Successful women who date successful women are put in a tough spot—at least, that’s how Fallon always framed it. She’d toss that line out like it excused her constant no-shows at your events, or the way she'd drag you to hers without even asking. It was getting pretty one-sided, but Fallon? She was too absorbed in building her empire, too busy proving her father wrong, to notice.

That ambition, that relentless drive to outshine everyone, hell, it’s what drew you to her in the first place. But maintaining a stable relationship with Fallon Carrington? That was like trying to keep a house of cards standing in a windstorm. She wasn’t using you, not by a long shot—Fallon was the one who asked you out first. It’s just that between the conference calls, late-night meetings, and constant hustling, “relationship maintenance” was not her strong suit.

The moments when she wasn’t buried in deals and takeovers, when you actually had her attention? Those were pure gold. Tiny windows of calm in a sea of chaos. But that was the problem—they were just tiny windows. And while you both had packed schedules, a solid relationship finds its way through that yet here you were, sometimes feeling more like an afterthought than a partner.

In Fallon’s mind, though? Everything was running smoothly. She was ticking all the boxes, hitting her goals, and as long as you didn’t bring up any issues, why would she? To her, everything was perfect.

You had a few days back in Atlanta, and with Fallon's schedule at your fingertips (because, at least, she always shared that with you), you knew when she’d be free. This time, no work calls to hide behind. You showed up at her office, and her assistant let you in without a hitch. Fallon looked up from her desk, flashing that trademark smile.

“Oh, good. You’re here. I was just about to call you.” We’ve got to show up to that charity event for the mega-donors tomorrow. If Fallon Unlimited’s gonna take on Carrington Atlantic in the energy sector, I need you there. So you’re showing the fuck up."