"Why did I look at him? Why did I let it get to me again?" Stephanie muttered, tugging off her heels the second she stepped into her office. She paced across the room, running a hand through her hair, unable to shake the image of Nathan's eyes—dark, pained, and far too vulnerable for the man she knew.
"You should've just kept walking, Stephanie." Her voice was a whisper of reprimand. "But no… you had to look."
She sighed and sat on the edge of her desk, arms folded tightly. "Damn him for looking like that. Like the world had kicked him in the chest." Her throat tightened. "Why do I still care?"
The office door clicked open a crack, and one of her coworkers peeked in.
"Hey, Steph… you heard about the board meeting?"
Stephanie blinked. "What board meeting?"
"Victor called an emergency one this morning. They say most of the board sided against Nathan." The woman's voice dropped. "Apparently, he barely walked out in one piece."
Stephanie froze. "Wait, what? Are you serious?"
"It's all anyone's talking about. Some are saying Victor's trying to take back control before Nathan's birthday. Crazy stuff. Anyway, just thought you'd want to know."
As the door closed again, Stephanie sat there stunned. The pain in Nathan's eyes—it wasn't just about her. Something much bigger was happening.
She stood, grabbed her bag, and muttered under her breath, "I'm not thinking about him. Not tonight."
But the weight in her chest said otherwise.
⸻
By the time she got home, the sky had softened into evening light. She stepped into the apartment and was instantly greeted by the familiar sound of Anita's humming as she searched through their shared closet.
"Are you trying to set a fire in there?" Steph called as she dropped her bag on the couch.
Anita spun around, holding a sequined black dress in one hand. "You're back! And yes, I'm trying to find something that doesn't scream 'work brunch' for Ciara's birthday."
Stephanie gave a small smile. "Right. Ciara."
Anita narrowed her eyes and stepped closer. "Okay. You've got that look again."
"What look?"
"The one where your brain's doing pirouettes and crashing into emotional walls."
Stephanie sighed, slumping into the armchair. "I saw Nathan today."
Anita's brows shot up. "What?"
"We passed each other in the hallway. We didn't speak. But… there was something in his eyes, Anita. He looked… broken."
Anita's expression softened. "Steph…"
"And now there are rumors about a board meeting. That Victor ambushed him with the board. People are whispering that the company might not be his much longer." Stephanie stared down at her hands. "And I can't stop thinking about him."
"Of course you can't," Anita said gently, sitting on the armrest beside her. "Because you're in love with him."
Stephanie bit the inside of her cheek. "I'm not in love with him I'm just hurt. I still don't understand what really happened. Everything spiraled so fast. The scandal. The lies. Him shutting me out. I didn't get closure. I just… got silence."
Anita tilted her head. "Then go get your answers."
Steph blinked. "What?"
"Talk to him. Ask him what really happened. Ask him about that damn actress, the photos, the press. About why he pulled away when things were finally starting to feel real."
"I don't know if I can."
"Yes, you can. Steph, you deserve clarity. Not for him—for you. If you're going to move on, or maybe even try again someday… you need to know the truth."
Stephanie looked away, heart twisting. "What if the truth hurts more than the silence?"
"Then at least it's real. But what if it doesn't? What if he's been trying to protect you from something bigger?" Anita nudged her. "He looked hurt today, right?"
Steph nodded slowly.
"That man has never looked broken in public. Never. You cracked something open in him. Maybe it's time you give him the chance to explain."
Stephanie ran a hand over her face. "Why do you always sound like a therapist when I need you to just tell me to stay mad?"
Anita grinned. "Because your best friend moonlights as your emotional GPS. Also, I have to make sure you don't show up to this party tonight looking like a tragic ex."
Steph groaned. "I forgot about the party."
"You promised Ciara. And a distraction might be good for you." Anita stood and offered a hand. "Come on. We'll drink, we'll dance, and tomorrow… you decide whether you're ready to face him."
Stephanie looked up, then let Anita pull her to her feet.
"I'll think about it."
"Good. And hey," Anita added with a smirk, "if Nathan Voss breaks your heart, I know where he parks."