Ava hesitated, feeling the internal struggle between the polite acceptance of his offer and her reservations about getting too close to her boss. The undeniable attraction she felt towards Bryan made it difficult to decline, but she knew setting boundaries was important." I...I'm not sure, " Ava stammered, her gaze shifting away momentarily before meeting Bryan's eyes again.Bryan observed her with an intense gaze, as if trying to read her thoughts through every inch of her face. His expression softened, a hint of understanding in his eyes. " It's alright, Ava. No pressure. I just want to make sure you're safe. "Ava finally relented, giving in to the genuine concern in Bryan's voice. " Okay, thank you, Bryan. I appreciate it. "Bryan smiled warmly, bidding her goodbye with a promise to visit her department later after working hours. Ava thanked him, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension about the closeness that seemed to be developing between them.As Bryan left, Ava returned
Ava returned home, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She entered her apartment, shedding her coat and bag, and slumped onto the bed without bothering to change out of her work clothes. The events of the day played over and over in her mind, and she realized she should call Bella to share everything that had happened.With a sigh, Ava glanced at her phone, considering reaching out to Bella. However, her fatigue seemed to overpower her will to make the call at that moment. "Bella's probably waiting for my call," she mumbled with a faint smile, promising herself to narrate the day's events to her colleague at work the next day.Resigned to catching up on Bella's life updates in person, Ava finally mustered the energy to start undressing. She had almost finished changing when her phone suddenly rang, displaying Bella's name on the screen." Talk of the devil, " Ava muttered playfully, answering the call." You b*tch! Did you ever plan to call me at all?! " Bella shouted immediat
Their conversation shifted between work-related matters and subtle discussions about Ava's encounter with Bryan, all within the boundaries of their professional setting. They both sensed the limitations of delving too deeply into personal matters while at work, but the lunch provided a momentary escape from the judgmental atmosphere in the office.As they finished their meal and headed back to work, Ava felt grateful for the support and understanding Bella offered. Despite the lingering stares and unspoken tensions in the workplace, she found solace in having a friend who was willing to listen and provide a safe space for discussion, even amidst the constraints of their professional environment. ******************As Ava and Bella concluded their lunch and started heading back towards the office, engaged in a light-hearted conversation, Bella's phone suddenly rang, interrupting their discussion. Bella glanced at the caller ID and grimaced apologetically." Sorry, Ava. I
Minutes passed, stretching like an eternity, until the door finally swung open. Ava emerged, her eyes locking onto Bryan's in an instant. Relief flooded her face, and without a word, she dashed towards him." Bryan! " Her voice carried a mixture of relief and joy as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. His surprise melted into a smile, and instinctively, he embraced her, enveloping her in a comforting hold." Are you alright? " Bryan's voice was gentle, filled with concern as he held her close.Ava sniffed and nodded against his chest, her voice muffled, " Yeah, I'm okay now. Thank you for waiting. "" Always. I was worried, " he murmured softly, his fingers gently caressing her back." I'm sorry for the way I acted back there " She said quietly as she withdrew from the hug. Her eyes were red and it looked like she had been crying. Bryan shook his head " You handled it pretty well, baby " He said softly, placing a comforting hand on her arm. Her eyes went huge in an instant " B
The soft glow of the apartment's lighting cascaded over Jayden's face as he sat on the edge of his couch, a smartphone clutched in his hand. His father's images with the mysterious woman lingered on the screen, evoking a mixture of detachment and vague intrigue." Finally, " he muttered once more, the words slipping out with a blend of resignation and indifference. Bryan, his father, had been elusive about his personal life since Jayden's mother's passing. It seemed a positive shift that Bryan was seeking companionship, but Jayden's emotions remained in a state of equilibrium." It's about time he moved on, " he mused, a flicker of ambivalence dancing in his eyes. His father deserved happiness after years of solitude, yet Jayden's own sentiments toward the matter were muted.As Jayden gazed at the photos, an itch of familiarity pricked at him. The woman's obscured visage left him restless, a puzzle he couldn't quite solve. He leaned in closer to the screen, squinting as if a sharper f
Ava glided into the office, the crisp lines of her navy-blue pantsuit perfectly accentuating her professionalism. With a smile that typically lit up the room, she greeted her colleagues, yet today, her cheerful hello was met with an eerie silence.Undeterred, she settled into her tasks, completely engrossed in her work. Her dedication was unmatched, her attention so absorbed that she failed to notice the myriad of eyes following her every move. Some gazed with admiration at her efficiency, while others harbored curiosity, puzzled by the unusual aura around her.Midday arrived swiftly, and as Ava finally allowed herself a moment's reprieve, her phone jolted to life, breaking the silence of her solitary lunch. Bryan's urgent voice pierced through the receiver, requesting her immediate presence in his office.A knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach as Ava navigated the maze of cubicles toward Bryan's quarters. The bustling office felt unusually tense, a vibe she couldn't quite pi
Ava relaxed back on her chair and crossed her arms under her breasts " YOU know what you're talking about, I don't " She fired back. " The photos of you and Bryan on the media " Angela said, pinning Ava with a death glare. " And how did you figure out that I was the one? " Ava asked, meeting Angela's gaze squarely. " You've been craving for his attention lately, haven't you? I would recognize you anywhere " Angela spat out. Ava remained cool headed despite all these " Well, as you can see, I was working before you invited yourself in. So if you'll excuse me, I have work to do "" This is my last warning Ava, stay away from him or else... " Angela threatened and let her words trail off deliberately. " If you want him, go for him. You don't tell me what to do " Ava replied calmly and Angela seethed in anger, wishing she could get rid of the b*tch. " You're welcome to use the door " Ava added and turned her attention back to her computer, totally ignoring Angela's presence. The lat
" What the... " He cursed under his breath and turned to Ava " Are you okay? "Ava managed to smile " Yeah I'm good, what just happened? "Bryan explained how the car in front started to slow down. He sighed and started to drive again. The little incident erased what he intended to do before it happened. " Bet you're over 20 " Bryan commented in a bid to start a fresh conversation. She smiled " I'm 22 " She replied casually." Hmm you're a woman " He murmured, his tone suggestive and Ava blushed furiously. She clearly understood what he meant but pushed no further. Soon they reached her apartment and Bryan parked the car and turned off the engine. " Home sweet home, " he remarked, breaking the quiet that had enveloped them." Thank you for the ride, Bryan, " Ava expressed her gratitude, a flicker of warmth coursing through her." It was my pleasure, " he replied, stepping out to open the door for her once more. He leaned against his car and shoved his hands in his pockets while he