Veiled Obsession

y would keep her thoughts from wandering back to Alexander and the image of him with Rebecca. But no matter how hard she tri

mix of emotions-attraction mingled with doubt. She tried to remind herself of his professional accolades, of how generous he'd be

iewing data reports, a message from

my office? I'd like to go

ring her things before heading up to the top floor. Sh

s desk, eyes focused on a document in front of him. H

seat," he said, his voi

her nerves. Alexander glanced at her, his eyes holding that familiar intensity she'd come to

tone professional. "Impressive work. You have a kna

ompliment yet wary of the look in his eyes. "I tried

e could feel his gaze lingering on her, as if he were studyin

d finally, his tone shifting, becom

.. I've just been busy," she stammered, suddenly aware o

ing a warmth that sent a shiver down her spine. "If there's

ce, to maintain the boundary she'd built in her mind. But his words, his gaze-t

barely above a whisper. She wanted to look away, but his

traction to you." As soon as the words left her mouth, sh

ent in his smile. "Olivia, you're no

his was crossing a line she wasn't ready for. But something about the way he looked at her, his voic

eart racing. She felt as if she were on the edge of a

that she could feel the warmth radiating from his skin. His fingers

ng," he murmured. "I just... w

to believe in the man she'd admired, the mentor who'd seen potential in her when no one else had. But part of h

id finally, her voice trembling. "But

he replied, though his tone held a hint of disappointment. "I don't want

anted to reach out, to erase the distance she'd created. But she couldn't ignore t

time," she admitted, fee

the time you need. I don't want to rush

d, an invisible thread pulling her toward him. She managed a small smile, hoping

Olivia... I hope you know that I value you. Not just as a colleague,

anted to believe him, to trust that his intentions were genuine. But a part of her stil

she said softly, her voic

lked down the hallway, her thoughts swirling with conflicting emotions. She wanted to let herself feel, to believe in the conn

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his hand so close to hers. She wanted to believe that his feelings were sincere, that he saw her as more than just an int

ng for him. Something real, something that went beyond admiration. Bu

rt would remain guarded. And as much as she wanted to believe in the