Chapter 37

MADDIE

After breakfast, Hades and I rode together to his office, the tension between us lingering but unspoken. His driver maneuvered the sleek car into the underground parking garage of the towering building. The soft hum of the engine faded as the chauffeur stepped out to open the door for us.

Hades exited first, exuding his usual commanding presence, then turned to offer me a hand. I ignored it, stepping out on my own, but before I could take another step, he grabbed my hand firmly.

“Let’s go,” he said, his tone leaving little room for argument as he started toward the elevator.

I immediately tugged my hand free, causing him to stop and turn to me, a frown etching deep lines into his forehead. “What now?” he asked, his voice edged with irritation.

“Let’s go in separately,” I said, trying to sound firm but reasonable.

Hades rolled his eyes, letting out a loud, exasperated sigh. “What is it this time, Maddie?”

“I don’t want anyone to know I have anything to do with you,” I said quickly, crossing my arms as I spoke. “Don’t you see? I’m trying to establish myself here. If I walk in with you, they’ll know we’re… connected. And then what? They’ll treat me differently, give me special treatment, or, worse, whisper behind my back. I want to earn my place on my own.”

His brows drew together as he stared at me, the weight of his gaze making me feel small and defiant at the same time. “Special treatment, huh?” he said slowly, his tone almost mocking. “You think walking into the building with me is going to ruin your little mission for independence?”

I squinted my eyes and glared at him. “It’s not about ruining anything,” I shot back, feeling my frustration rise. “I don't want anyone to think that I got this job by sleeping with my boss."

“But you did,” he teased, his smirk sharp and cutting.

It's my time to roll my eyes at him. “I’m serious, Hades. I need this to be on my terms.”

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he was going to argue. But then he sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair. “Fine,” he said curtly, his voice dripping with reluctant acquiescence. “Go in separately if that’s what you want. But don’t expect me to play dumb if anyone asks questions.”

“No one will ask if we don’t give them a reason to,” I said, lifting my chin defiantly. 

He closed the gap between us in a few long strides, one brow arching as his lips curved into that maddening smirk. “Whatever,” he shrugged his shoulder, the teasing lilt in his voice making my cheeks flush. “But let me remind you, Maddie, you’re my wife. Temporary or not, that’s what you are. Remember that," before planting a quick kiss on my lips that caught me off guard.

Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode toward the private elevator, his long strides radiating irritation. 

I head to the next elevator. As I took the employee entrance to the main lobby, I was feeling nervous yet excited at the same time. This is my first actual job.

I took a deep breath as I stood outside the sleek glass doors of Hades’ towering office building, my heart pounding with nerves and determination. The morning crowd swirled around me, a sea of purposeful strangers hurrying to their destinations. 

The lobby was grand, all gleaming marble and modern design, but I forced myself to focus as I approached the reception desk. A young woman with a bright smile greeted me.

“Good morning! How can I help you?”

“I’m here for my first day,” I said, keeping my voice even. “I’m starting as an assistant in the marketing department.”

She typed something into her computer, her cheerful demeanor never wavering. “Ah, yes. Maddison Rae Grant, right?”

I winced internally at the sound of my last name. I'm sure Hades wouldn't mind if I didn't use his surname. “It's Phillips,” I corrected.

“Oh, I'm sorry. There must have been a mix-up. But it has been all settled for you, Miss Phillips,” she said. “Just take the elevator to the twenty-third floor, and someone will meet you there.”

“Thank you,” I replied, mustering a polite smile as I headed to the elevators. Once the doors slid shut, I exhaled a shaky breath.

When I stepped onto the twenty-third floor, the office was abuzz with energy. The open floor plan was sleek and modern, with glass walls and an impressive view of the city skyline. A woman in her mid-thirties with a clipboard approached me, her smile professional yet welcoming.

“Maddison Grant?” she asked.

“Phillips," I corrected. "Yes, that's me,” I replied, shaking her hand.

“I’m Claire, the marketing department supervisor. Welcome aboard,” she said briskly. “Let’s get you settled.”

As she led me around the office, pointing out key areas like meeting rooms and the coffee station, I tried to soak everything in. But when we passed a glass-walled conference room, my breath hitched. Inside, Hades sat at the head of a long table, deep in discussion with several executives. His presence was magnetic, commanding attention without even trying. I quickly looked away, hoping he wouldn’t notice me.

“This is your desk,” Claire said, stopping by a workstation near the windows. “We’re a collaborative team, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or jump into discussions. Your direct supervisor, Mark, will be here shortly to go over your tasks.”

“Thank you,” I said, forcing a smile.

As Claire walked away, I sank into the chair at my desk, letting out a slow breath. I reached for the stack of welcome papers Claire had left, scanning them with an attempt at focus. But my attention wavered almost immediately, pulled toward the glass-walled conference room at the far end of the floor. There he was—Hades. He sat at the head of the table, listening intently to the presentation with his usual effortless authority. His tailored suit clung to his frame perfectly, making him look even more imposing.

I quickly looked away, clenching my fists on the desk. No distractions. That’s what I told myself. I was here to work, to build something for myself.

But the reality was starting to sink in. Keeping my connection to Hades a secret wasn’t just about avoiding favoritism—it was about keeping my sanity intact. How was I supposed to focus when every corner of this office reminded me of him?

The elevator doors dinged, pulling me out of my thoughts. A tall man in his mid-thirties with an easy smile approached my desk, a tablet in hand.

“You must be Maddison,” he said, offering a hand. “I’m Mark, your supervisor. Welcome to the team.”

I stood quickly, shaking his hand. “Please, call me Maddie. Thank you. I’m excited to be here.”

Mark gave a small chuckle. “Good to hear. We’ve got a lot to tackle, but don’t worry—we’ll ease you in. Let’s start with a tour of the projects we’re working on.”

As Mark started explaining the ins and outs of the department, I did my best to focus on his words. But out of the corner of my eye, I couldn’t help but notice the faint reflection of the conference room in the glass. Hades turned his head slightly, his gaze sweeping the office before returning to his meeting.

I swallowed hard, straightening my posture. This was going to be harder than I thought.

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