Office Wars: Love Under Fire

The conference room buzzed with muted conversation as the marketing team settled into their seats. Evelyn stood near the head of the table, her notes neatly organized, though her focus drifted to the door. Lucas hadn't arrived yet, which left her with an odd sense of unease. She told herself it didn't matter. This was her meeting to lead, her ideas to present.

The sound of the door opening silenced the room. Lucas walked in with his usual commanding presence, his gaze sweeping across the team before landing on her. He took a seat at the far end of the table, his expression neutral but watchful.

Evelyn launched into her presentation, her voice steady as she outlined her vision for the next phase. The team responded with enthusiasm, offering suggestions that she deftly wove into her plan. She avoided looking at Lucas, though she could feel his gaze on her, sharp and assessing.

When the meeting ended, the team filed out, leaving her to gather her materials. Lucas remained seated, his silence stretching until the room was empty.

You took control, he said finally, his tone measured. That's progress.

She didn't look up. It's my job.

His chair scraped against the floor as he stood. And yet, you still doubt yourself.

The comment stung, not because it was harsh, but because it was true. She looked at him then, her frustration spilling over. Do you enjoy pointing out my flaws, or is it just a hobby?

A flicker of something passed through his eyes—amusement, maybe, or understanding. Neither, he said. I push because I see potential.

The words hung between them, heavy with implication. Evelyn didn't know how to respond, so she said nothing.

Hours Later – Lucas's Office

Lucas stood by the window, his hands in his pockets as he stared out at the city. The lights stretched endlessly, a reminder of the empire he'd built and the pressure that came with it.

Evelyn's voice still echoed in his mind, sharp and unyielding. She challenged him in a way few people dared, and he wasn't sure whether it irritated or intrigued him more.

He turned back to his desk, the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. The lines between professional and personal were blurring, and he wasn't sure how long he could keep them intact.

Evelyn's Apartment

Evelyn sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts tangled. Lucas's words lingered, tugging at her in ways she didn't want to admit. He pushed her, challenged her, made her question everything.

She hated it. And yet, she couldn't deny the spark that ignited whenever he was near—a mix of anger, admiration, and something else she refused to name.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from an unknown number appeared on the screen.

You did well today, Keep it up,

Her heart skipped, It was unexpected, a gesture so unlike Lucas that she didn't know what to make of it. She stared at the message for a moment before setting the phone aside.

Whatever game he was playing, she wasn't about to lose herself in it.