The atmosphere at Vel's Corporation felt tense that morning. Conversations were hushed, footsteps careful. Everyone knew their boss, Andrew Vele, had returned after a rare day off and from the expression on his face, they knew to stay out of his way.
Andrew walked through the glass corridor, his tall frame sharp and commanding in a dark grey suit. He gave short nods to greetings, his mind clearly elsewhere. The moment he entered his office, Selina Whyte was already there, carefully arranging files.
"Good morning, sir," she greeted softly, without looking up.
"Morning," he replied curtly, taking off his jacket.
The air between them was still strained from the week's chaos — from that unspoken tension neither dared to mention since Vanessa's reappearance.
Selina adjusted her glasses, breaking the silence. "I've completed the updated client proposal. I'll send it to your email shortly."
"Bring me a printed copy as well," he said, his tone clipped but calm.
"Yes, sir."
She nodded and stepped out with the file in hand.
Andrew leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment. But peace was short-lived. A knock echoed through the door.
"Mr. Vele," the receptionist's voice said through the intercom. "Miss Vanessa Moore is here to see you."
Andrew's eyes snapped open. Not again.
Before he could respond, the door swung open — and there she was, Vanessa Moore, in a white blazer and soft pink dress, elegance and arrogance in every step.
"Andrew," she said smoothly. "You've been avoiding me."
He frowned. "You're here uninvited, Vanessa."
"Oh, come on," she purred, closing the door behind her. "Don't tell me you've forgotten how to welcome me."
Before he could reply, the door opened again Selina entered, holding the printed file.
"Sir, here's the " she stopped mid-sentence, freezing as she saw Vanessa standing just inches from Andrew.
Vanessa turned slightly, smiling sweetly. "Oh, this must be your secretary. The one with the quiet voice."
Selina blinked, unsure how to respond. She only managed, "Here's the document, sir," and stepped forward to place it on his desk.
Andrew stood, clearly irritated. "Vanessa, this isn't the time—"
But Vanessa didn't let him finish. In one swift, deliberate move, she leaned forward and kissed him.
It wasn't long, but it was enough. Enough for Selina to see it, enough for the world to stop for a heartbeat.
The file slipped from her hands, papers scattering across the polished floor.
"I ...I'm sorry, boss," Selina stammered, her cheeks pale, eyes wide with shock. She bent quickly to gather the papers, her voice trembling.
Andrew stepped forward, his eyes dark with fury. "Vanessa, what the hell—"
But Selina was already at the door, clutching the file. "Excuse me, sir," she said quietly, and hurried out, her heart pounding in her chest.
When the door shut behind her, Andrew turned sharply to Vanessa.
"What was that?" he demanded.
Vanessa only smiled, brushing her fingers across her lips as though it were nothing. "A reminder."
"A reminder of what?"
"That I can still make you lose control."
Andrew's jaw tightened. "You don't know when to stop, do you?"
"Oh, please," she said coolly, crossing her arms. "Why are you so worked up? She's just a secretary."
"Don't talk about her like that." His voice came out sharper than he intended.
Vanessa arched a brow. "Interesting. Since when do you defend employees?"
Andrew glared at her, silent.
Vanessa gave a mocking laugh. "Relax, Andrew. You're acting like she means something to you."
"She doesn't," he said quickly , too quickly.
Vanessa smirked. "Then prove it. Look me in the eye and tell me you didn't feel anything when I kissed you."
Andrew stared at her coldly. "You've made your point, Vanessa. Now leave."
Her smile faded a little, but she hid it under a shrug. "Fine. But this isn't over."
She walked toward the door, her heels echoing sharply against the marble floor. Before leaving, she turned back and said softly, "Careful, Andrew. The people who work closest to you are usually the ones who hurt you the most."
When she left, silence fell again a heavy, suffocating silence.
Andrew exhaled, running a hand through his hair. The image of Selina's face the shock, the hurt when she whispered "I'm sorry, boss" — kept replaying in his mind.
He wanted to call her back, to explain, to say it wasn't what it looked like. But what would he even say? They weren't anything. They couldn't be.
Still, that didn't stop the guilt that burned in his chest.
........
Outside, Selina sat at her desk, typing aimlessly, trying to ignore the sting behind her eyes.
Why should I care? she thought bitterly. He's my boss. Nothing more.
But deep down, she knew it wasn't that simple anymore.