The tech summit was in full swing, a dizzying whirlwind of cutting-edge innovations and brilliant minds from across the globe. The convention centre hummed with energy, the air crackling with the excitement of new discoveries and potential breakthroughs.

Amidst the chaos, I stood tall and poised, a vision of professional elegance in my designer sleek pencil dress. A new dazzling sapphire and opal ring adorned my left hand.

I easily navigated the crowded halls, my Louboutin heels clicking against the polished concrete floor. Matheo followed closely, my agenda in his hand.

My mind focused, my gaze sharp as I approached the Hunter Enterprises booth. As one of the keynote speakers for the cyber security stage, I had a full schedule of presentations and panels ahead of me. But first, I needed to check in with my team to ensure everything ran smoothly.

A familiar figure caught my eye as I approached the sleek, modern structure emblazoned with the Hunter logo. James Maeers, looking unfairly handsome in a charcoal suit and crisp white shirt, was deep in conversation with a group of eager young entrepreneurs.

I felt my heart stutter in my chest, a traitorous flutter acknowledging James's magnetic pull on the female brain. I quickly tamped it down. I couldn't afford to be distracted, not today when our carefully constructed plan to announce our engagement was about to unfold.

With a deep breath and a toss of my glossy black hair, I strode past him, focusing solely on the task at hand. The next three days passed in a blur of presentations, panel discussions, and networking events. I was in my element, my passion for my work shining through in every word I spoke.

But even as I basked in the glow of my success, I couldn't shake the awareness of James's presence. He seemed to be everywhere I turned, his name on everyone's lips as they buzzed about NexusWave's resurgence.

James and I finally crossed paths at one of the investor lounges. As I finished explaining Hunter's latest encryption software, I felt his warm presence at my back, his familiar woodsy scent enveloping me.

"Ms. Hunter, a pleasure as always," he murmured, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

I turned to face him, a polite smile masking my inner turmoil. "Mr. Maeers, I didn't realize NexusWave was interested in cyber security."

He chuckled. "We're interested in anything that can give us an edge. And from what I've seen of your work, Ms. Hunter...you're definitely an edge worth pursuing."

I frowned and flushed at his words, the hidden meaning not lost on me. But before I could respond, the moderator ushered us towards the stage for our panel discussion.

The next hour passed in a flurry of technical jargon and lively debate, James and I trading ideas with an ease that belied the tension simmering between us. We were the picture of professionalism, even as we challenged each other at every turn.

Our plan didn't come to fruition until the final day of the summit. I was seated in the VIP section, listening to the keynote address, when James took the stage.

"Thank you all for being here today," he began, his voice clear and strong. "I know you're all eager to hear about the exciting things happening at NexusWave, and I promise we'll get to that. But first, I want to take a moment to talk about something a little more personal."

My heart raced, knowing what was coming.

"As many of you know, I've had my fair share of ups and downs over the years. But through it all, I've tried to stay true to myself. And I'm honoured to say that, with NexusWave's new chapter, I've done just that.

The crowd erupted in applause, and I clapped along.

"But there's one thing I've learned over the years," he continued, his voice softening. "And that's the importance of having someone to share your life with. Someone who understands the pressures and the challenges, who can be your rock when the world feels like it's crumbling around you."

I held my breath, my heart pounding.

"And so, it is with great joy and humility that I stand before you today to announce my engagement...to the brilliant Noreen Hunter."

The room exploded in gasps and whispers, a sea of shocked faces staring at the stage. I felt the weight of a thousand eyes on me, the heat of their judgment and speculation pressing down.

But through it all, I kept my gaze locked on James, noticing the fierce, possessive pride shining in his eyes as he drank in my reaction. For a fleeting moment, I could have sworn I saw a flicker of something else—something tender, raw, and achingly vulnerable.

"I know, I know. It's a lot to take in. But trust me when I say that Noreen is the best thing that's ever happened to me. She's my equal in every way, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life trying to keep up with her."

The crowd let out a collective "aww," a saccharine sound to my ears. I forced a smile onto my face, the muscles in my cheeks aching from the effort.

This was what we'd planned, a way to boost both our companies' prospects. But as I sat there, watching James bask in the crowd's approval, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

Because as much as I wanted to cling to the anger and resentment that had fueled me for so long, I knew that some small, traitorous part of me yearned for his touch, for a second taste of the intensity we'd shared that night after the gala, a loveless fleeting moment of pure decadence and desire.

