10#10

10

The company's rapid ascent was a testament to his relentless work and unwavering determination.

A melancholy smile played on his lips, his eyes tinged with a touch of sorrow. "Amber, it's been so long since I've heard you call me 'brother.'"

Our eyes locked, and a flood of recollections washed over me.

Years ago in high school, my heart overflowing with unspoken feelings, I had tried to reveal my emotions. "Brother, there's something I need to tell you."

But he seemed to see right through me, his words as sharp as a knife.

"Don't call me that," he spat, his voice full of contempt, "it's repulsive."

The confession letter remained undelivered in my grasp.

From that moment on, I never addressed him as 'brother' again.

Shaking off the memories, I turned to him and said, "Don't call me Amber. It's repulsive to me."

Chris' eyes grew wide with shock, the memory of his cruel rejection clearly resurfacing.