Chapter 5: The Fine Line Between Business and Something More

Rebecca had always been good at maintaining boundaries. In college, she balanced academics and social life without ever letting emotions interfere with her goals. Even after Noah's betrayal, she managed to rebuild herself, creating a life in New York that didn't rely on anyone but herself.

But with Ethan Carter, boundaries blurred too easily.

She had spent weeks working side by side with him on Luxe Marketing's most ambitious campaign. Late nights at the office, heated strategy discussions, stolen glances that neither of them acknowledged—all of it had slowly chipped away at the professional distance she tried so hard to maintain.

And the worst part? She wasn't sure if she wanted to stop it.

The clock struck 7 PM as Rebecca wrapped up the finishing touches on the latest campaign report. Most of the office had already emptied out, leaving the space eerily quiet.

A soft knock on the glass partition of her office startled her. She turned to find Ethan standing there, his gaze unreadable.

"Still here?" he asked, stepping inside.

Rebecca smirked. "I could ask you the same thing."

He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he placed a black envelope on her desk.

She raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"

"A gala," he said simply. "This Friday. Luxe Marketing is one of the event's sponsors, and our team needs to be there."

Rebecca picked up the envelope, running her fingers over the smooth paper. "You're inviting me to a gala?"

"I'm telling you to be there," Ethan corrected, amusement flickering in his eyes.

Rebecca chuckled. "Right. Because you don't ask—you order."

His lips twitched. "Exactly."

She sighed dramatically, opening the envelope. The invitation was elegant, embossed with gold lettering.

"I don't have anything to wear," she muttered.

Ethan tilted his head slightly, studying her. "You'll figure it out."

And with that, he walked out, leaving her both irritated and oddly excited.

Friday night arrived faster than Rebecca expected. She stood in front of the full-length mirror in her apartment, smoothing out the silky fabric of her gown.

The dress was deep emerald green, hugging her curves in all the right places. It was sophisticated yet daring, the plunging neckline adding just the right amount of allure.

She took a deep breath before grabbing her clutch and heading out.

When she arrived at the gala, the grand ballroom was already buzzing with New York's elite. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over the room, and the soft hum of classical music set the mood for the evening.

Rebecca was used to high-profile events, but she had never attended one quite like this.

And then she spotted him.

Ethan Carter stood near the bar, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo that made him look even more powerful than usual. His presence commanded attention effortlessly, yet his sharp blue eyes found hers almost instantly.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, he made his way toward her.

"You clean up well," he said, his gaze raking over her in a way that made her heart race.

"So do you," she replied, trying to sound unaffected.

"Shall we?" He offered his arm.

Rebecca hesitated only for a second before placing her hand on his. The warmth of his skin against hers sent an unexpected thrill through her.

Hours passed in a blur of conversations, networking, and champagne toasts. Rebecca handled herself with ease, impressing some of the most influential people in the industry.

But it was when the music shifted to a slow, intimate melody that things truly changed.

Ethan turned to her, an unreadable expression in his eyes.

"Dance with me."

It wasn't a question—it was a command.

Rebecca should have refused. Dancing with him would only blur the lines even more. But before she could talk herself out of it, his hand was already resting on her waist, guiding her onto the dance floor.

Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, their proximity sending an undeniable current between them.

Rebecca looked up at him, her breath hitching as she realized how close they were. His strong hand pressed against the small of her back, holding her firmly yet gently.

"You're staring," he murmured.

She swallowed hard. "So are you."

A ghost of a smirk played on his lips. "Maybe."

The world around them faded, the chatter and music becoming nothing but background noise.

For the first time, Rebecca allowed herself to wonder—what if?

What if she stopped resisting? What if she let herself feel again?

And what if Ethan Carter wasn't just another man destined to break her?

As the song ended and he slowly pulled away, Rebecca realized something terrifying.

She didn't want to run.

Not this time.