Morning sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows of Kingsley Enterprises, yet Ava Collins felt no warmth from it. She had spent the weekend avoiding Liam Kingsley, trying to convince herself that what had happened between them could be buried beneath work and silence.
But silence has a way of making itself heard.
When Monday arrived, she found herself standing outside his office door, clutching a report that she could have easily emailed. Perhaps she just needed to see him.
"Come in," his voice called from inside.
Liam looked up from his desk, his eyes weary but softening when they met hers. "You didn't have to bring this yourself," he said, accepting the folder.
"I know," she replied softly. "I just… wanted to make sure it was complete."
Their hands brushed against each other. The spark was instant — the same fire that had ignited everything between them. Neither moved at first, caught in the quiet tension surrounding them. Then, slowly, he said, "We can't keep doing this."
"I know," she whispered.
"But knowing and stopping are two different things."
He stood up and walked around the desk until he was close enough for her to feel his breath. "You've turned my world upside down, Ava."
Her heart raced. "And you've made mine complicated."
They both shared a soft laugh, but it quickly faded into silence. His hand grazed her cheek, hesitant yet sure. She should have stepped back — she wanted to — but her body betrayed her heart.
The kiss that followed wasn't planned. It was raw and filled with the emotions they had tried to suppress. Time seemed to freeze, and when they finally pulled apart, guilt flickered in both their eyes.
"This is wrong," she said, trembling.
"I know," he murmured, "but it feels too right to walk away from."
He turned away for a moment, running a hand through his hair as if battling with himself. "I can't lose focus now. The board is watching me. My father—"
Ava gently interrupted him. "Then don't say anything. We'll just… keep it quiet."
Her words sounded brave, but her voice trembled. Unbeknownst to her, this secret — their secret — would cost her more than she could ever foresee.
Because some mistakes don't fade with time; some grow quietly like a heartbeat until they can no longer be hidden.