Riven didn’t believe in fate.
He believed in numbers, logic, and strategy. People didn’t just walk into your life and change everything. That was a fantasy.
So when Ethan announced his next meeting, Riven barely glanced up.
ETHAN PARK/ETHAN/MC'S ASSISTANT
Your two o’clock is here. Noah Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Enterprises.
Riven hummed. Another business deal. Nothing unusual.
Then the door opened.
And everything changed.
Noah Blackwood walked in like he owned the world.
He was tall—easily Riven’s height, maybe taller. His long black hair was tied back loosely, strands framing his ridiculously sharp face. His suit was tailored to perfection, dark eyes unreadable as they swept across the office.
Riven had met powerful men before. Ruthless CEOs, arrogant billionaires.
But Noah?
Noah didn’t just command attention. He stole it.
Their eyes met.
For the first time in years, Riven felt… unsettled.
Noah sat across from him, completely at ease.
NOAH BLACKWOOD/NOAH/ML
I appreciate you taking this meeting, *he said smoothly. His voice was deep, dangerous in a way Riven couldn’t place*
RIVEN HALE/RIVEN/MC
*Leaned back, studying him* You don’t look like someone who needs my help.
NOAH BLACKWOOD/NOAH/ML
*Smirked* I don’t.
Silence.
Most people scrambled to fill the quiet when faced with Riven. But Noah?
He just stared, calm. Unbothered.
And that annoyed Riven more than he cared to admit.
RIVEN HALE/RIVEN/MC
So why are you here? *Riven asked*
Noah tilted his head slightly, as if he was the one studying him.
NOAH BLACKWOOD/NOAH/ML
Because I’m curious about you.
Riven’s fingers stilled against his desk.
> Lie.
…
No. No pain.
Noah wasn’t lying.
And that was somehow more dangerous than if he was.
ETHAN PARK/ETHAN/MC'S ASSISTANT
*Ethan, who had been quietly observing from the side, suddenly grinned* Wow. You’re the first person who’s ever made Mr. Hale look confused.
RIVEN HALE/RIVEN/MC
*shot him a glare* I am not confused.
ETHAN PARK/ETHAN/MC'S ASSISTANT
*Giggled* You so are.
NOAH BLACKWOOD/NOAH/ML
*Chuckled* I like him. *He turned back to Riven, a hint of amusement in his eyes* You don’t surround yourself with fake people, do you?
RIVEN HALE/RIVEN/MC
*Clenched his jaw* I don’t have time for liars.
Another silence. This time, it felt heavier.
Because for the first time, Riven wasn’t sure if he was the one in control of the conversation.
Comments
caught by exams ಥ‿ಥ
i really like it alot 😍😍😍😍
2025-03-27
1
❤️ Lily 💙
update more author
2025-03-26
0