Business Trip

The night unfolded with intimate conversations, delving into the depths of our pasts until the first light of dawn crept upon us, unnoticed in our engrossing exchange.As Jayden's car disappeared into the distance, leaving me standing outside the villa, I hesitated before reaching for the door handle. A torrent of thoughts flooded my mind, hesitating my steps. Just as I contemplated my next move, the door swung open, revealing Lance's stern expression."Why didn't you come in right after Jayden dropped you off?" Lance's voice carried a mixture of concern and anger.Without a word, I walked past him, my silence fueling his frustration. He caught my arm, halting my escape, and leaned in closely."Did you spend the night drinking with him?" Lance's voice rose, his grip tightening."Yes, I did. What of it?" My retort was sharp, fueled by my own frustrations.Anger flickered in his eyes, mirroring my own emotions. His hand found my chin, directing my gaze to his."I've warned you about getting too close to our associates," he whispered, his tone a blend of warning and disappointment."And what about you? Are you exempt from your own rules?" My voice cracked with suppressed emotion. "I saw how friendly you were with those women. Don't tell me my eyes deceived me."Tension hung thick in the air, our words echoing in the quiet hallway, each accusation a sharp reminder of our tangled emotions. Despite my attempts to push him away, his grip remained firm, trapping us in a web of unspoken truths and unyielding desires.As the tension mounted, I felt her sudden embrace just before you walked in. "It's not what you think," I hurried to explain. "Yes, I went on that business trip with her, but it's strictly professional, related to her career.""Let me speak," I requested, sensing your hurt.You withdrew, granting me a moment to clarify. "You arrived at an unfortunate time. Her career is significant, but it doesn't diminish what we have.""Is her career more important than us? Did I misinterpret everything? And what about the greenhouse hidden behind the garden, with a mysterious room inside? Are those misunderstandings too?" I poured out my confusion and hurt, unable to contain my emotions."You went in there?" he asked, surprised."I'm sorry for not asking, but I needed answers," I replied softly, tears welling up.Just then, Kevin urgently called Lance, prompting him to switch on his phone. A news story circulated, revealing Lance and Emily's alleged dating escapade, complete with pictures from their supposed business trip."So this was your business trip," I choked out, my eyes betraying my heartache._ROSE_...