Heart-to-Heart

Chapter 14: Heart-to-Heart

Danielle sank into the soft cushions of her cozy sofa, feeling drained after another long day. Her phone buzzed with an incoming call, and she couldn't help but smile when she saw Sarah's name light up the screen.

"Finally!" Sarah's voice burst through, lively and full of enthusiasm. "I've been waiting all week for my bestie update. Spill it! How's work? How's life? And most importantly, how are the Wright brothers? Please tell me you're marrying one of them."

Danielle laughed, shaking her head. "Sarah, I'm not marrying anyone. Work is... well, it's just busy as usual."

"Uh-huh." Sarah's tone dripped with skepticism. "Busy hanging out with Ethan Wright? Don't think I didn't catch wind of those lunch dates."

Danielle nearly spat out her water. "They're not dates! It's just lunch... for work."

"Work," Sarah echoed, clearly not buying it. "Danielle, you're the queen of downplaying things. Give me the scoop. What's he like? Is he as dreamy in person as he looks in the magazines?"

Danielle rolled her eyes, though a smile crept onto her face. "He's... different from what I expected. He's focused and determined, but also really kind. He's been through a lot with the company, but he genuinely cares about the people who work there."

Sarah let out a theatrical sigh. "And he's handsome. Don't forget that part."

"Sarah!" Danielle exclaimed, laughing.

"Okay, okay. But seriously, Dani, you deserve someone amazing. Speaking of which, can we talk about him? Mr. Fancy Restaurant Guy. You've been seeing him for months, and honestly, I'm not a fan."

Danielle sighed, rubbing her temples. "Liam's not a bad guy, Sarah. He's charming, successful, and—"

"And completely wrong for you," Sarah cut in. "You're over here working your tail off every day, and he's... what? Only showing up when it suits him? Dani, you need someone who recognizes how incredible you are and actually puts in the effort."

Danielle didn't reply immediately. Deep down, she recognized that Sarah had a valid point. Liam's interest often seemed shallow, his focus fleeting. He liked the idea of being with her more than actually being involved in her life.

"I just..." Danielle began, struggling to articulate her thoughts. "I don't know, Sarah. Breaking up feels so final."

Sarah's tone softened. "I understand, babe. But sometimes, letting go is the best thing you can do for yourself. You deserve someone who looks at you the way Ethan Wright does."

Danielle froze. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, don't act innocent," Sarah teased. "I've noticed how he looks at you in those event photos. Like you're the only one that matters. If that's not a man in love, I don't know what is."

Danielle's heart raced. Was Sarah just exaggerating, or was there some truth in her words? She recalled the way Ethan's gaze lingered on her during the inauguration, the warmth in his voice when they spoke.

"Sarah, stop. Ethan is my boss. That's all."

"For now," Sarah shot back. "But trust me, Dani. That man is smitten, whether he realizes it or not."

Later that night, Danielle sat on her bed, staring at her phone. Liam had texted her earlier, asking to meet up. She replayed Sarah's words in her mind, and for the first time, she allowed herself to think about what she truly wanted.

She reflected on Ethan, on the quiet moments they shared and how he always seemed to see through her defenses. A small part of her wondered if Sarah was right—if Ethan's feelings were deeper than she dared to acknowledge. But even if they were, what would that mean for her?

Taking a deep breath, Danielle typed a message to Liam.

We need to talk.

After hitting send, she felt a strange mix of relief and anxiety. Whatever happened next, she knew it was time to start making choices for herself—not for anyone else but for herself.

At work, Ethan noticed a shift in Danielle. She appeared lighter, more relaxed, though he couldn't quite pinpoint the reason. He felt an urge to ask her about it, but something kept him from doing so. Instead, he admired her quiet strength from a distance, pondering whether he would ever find the courage to express his feelings.

Meanwhile, Danielle caught herself smiling at unexpected moments, Sarah's words ringing in her ears. Mark my words... That man is smitten.

For the first time in a long while, she sensed that maybe—just maybe—things were beginning to align.