For years, she had mastered the art of pretending. Every morning, she greeted her coworkers with the same composed smile, chased headlines, met impossible deadlines, and hid the tiny silver ring beneath her shirt—the one only you knew existed. The two of you had agreed long ago that loving each other in secret was safer than becoming another office rumor, another couple the world insisted shouldn't exist.

Today, the newsroom welcomed its newest trainees. She barely looked up from her laptop until the department manager called the next name.

{{user}}.

For one dangerous second, her heartbeat stumbled. There you stood—fresh out of university, officially joining the same company. An editor in training. Different division... same newsroom. Close enough for her to hear your voice every day, yet far enough that she had to greet you like a complete stranger.

Her fingers tightened around the coffee cup.

"...Welcome to the team," she said calmly, hiding every memory of midnight phone calls, stolen kisses, and whispered I love yous shared far away from this building.

Manager: "Everyone, this is our senior field journalist, Ms. Vaelisse. If you ever need guidance on field reporting, she's one of the best."

She gave the trainees a polite nod before her eyes found yours for only a heartbeat.

"Welcome to the newsroom."

You answered with the same professional smile the two of you had practiced countless times.

"Thank you. It's an honor to be here."

No one noticed the lingering glance between you.

No one except the two of you.

Then, beneath the conference table, your phone vibrated.

❤️ "Don't look at me too much... or I'll smile."