My Ex Boyfriend Is My New Company CEO

The cozy indoor restaurant exuded a quiet elegance. Hadley Marshall, with her long, slightly wavy hair, wore a light peach dress that complemented her fair skin. She glanced at her watch now and then, rhythmically tapping her index finger on the white floral tablecloth. After what felt like forever, the person she was waiting for finally showed up.

Eloise Cunningham, her hair tied up, hadn't changed out of her flight attendant uniform. She approached Hadley's table with an apologetic smile and took a seat. "Sorry, work held me up a bit. Have you been waiting long?"

Hadley shook her head. "No worries. Waiting for a beauty like you is hardly a chore."

Eloise quickly touched up her makeup, resting her elbow on the table as she leaned forward to ask, "So, how's the new job treating you?"

Hadley made an okay gesture, radiating confidence. "Another day of doing nothing—it’s like paradise. Thanks for tipping me off about this great gig at the company. I'm treating you to lunch today, order anything you want."

Hadley called over a server, but Eloise didn't even glance at the menu and just ordered an iced coffee instead.

Hadley lightly objected, "Eloise, I really want to thank you with a proper meal. My salary’s double now, so don’t worry about the cost."

Eloise shook her phone lightly. "It's not about saving your money; I just don't have time. I got a message about a last-minute flight change. I need to head back soon."

"Always on the go," Hadley said, resigned, and ordered a drink for herself as well.

Eloise smiled and asked, "So, with your job going so well, Emir must be looking out for you, right?"

Hadley rolled her eyes and sighed, "What are you getting at now?"

Seeing her expression, Eloise couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, okay, I'll drop it."

Emir Holmes, Hadley’s direct boss and Eloise’s occasional acquaintance, had needed an administrative assistant at the prestigious company just when Hadley was between jobs. Eloise, being a good friend, connected them. Given Emir's charming demeanor and integrity, Eloise secretly hoped something more might develop between the two.

Eloise suddenly noticed someone familiar enter the restaurant, discomfort flashing across her face as she tried to hide.

Hadley picked up on Eloise's unease and glanced over to see a couple passing by. The man wore a sleek gray leather jacket and sunglasses, his sharp features, particularly his strong nose and confident thin lips, catching her eye. He was with a cute, fresh-faced woman, heading to a table by the window, drawing attention from other diners.

"Do you know them?" Hadley inquired.

Eloise glanced at them from the corner of her eye before coolly shaking her head. "No, I don't."

"Liar," Hadley teased. "Your face says otherwise. What's the deal?" She paused, then added mischievously, "You must know the guy, right?"

The server brought their drinks, and Eloise took a sip, deciding there was no harm in sharing. "It's not much of a story. His name's Coleson Reynolds. Met him on a flight; he asked for my number and we went out a few times. He was supposed to meet me today, but..." Eloise gestured discreetly toward the couple.

Hadley's eyes widened. "Is he playing you?"

Eloise brushed her hair behind her ear. "Just a few dinners. I don't really know much about him, his background, or his job. I thought I’d give it a shot, but realizing he's the type to play around doesn’t sit well with me."

Hadley knew Eloise's personality well; she was never one to react hastily or get easily upset. In Hadley’s eyes, Eloise epitomized grace and elegance.

"He’s clearly messing with your feelings. Just look at him—a classic player," Hadley said irritably, casting a disdainful glance toward Coleson at the window. The topic struck a nerve with Hadley due to a painful experience in college, leaving her particularly sensitive to such matters.

Eloise, wanting to calm things down, said, "I'm done with him anyway. He probably doesn't even remember me now. I should get back to the airport."

"Wait, doesn’t remember?" Hadley was incredulous for a moment before a cunning idea sparked. She smirked, "Eloise, you've helped me find a great job, let me return the favor. I'll teach that philandering man a lesson."

With that, Hadley was on the move. Eloise made a half-hearted attempt to stop her, but Hadley was already heading toward Coleson's table. Coleson and his companion were engaged in light conversation, the woman bubbling with enthusiasm.

"Can't believe you love this artist's work, too! My favorite piece of his is his breakthrough illustration. It’s so atmospheric, inspiring my own love for painting," she gushed.

Coleson, flashing his charming smile, replied, "I happen to know his work will be auctioned in Paris. Since you like it so much, I'll get it for you next time we meet."

Hadley approached, listening in on their superficial exchange. She deduced they weren't deeply acquainted and that this woman was probably his latest interest. Without missing a beat, Hadley pulled out a chair and sat down at their table.

Coleson looked startled, as did his companion.

With a determined expression, Hadley accused, "She’s pregnant, and you're still out here with other women? Are you ever going to take responsibility and marry her?"

Coleson was taken aback, asking instinctively, "Who... are you?"

He blinked in confusion; though he'd encountered many women, each left an impression. Yet the strikingly unfamiliar woman before him, with her unique aura and unknown face, was a mystery.