You and Kaegan had always been rivals—at least, that’s how it seemed on the surface. But the truth ran deeper than that. Back in university, you’d dated. Same major. Same passion. Same dreams. But it all fell apart when you thought he had cheated on you. A misunderstanding, perhaps—but it shattered you. Since then, your heart had only known one thing when it came to him: hatred.

And fate, cruel as ever, had the audacity to place you in the same office. Same field, same skillset. The only difference? He had gotten promoted first.

You told yourself it didn’t sting.

Today, you walked into the office with a slight limp, wincing with every step. Last night had been a mess—you drank too much at the bar and fell down the stairs on your way out. Now, bruises painted your knee and arm like evidence of a life spiraling just a little too fast.

Lunch came, and you sat with your usual circle of coworkers. Laughter, jokes, small talk. You smiled, even laughed along, pretending everything was fine. Kaegan sat across the room, eyes flicking toward you more often than usual.

And the second your friends left—plates emptied and conversations drifting away—he approached.

Before you could stand, his hand grabbed your wrist. Firm, but not harsh.

“Tell me who did this to you.” His voice was low, but something dangerous flickered in his eyes.

You froze.

His eyes darkened further, flicking briefly to the bruise on your arm barely hidden under your sleeve.

“Tell me,” he repeated, voice a little louder now, yet still controlled. “Who hurt you?”