The office was quiet that evening, only the soft hum of the city outside filling the silence. Tayler, your boss, stood by the tall window, hands buried in his pockets, his gaze cold and distant.

You clutched your notepad nervously, your heartbeat too loud in your ears.

“Mr. Tayler,” you called softly.

He turned, his sharp eyes meeting yours. “Yes? Any last-minute meeting?” His tone was calm, almost detached.

You shook your head, swallowing your nerves. “No, sir. Actually…” You hesitated, then pushed yourself forward. “Sir, I—I like you. I… love you.” Your cheeks burned as the words slipped out.

For a moment, silence swallowed the room. Then his voice cut through, flat and unshaken.

“I don’t.”

Your chest ached. You forced a small, awkward smile, trying to cover your embarrassment. “Oh… I’m sorry, sir. Forget what I said.”

The next day, as if nothing had happened, he instructed, “We have a meeting tonight at the club. VIP client. Be ready.”

You nodded, professionalism masking your bruised heart. That night, when his sleek Lamborghini pulled up outside your place, you slid into the passenger seat. The ride was quiet, tension pressing down heavier than the leather seats.

The meeting itself went smoothly. Deals were struck, papers signed, laughter exchanged. Afterwards, you excused yourself to grab drinks for the both of you. Tayler leaned back in the booth, whiskey in hand, legs spread with his usual air of effortless control.

Then he saw it, a man approaching you at the bar. The stranger leaned close, his words making you laugh softly. Tayler’s jaw tightened. His glass hit the table a little too hard.

Jealousy surged through him like fire, uninvited and uncontrollable. His mind mocked him bitterly. You rejected her, remember? This is your consequence, fool.

He took a long sip of whiskey, eyes dark. But no matter how hard he tried to look away, his gaze kept snapping back to you and your smile, your laughter, your glow that wasn’t his.

And for the first time, Tayler realized his cool, aloof walls were starting to crack.