Chapter 7: Stirring Jealousy

The office buzzed with excitement over the upcoming gala event. The project Alex and Blake had been working on was nearing its unveiling, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Yet, amid all the excitement, Alex couldn't shake the lingering thoughts about Blake, their heated moments, and that kiss. It was an invisible string pulling Alex back to that night—a thread they couldn't unravel, no matter how hard they tried.

The Calm Before the Storm

Alex was at their desk, staring at the sketches for the upcoming event, trying to focus. But Blake's presence in the room was making it almost impossible. They hadn't really talked since the night of the kiss—just brief, stilted exchanges about work, like they were both dancing around an unspoken truth.

Julia, the head of PR, leaned over Alex's desk, tapping her nails on the wood. "You've been off your game lately, Alex. What's going on?" she asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Alex cleared their throat and forced a smile. "Nothing, just a lot on my mind with this project."

Julia raised an eyebrow. "Is that all? Because people are starting to talk. And they aren't just talking about the project."

Alex shot a glance across the room to Blake, who was engaged in conversation with another colleague, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil swirling within Alex. "I'm fine, Julia. Really."

She straightened up, her gaze flicking between Alex and Blake before she shrugged. "Alright. Just don't let it interfere with what we need to do at the gala."

(AT The Gala)

That evening, the event hall glittered with elegance. The gala was in full swing, the chatter of industry elites echoing against the walls. Alex and Blake had arrived separately, keeping a safe distance from each other—at least for the moment.

As Alex moved through the crowd, they couldn't help but notice the attention Blake was getting. Blake, in a sleek black suit that seemed to hug every muscle, was charming everyone in sight. His smile, his confidence—it all made Alex's chest tighten with a strange feeling. Jealousy.

Then it happened. A tall, attractive client—a man who was clearly interested in Blake—approached him, and Blake didn't hesitate to engage in conversation. The man leaned in closer than necessary, placing a hand on Blake's shoulder, laughing at something Blake said.

Alex's grip on their champagne glass tightened, knuckles going white. The sight of Blake being flirted with stirred something dangerous inside them. They hadn't realized how much they cared—how much it bothered them—until now.

Determined not to let jealousy consume them, Alex decided to mingle. After all, they were here to network, not obsess over Blake. But every time they tried to focus on someone else, their eyes drifted back to Blake and the man beside him.

Finally, a suave, charming investor—Michael—approached Alex, his gaze lingering a little too long. "Alex, you look stunning tonight," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I've been meaning to talk to you about your work. You've really impressed me."

Alex tried to focus on the conversation, nodding and smiling. But the whole time, their mind was somewhere else. Blake. What was Blake doing now? Did Blake notice Alex talking to Michael? Did Blake care?

As if on cue, Alex glanced over to see Blake watching them. The light from the chandeliers glinted off Blake's sharp gaze. Alex smirked inwardly. Maybe two could play this game.

Leaning closer to Michael, Alex let out a soft laugh at something he said. They caught Blake's eyes again, noticing a flicker of something—was that irritation? Good.

But then Michael's hand found its way to Alex's arm, lingering a little too long. Alex felt a jolt, suddenly uncomfortable with the situation. Just as they were about to step away, Blake appeared.

"Excuse me," Blake said smoothly, interrupting Michael mid-sentence. "Alex, could I borrow you for a moment? Work-related."

Michael blinked, taken aback, but Alex was already being whisked away by Blake, whose hand was firmly on their arm.