The breaking point

The next day at work, Jessica and Brian didn't speak to each other. The tension between them was thick, almost suffocating. Brian remained cold and distant, his anger simmering beneath the surface, while Jessica was still in shock and frustration. Their usual fiery exchanges had been replaced by an uncomfortable silence. Weeks passed this way. They only talked when it was absolutely necessary, and even then, their conversations were strictly professional—short, curt, and emotionless.

Brian found himself growing increasingly restless. He wanted to apologize, but the words just wouldn't come out. His pride and arrogance kept holding him back. He hated feeling vulnerable, and apologizing to Jessica would mean admitting he had been wrong. Something he wasn't used to doing.

But the longer the silence stretched between them, the worse he felt. His mother had noticed the change too. She had been calling him frequently, pestering him about Jessica.

"Brian, when is Jessica coming to visit me?" she asked during one of their phone calls. "I've been waiting for her. She promised to bring me something last time."

Brian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "She's been busy with work."

"Nonsense," his mother scoffed. "I know something happened between you two. I may be sick, but I'm not blind. You better not have scared that girl away."

Brian remained silent, unable to argue. His mother continued, her voice softer this time. "Jessica has been good to me, Brian. She cares about you too. Whatever happened, you need to fix it."

He exhaled slowly. "She'll come. I'll make sure of it."

The truth was, he knew he had gone too far. He should have been grateful. Because of Jessica, his mother was healthier, happier. He had planned on apologizing, but every time he tried, the words stuck in his throat. However, he knew he couldn't delay it any longer.

That day, he made up his mind—he would talk to her after work. But fate had other plans.

Meanwhile, Anita had other intentions. She had been lurking around Brian's office, looking for an opportunity. Ever since childhood, she had always admired him—more than admired him. She had been obsessed with him. And now, she saw her chance.

Brian had briefly stepped out of his office, leaving the door unlocked. Anita slipped inside, making herself comfortable in his chair. When she heard footsteps approaching, she stood up quickly, anticipation coursing through her veins.

The door swung open, and Brian entered, looking tired and distracted. Before he could react, Anita rushed toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Brian!" she exclaimed, pressing herself against him.

He stiffened immediately, a flash of irritation crossing his face. "Anita, what the hell are you—"

Before he could finish, she leaned in and kissed him.

It happened so fast that for a split second, Brian was too stunned to react. But the moment he realized what was happening, he pushed her off him with force.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" he snapped, his face twisted in disgust. "Get out."

But it was too late.

Jessica had seen everything.

---

Jessica had been sitting in her office, trying to focus on work, but her mind kept drifting back to Brian. She hated the effect he had on her. She had told herself she didn't care about him anymore. That whatever tension had been between them was gone. But deep down, she knew she was lying to herself.

She had glanced up absentmindedly, and that's when she saw it.

Through the transparent, soundproof glass that separated their offices, she saw Anita wrapping herself around Brian. And then—Jessica's breath caught—she saw Anita kiss him.

For a moment, Jessica felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. Her vision blurred, her heart clenched painfully in her chest.

Brian didn't push her away immediately.

Jessica didn't wait to see any more. She stood up so quickly that her chair nearly toppled over. Without thinking, she grabbed her bag and rushed out of the office.

Brian, still reeling from what had just happened, turned just in time to see Jessica fleeing.

"Jessica!" he called, his voice filled with urgency.

She didn't stop. She didn't even turn around.

A sharp curse escaped Brian's lips as he shoved Anita aside. "Get out," he barked. "And don't ever pull that stunt again."

Anita blinked, looking hurt. "Brian, I—"

"I said get out!"

She flinched at the sharpness in his tone, but she obeyed, walking out of his office reluctantly.

Brian didn't waste another second. He rushed out of his office, scanning the hallways for Jessica. But she was gone.

---

The next day, Jessica didn't come to work.

Brian tried to convince himself that she was just taking a day off. But when she didn't show up the following day either, worry gnawed at him. By the third day, he couldn't concentrate on anything. He paced his office, debating whether he should call her, text her, or go to her apartment. He hated this—feeling powerless, not knowing what she was thinking, what she was feeling.

On the fourth day, he couldn't take it anymore.

He left the office early and drove straight to her apartment. Standing outside her door, he hesitated for only a moment before knocking firmly.

No response.

He knocked again, louder this time. "Jessica, open the door."

Still, silence.

His patience snapped. "If you don't open this door, I swear I'll—"

The door swung open abruptly, and Jessica stood there, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Brian took a step back, momentarily taken aback by the coldness in her eyes.

"What do you want?" she asked flatly.

Brian exhaled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Why didn't you come to work?"

Jessica's lips curled into a humorless smile. "I don't work for you anymore."

Brian frowned. "What?"

Jessica held up an envelope. "This is my resignation letter. I was planning on coming to the office today to give it to you. But since you're here, you can take it."

Brian didn't reach for it. He simply stared at her, his jaw tightening. "Stop this."

Jessica shook her head. "I've made up my mind."

Brian sighed, dragging a hand down his face. "Before I even look at that, my mother wants to see you."

Jessica hesitated, and for the first time, her expression wavered. "I'm not going anywhere," she said quietly. "Last time I went there, you shouted at me and told me I shouldn't go. So why now?"

"Because she's been waiting for you," Brian admitted, his voice softer. "Jessica, I know I messed up. I should have been grateful. My mother is in a better place because of you."

Jessica studied him for a long moment before sighing. "Fine. But I'm only doing this for your mother, not for you."

Brian nodded, relief washing over him. "That's all I'm asking."

As they got into his car, Brian knew one thing for certain—he wasn't going to let her slip away so easily.