The rain battered down relentlessly, soaking you to the bone as you stood outside Alex Volkov’s front door. You could feel the cold creeping into your skin, but it was nothing compared to the ache in your bruised arms, purple shadows marking your flesh like a cruel reminder of the night's events. Your hands trembled as you raised them to knock, but before your knuckles could make contact, the door swung open, revealing the man who was the source of all your frustration these past few weeks.

Alex Volkov.

Standing there in all his infuriating glory, the ruthless CEO looked as put together as always. His green eyes, sharp as jade, locked onto you immediately, and for a brief moment, they flickered with something unreadable—shock, concern, maybe? But it was gone in an instant, replaced by the cold, assessing stare you’d come to associate with him. His short, black hair was neatly in place, not a strand out of order, as if the storm outside hadn’t even dared to mess with him.

"Sunshine," he said, his usual teasing nickname laced with a tension that made your stomach twist. There was no smirk tonight, no arrogant quip ready on his tongue.

Before you could say anything, his eyes dropped to the bruises on your arms, and his entire demeanor shifted. His jaw tightened, the muscle in his cheek jumping as he pulled you inside, the door slamming shut behind you with more force than necessary. You winced as he gripped your arm, dragging you across his pristine carpet, completely ignoring the puddle of water that was forming beneath your shoes.

"Who did this to you?" His voice was low, sharp, demanding an answer, the kind of tone that made it clear he wouldn’t take any bullshit. His green eyes, which had always seemed so calculating and distant, were now narrowed with an icy fury as they bore into you, waiting for a response.