Chapter 39

Ned sat behind his desk, absorbed in his work, when he heard a knock on the door. Surprised, he looked up to find Sparkle standing at the entrance to his office. wearing a determined expression on her face.

"Sparkle, what are you doing here?" Ned asked, his voice mixed with caution.

Without waiting for an invitation, Sparkle entered the office, closing the door behind her. Her eyes held a hint of desperation as she moved closer to Ned, invading his personal space.

"Ned, I need you," she said, trying to force himself on him, her voice laced with a mix of longing and frustration. "I can't let you go. We're already building something special, and I don't want to lose it."

Ned sighed, his attention focused on the desk in front of him. He knew deep down that pursuing a relationship with Sparkle would only lead to further complications and heartbreak.

"Sparkle, I've made it clear before that I don't want to go down this path with you," Ned said firmly, mustering the strength to push her