Chapter 13: Conflicted Feelings
Ethan couldn't remember the exact moment his feelings for Danielle began to change. Initially, he admired her determination, her grit, and her sharp intellect. But now, every time she entered his office, his heart raced, and her smile—even when she was tired—felt like sunlight breaking through dark clouds.
As the days went by after their talk, Ethan sought more opportunities to connect with Danielle. One afternoon, while she was reviewing documents in his office, he leaned back in his chair and casually said, "You've been working hard, Danielle. How about we grab lunch tomorrow? My treat."
Danielle blinked, surprised. "Lunch? With you?"
Ethan grinned. "Yes, with me. Unless you have other plans?"
"No, I—uh, that sounds nice. Thank you."
"Great. Let's say one o'clock," he replied, keeping his tone light, though his gaze lingered on her a bit longer than usual.
The lunch turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable. Ethan picked a quiet, upscale bistro not far from the office. As they shared salads and pasta, their conversation flowed effortlessly, covering everything from work to their mutual love of classic films. Ethan found himself laughing more than he had in weeks, and for the first time in a long while, Danielle felt a burden lift from her shoulders.
After that, their lunches became a regular thing. Ethan would sometimes suggest dinner too, often under the guise of discussing a project or celebrating a job well done. Danielle was hesitant at first, concerned about what others might think, but Ethan's charm and genuine care for her well-being eventually won her over.
With each passing day, their connection deepened. Ethan was captivated by her resilience and vulnerability, while Danielle began to see a softer, more relatable side of the powerful CEO she worked for.
One evening, Ethan was driving home when he spotted Danielle on the sidewalk outside an upscale restaurant. A tall, sharply dressed man stood next to her. Ethan slowed his car, unable to look away. They were laughing together, and then the man reached out to take her hand.
Ethan's stomach twisted. A wave of unexpected jealousy washed over him, sharp and undeniable. His grip on the steering wheel tightened as he watched Danielle smile at the man, her eyes sparkling in a way he hadn't seen before.
She looked genuinely happy.
The realization hit him hard. He cared for her. More than that—he was falling for her.
But just as quickly, doubt crept in. What if she was involved with this man? What if she didn't feel the same way about him? And even if she did, what would people think if the CEO of Wright Enterprises pursued a relationship with an employee?
The thought of damaging her reputation or exposing her to office gossip made him hesitate. He couldn't let his feelings jeopardize her career or her standing.
The next day at work, Ethan maintained his distance. Danielle noticed the change right away.
"Is everything okay, Mr. Wright?" she asked during a meeting.
"Of course," he replied, his tone clipped. "Let's concentrate on the numbers for this quarter."
But later that evening, as he sat alone in his penthouse with a glass of whiskey, Ethan couldn't shake the image of Danielle laughing with that man. He realized he couldn't keep avoiding his feelings forever.
If he wanted Danielle in his life, he needed to act quickly. But he also had to be cautious. For now, he decided, he would keep his emotions in check and take his time. Danielle was worth the wait.
Ethan gazed out at the city skyline, determination solidifying in his chest. The next move would have to be his.