Page 1 of Buttons

Chapter 1

Elowen

“Your hair looks more professional straight.”

His critique prompted me to spend an hour flat-ironing my natural curls away. Even now, the words still prickle against my scalp as we step into the ballroom. My husband, Julian, is here to network by hunting for the right developers for his new pivot into luxury sustainable living.

Julian’s hand finds my waist the moment we clear the threshold, his thumb pressing firmly through the navy silk he selected for me. I know exactly when to smile and how to tilt my head. I tell myself I don’t mind. When he turns that rare, heavy focus entirely on me, my chest tightens, and the rest of the crowded room simply falls away. Above us, the chandeliers throw a jagged, fractured light across the floor, mimicking the sharp edge of his gaze. Ahead, clusters of executives exchangebusiness cards while their children are monitored by nannies in a side room.

“Elowen, you remember Richard Jorgen,” Julian says.

“Of course. Patricia couldn’t stop talking about your trip to Tokyo last month,” I say, extending my hand. “She mentioned that the temple gardens were stunning.”

Richard pauses, his glass hovering mid-air. He does not remember the conversation, but his wife does, as do I. I can still recall the specific whisked matcha they drank at the teahouse in Hama-rikyu.

“The gardens were incredible,” Richard agrees, shifting to address me directly. “Have you been?”

Julian’s fingers tighten at my waist. The pressure is a clear, silent warning: Richard’s attention has shifted to me, and that is not acceptable.

“I haven’t had the pleasure, but Julian was just telling me about his business trip to Singapore,” I say, smoothly pivoting back. “The expansion plans for next quarter are ambitious.”

Richard’s focus snaps back to Julian. “Ah, yes. Brilliant move on the Weatherby acquisition. Only you could have pulled off something that complex.”

“All thanks to Elowen. She keeps everything running smoothly,” Julian says, accepting a glass of champagne from a passing server. “Both at home and in the office. I don’t know how I managed before she took over both roles.”

My smile remains fixed as I lovingly watch Julian speak.

As Richard drifts away, Julian steers me toward the next cluster. His grip is possessive rather than affectionate, but I stopped analyzing the difference years ago.

“Williams is here with his new wife,” Julian murmurs. “Remember, she’s twenty-six and used to be his assistant.”

I file away the subtext. Though I met and started dating Julian before working for him, I am his assistant.

“Julian! And the lovely Elowen,” Williams booms. “Have you met my wife, Madison?”

Madison offers a limp handshake before quickly pulling her hand back to smooth her dress.

Her gaze darts nervously around the crowded ballroom, her shoulders tightening under the heavy fabric.

“Madison, it is a pleasure to meet you,” Julian says, stepping forward to take the lead.

She gives a small, tight nod, looking entirely overwhelmed.

“If you ever want a break from these functions, let me know,” I interject, offering a reassuring smile. “Working with your husband takes a lot of balancing, and I know all about that.”

At my words, Madison glances back at Williams, who remains focused on Julian.

“The adjustment has been interesting,” she says quietly, turning back to me as her hands return to her dress. “Everything moves so fast.”

“The key is following your husband’s schedule,” I reply.

“Yes, follow Williams. He knows what to prioritize,” Julian adds, his hand resting between my shoulder blades. “Just how Elowen understands that my work demands come first, but we always protect our time together with our children.”

Quality time means the scraps of attention he throws our way between emails.

The thought comes automatically, making me wish it hadn’t.

Madison looks between Julian and me, a sudden wave of curiosity breaking through her nervousness. “So, do you work part-time now? I mean, since you’ve had children, did you find yourself stepping back from the office to handle everything at home?”