Page 59 of Silver Fake

At the end of the presentation, I told them I would take a few days to think it over. I didn't want to be rude, and I also needed time to talk to John.

But I guess my noncommittal response gave them hope, and it seems they've told Victor, who has clearly already presumed my acceptance.

"I'm still considering my options, Victor," I respond, keeping my voice firm. "Like I told HR, nothing has been decided yet."

"Of course, take all the time you need," Victor replies, his voice a treacherous calm. "But remember, opportunities like these don't come around often. In my team, we value ambition and drive. I see a lot of potential in you."

He pauses, studying me for a moment longer, and then steps out as the elevator doors open to his floor.

"Do think about it," he calls over his shoulder, leaving me with a sense of unease as the doors close behind him.

I sag backward against the cool metal wall, my heart pounding in my chest.

How did things get this complicated?

As much as I love being with John, it seems like lately the reality of our work is always hanging over us like a dark cloud.

John is my boss. I'm his secretary. And the truth is, if we want to go public with our relationship, one of us will have to change jobs.

I would never ask it of him. His job is a big part of who he is. And even though I'm just a secretary, I know that he would never ask it of me.

On the surface, working for Victor seems like the logical solution. But John isn't the sharing type, and he hates Victor. He would say it was fine and then go ballistic if I ever had to work late or take a business trip with Victor.

Not to mention that the thought of leaving John's side at work makes me feel physically ill. Even this short ride in the elevator without him, knowing he's just one floor away, feels like an eternity.

I haven't wanted to talk to him about it because I don't want to put that kind of pressure on him. But now, with Victor making his move to get me in his team, it's becoming harder to avoid.

I push myself off the wall and exit the elevator as it reaches my floor. It's time to have a real conversation with John about our future.

I take a deep breath as I walk down the hallway, preparing myself for this conversation.

When I reach his office, I knock on the door, but he didn't answer.

I check the time on my watch. It's just past two. He has no meetings for the rest of the day, so he should be in there.

Knocking again, I call out his name, "John, it's Lisa. Are you free?"

He still doesn't respond, so I try the knob, and it's unlocked. If he'd left for the day, it would be locked, so at least I know he's somewhere in the building. I'll go inside and wait.

Stepping in, I stop in my tracks.

John is sitting at his desk, lost in thought, his attention fully consumed by whatever is on his phone screen. His sharp features soften, his usual air of confidence replaced by a deep thoughtfulness. The creases on his forehead show his intense concentration, and his bright blue eyes, usually mischievous, now have a distant look.

"Penny for your thoughts?" I ask him as I walk over to his desk.

John looks up from his phone as I approach, his eyes meeting mine.

"Hey, baby," he says wearily, setting his phone down on his desk with a soft thud.

Striding over, I gently sit down on his lap, my fingers lightly grazing his cheek. "Is everything okay?"

John sighs deeply and wraps his arms tightly around my waist. He buries his face in the crook of my neck, his breath warm against my skin.

"Everything's just so fucking complicated right now," he murmurs into my hair.

"What's going on?"

He hesitates before replying, his gaze falling to his desk. "It's Wyatt," he finally admits.

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