But that was a dangerous road, one that led only to ruin. I'd learned that lesson the hard way.

And so, I sat silently, toying with the engagement ring now on my finger, as James wrapped up his speech and the applause washed over us. I smiled and nodded, playing the part of the blushing bride-to-be while feeling like a fraud.

It wasn't until later, in the privacy of my hotel room, that I allowed myself to feel the full weight of what had happened. Sinking onto the bed, I buried my head in my hands as tears began to fall.

I had no idea how to navigate this twisted web I'd woven to save my life's work. With shaking hands, I fetched my phone and called my parents, knowing I had to give them a heads-up before the news broke.

"Hi, Mum," I said softly. "I'm sorry I've been so absent. I know I should have called sooner."

We talked briefly, catching up on the little things before I finally broke the news.

"So I was calling because I didn't want you to be caught by surprise. But...I'm engaged!" I forced some excitement into my voice.

The line went eerily quiet momentarily before a squeal of joy erupted. My mother was confused but happy that I had finally found my match.

I chuckled at my family's excitement as my father and brother joined in. "I promise I will fill you in on all the details...and yes, I will visit soon."

The call ended, leaving me alone with my burning thoughts. "And now the real ordeal begins," I sighed.

I was startled by a knock at the door. Opening it, I saw James standing there, his tie loose and top buttons undone.

"Hey," I greeted, letting him in. "How did it go with your parents?"

He sighed, leaning against the desk. "Surprisingly easy. My father was elated about my 'good choice.' He's treating it as a business deal."

I arched a brow, smirking. "Well, it is a business deal!"

James rolled his eyes. "Sure, but he doesn't know that, does he? It kinda hurts to have him treat it as such."

I nodded, understanding his point. Having your parents view your engagement as a mere transaction must be difficult.

"I'm sorry, James," I said softly.

He shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips. "It's fine. I'm used to it. Everything in my family is about business and appearances. Why should my marriage be any different?"

I felt a pang of sympathy for him, seeing a glimpse of the real James—not the cocky businessman, but a man who yearned for something more, for the approval and validation of his parents.

Silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken emotions. My eyes drifted to his lips, remembering our searing kiss that night not so long ago. My body thrummed with an ache, a hunger I couldn't entirely suppress. Stupid Lady-brain...

James cleared his throat and straightened up. "Well, I should probably head back to my room. Early start tomorrow and all that."

I nodded. "Right, of course. I'll see you in the morning."

He paused at the door, his gaze lingering on me. "Goodnight, Noreen," he murmured, his voice low and intimate.

"Night, James," I whispered, managing a faint smile.

As the door clicked shut behind him, I let out a shaky breath. Being in such close proximity to James was dangerous, a temptation I couldn't afford to indulge.

I paced the room, my thoughts a jumbled mess. On the one hand, I was grateful for the opportunity this engagement presented—a chance to secure my company's future. But on the other hand, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was sacrificing a part of myself in the process.

Was it worth it, tying myself to a man who had caused me so much pain, all for the sake of business? I wished I had the answers, but I only had more questions.

With a sigh, I changed into my sleepwear and crawled into bed, hoping sleep would provide clarity. But even as I drifted off, my dreams were haunted by piercing blue eyes and the ghost of a touch that set my skin on fire.

The following day, I showered and dressed quickly, donning a crisp white blouse and tailored black pants.

When I stepped into the lobby, James was already waiting, looking unearthly handsome in a navy suit. Following his gaze, I saw the sea of journalists stationed at the hotel entrance.

Steeling my nerves, I sat on the arm of his chair, flashing my most dazzling smile. I snaked an arm around his broad shoulders and leaned down, kissing his forehead softly.

I felt him jump in surprise at my sudden proximity, but he quickly caught on, pulling my arm around and kissing my hand. His blue eyes bore into mine with a fervour that nearly melted me on the spot.

"Ready, Noreen?" he asked, rising from the chair to stand before me, our gazes still locked.

I felt the corner of my lip twitch before I gave him a nod and another loving smile.

Together, we strode out of the hotel, his hand on my waist pulling me flush against him as we pushed through the crowd of journalists clamouring for a statement.

"All in due time," James replied smoothly. "We will hold a press conference soon to answer all your questions."

And with that, we stepped out into the bright sunlight and entered the car that would take us to the airport.