips slightly, "That's why I came to see you. And I brought a gift. Do you like it?"
Donovan glanced at the luxurious Pearl Peak Institute of Technology gift package and placed it on his desk, "Thanks."
"You're not even going to look at it?" Paisley complained playfully, "I brought it especially from abroad. It's an Aeye gift box made especially for the eyes. You should try it out."
Paisley stepped forward, opened the gift box, and placed an eye mask over his eyes.
The mask was warm and moist and as Paisley spoke of his eyes, Donovan softened a bit, "My eyes are fine now. you don't need to worry."
"How can I not worry? You nearly went blind. You couldn't see anything, and I felt so much pain for you, waiting for a corneal transplant for so long," Paisley said as she sat down on the couch, her eyes reddening, "Back then, you had just started your business and faced such a huge setback. Sometimes, I think it was all arranged by fate as if my father had entrusted me to you. After my dad passed, you recovered."
Hearing this, Donovan took off the eye mask, walked over to Paisley, and patted her back, "Why bring up the past?"
Seizing the moment, Paisley caught Donovan's hand in hers, "Donovan, I was wrong back then. I'm sorry. I came back this time just to say I'm sorry to your face."
Paisley gently grabbed Donovan's hand and gave it a slight shake. There was an instinctive rejection in Donovan's heart, and he pulled away.
"The past is the past. Let's not bring it up again. I'm doing pretty well now," he said.
Paisley lifted her eyes and looked at Donovan with a pitiful gaze. "Donovan."
She had the look of someone about to cry, which could stir sympathy in anyone. But Donovan cut her off, "Where have you been staying since you came back? Let me take you home."
Paisley wiped her tears and glanced at the clock on the wall. "That would be good. Lately, paparazzi have been secretly taking pictures of me."
She lingered in Donovan's office until five o'clock when the company's workday ended. Donovan considered the fact that it was a busy time with many employees leaving, so he took her to the executive elevator.
Some of the employees witnessed this scene, however.
Soon enough, the word that Donovan's ex-girlfriend Paisley had visited the company spread among all the employees.