Page 20 of Bossalicious Bad Boy

I feel a cold shiver run down my spine as Ruby's words sink in. The image of Alexander that I've built up in my mind begins to crumble, and I'm left wondering who he truly is beneath his charming exterior.

My fingers fidget with the edge of my blouse as I weigh the risks and benefits of pursuing a relationship with Alexander. On one hand, my heart races at the thought of being close to him, feeling his strong arms around me. But on the other hand, I know that throwing caution to the wind could mean sacrificing the career I've worked so hard for.

"Are you sure?" I ask hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, people can change, right? Maybe he's different now."

"Listen to yourself," Ruby admonishes gently, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You're grasping at straws here. I understand how tempting it can be to believe in fairy tales, but the reality is often far less enchanting. You need to make an informed decision based on facts, not wishful thinking."

A pang of sadness echoes through my chest as I realize the truth in Ruby's words. Yet, I know that she's right—I need to prioritize my professional goals and make a decision that supports my future aspirations.

"It's ultimately your decision to make," she says softly. "But if you ask me, your career and reputation are far too important to risk for a relationship that may not even be genuine. Alexander may be attractive, but he's also your boss, and there's an inherent power imbalance there that could lead to complications. Pursuing a relationship with him could jeopardize everything you've worked so hard for."

I take a moment to process her words, and I find myself nodding in agreement. As much as my heart yearns for a chance at love, I know that I must put my professional aspirations first. The path before me may be difficult, but the support of friends like Ruby will make it more bearable.

"Thank you for your honesty," I say, my voice trembling slightly. "I know this won't be easy, but I need to consider both my personal feelings and my professional goals before making a decision."

"Of course," Ruby replies, her eyes softening with empathy. "Whatever you decide, just remember that you deserve the best—both in your career and in your personal life. Don't settle for anything less."

The muted buzz of the office fades into the background as I stare blankly at my computer screen, the words from my conversation with Ruby still echoing in my mind. I can feel the weight of her warning settling on my shoulders, and it's a burden I can no longer ignore.

I’m not blind to the way that she keeps watching me all day, her eyes following my every movement. I know that she is just worried about me, but I still tense when she gets up to come over to me a few hours later.

"Hey," Ruby says, gently nudging my arm as she leans against my desk, her concern evident in her eyes. "You ready to talk?"

I swallow hard, feeling the knot in my stomach tighten. "Yeah, I think so." Taking a deep breath, I meet Ruby's gaze steadily. "I've thought about everything you said, and... I've made a decision."

"Go on," Ruby encourages softly, her expression open and supportive.

"Despite my attraction to Alexander, I know that pursuing a relationship with him would be a mistake," I say with conviction, even though my heart twists painfully. "My career has always been important to me, and I can't risk jeopardizing that for something that might not even work out."

Ruby nods, a proud smile spreading across her face. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Clara. You're an incredibly talented woman, and this company would be lucky to have you on their team long-term."

"Thank you," I whisper, touched by her sincerity.

"Of course," she replies, her hand briefly squeezing my arm. "And if you ever find yourself struggling with navigating any potential challenges here at work, just remember that I'm here to help. We all need support sometimes, and I want you to succeed."

A slow, grateful smile curves my lips as I look at Ruby, realizing that amidst the chaos of my feelings for Alexander, I've also found a true friend in her. Someone who genuinely cares about my well-being and success. And in that moment, I understand that our friendship is just as valuable as any professional accomplishment.

"Thank you, Ruby," I say again, my voice stronger this time. "Your support means the world to me."

"Anytime, Clara. Anytime."

10

ALEXANDER

I walk into my office, the sunlight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows as I set down my coffee on the pristine glass desk. The scent of fresh espresso fills the room, but something feels... off. It's been gnawing at me for a while now - that feeling that I'm losing control.

"Morning, Alex," Clara says, her voice flat as she hands me the stack of reports I requested. Her once vibrant hazel eyes now seem dull, and her smile doesn't reach them anymore. I notice she's wearing the same navy blouse she wore last week when we had that... moment. But there's no trace of that spark in her now.

"Thanks," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "Hey, did you get a chance to check out that new sushi place on Fifth? You mentioned you wanted to try it."

"Uh, yeah, I went there with some friends. It was... fine," she says, avoiding eye contact. She used to light up when talking about food, but now she sounds disinterested.

"Clara," I say, putting the reports down and leaning against my desk. "Is everything okay? You've seemed a bit... distant lately."

"Everything's fine, Mr. Blaese," she replies quickly. It stings, but I don’t correct her, wondering why she would switch to being so formal. "Just been busy with work stuff. If that's all, I have some tasks to finish up."

"Alright," I say, nodding slowly. "If you need anything, just let me know."

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