Page 96 of Love so Hot

But it's Sebastian who slices through the sympathy with his signature sharpness.

Sebastian

Let her go, man. It’s not worth the hassle.

His message pings in, curt and clear-cut. That's Seb for you – if there's no logic to it, it's out.

"Easy for you to say," I mutter under my breath, staring at the impersonal gray bubble onscreen. His advice stings, like he's dismissing a case in court without hearing all the evidence. I picture him behind his own desk, surrounded by paperwork, not a single photo out of place. Mr. Efficient.

"Maybe for you," I type back, but delete it before hitting send.

The screen lights up with a new message. It's Roman, of course, tossing in his two cents like a coin into a wishing well.

Roman

Chase after her if you really care. What’s more important, business or her?

His words flash on the screen and I swear my heart skips a beat. He's got a point, but it's not that simple.

Lawrence

Easy for you to say. You've never been the relationship type.

But even as I hit send, I know I'm dodging the real issue.

The phone buzzes again, and this time it's Victor's turn. I brace myself for his input; Vic always gets straight to the heart of things.

Victor

Do you have true feelings for her, or is this just business?

The text sits there, sharp and probing. I stare at it, feeling like he's right here in the room, those piercing blue eyes locked on mine.

"Damn, Vic," I exhale, the words escaping into the empty office. He's calling me out—and he's not wrong.

Lawrence

Complicated

It's all I manage to reply. Because it's true. And because anything more feels like stepping off a cliff without knowing what's below.

Victor

Not a good enough answer

I sigh and let my fingers hover over the keyboard, each tap a deliberate effort to convince not just my friends but myself.

Lawrence

It’s business motivated.

This engagement was about improving public opinion for the pipeline.

Sent.

The lie sits heavy on my chest.

Sebastian

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