Chapter 5: Office Romance Unveiled

After getting back together, I moved into his downtown apartment. The view was spectacular, but it was his smile that made it home. I felt lucky.

"You’re too rich for your own good!" I teased, looking at the high ceilings and the city lights. It felt unreal.

Julian hugged me from behind, burying his face in my neck and whining, "It’s all yours, Savannah! My salary, my assets—everything!" He squeezed me tight.

His hands started to wander. He nuzzled my ear, making me giggle. I shivered.

"We have to go to work!" I tried to sound stern, but my resolve melted under his touch. I was a goner.

"No worries, I already approved your time off!" He grinned, triumphant. I rolled my eyes, but smiled.

…

With his help at work, I kept racking up achievements. My confidence grew, one project at a time. I felt myself coming back to life.

He’d take me to exhibits, to master classes. He wanted me to shine, and he made sure I had the chance. I felt seen.

I gradually regained my college confidence. More and more people began to appreciate my designs. I started to believe in myself again. It felt good.

He often stayed late at the office with me, working into the night. We’d order takeout, laugh about old times, and dream about the future. Those nights were magic.

One day, because of him, I didn’t get enough rest. I was groggy all morning, barely keeping my eyes open. I blamed him, but secretly loved it.

At lunch, I turned down a coworker’s offer to bring me food and tried to nap at my desk. My head hit the table, and I was out like a light. I didn’t care who saw.

"Hey, what’s up with Savannah Carter?" The whispers started. I heard them, even half asleep.

"I heard from HR that Editor Whitaker personally picked her!" The gossip spread.

"Her resume’s not even that impressive. She only got in because Editor Whitaker backed her." The words stung.

"No way, is she his girlfriend? With that age gap? Older-woman-younger-man? Juicy!" The rumor mill churned.

"She’s on fire lately, landing all the big projects. Mr. Simmons’s praised her so many times—maybe just to please Editor Whitaker!" The speculation was endless.

"Didn’t you see at the last dinner? Editor Whitaker called her ‘Savannah.’ They’re definitely hiding something!" The whispers grew louder.

"Ugh, I want Editor Whitaker to call me ‘Savannah’ too! So sweet!" Someone giggled.

"Haha, let’s see how long they can keep it a secret!" Laughter bubbled up.

…

Their voices faded. I clenched my fists, pretending to sleep. The rumors stung, but I tried to block them out. I focused on my breathing.

Ding.

A message from Julian: "Savannah, come in. I miss you." My heart fluttered. I rolled my eyes.

I looked at his office—the curtains were closed. He was up to something. Again? I sighed.

Damn him! Now everyone thinks my achievements are all thanks to him! Frustration simmered.

Ding.

Julian: "Want me to come get you, Savannah?" I groaned. He was relentless.

I was about to explode! My phone buzzed again. I wanted to throw it.

Before I could react, he came out of his office. My heart skipped.

"Savannah, don’t be mad. Eat something first." He set a tray of food on my desk, looking sheepish. I glared at him.

I glanced at the food he’d brought, keeping my face cold. "Thank you, Editor Whitaker. I hope you’ll stop treating me differently at work so people don’t gossip." I tried to sound firm.

He leaned in, his breath warm on my face. I could smell his cologne, subtle and familiar. My knees went weak.

He was wearing a dark gray suit, the top button of his shirt undone, his collarbone peeking out. He looked unfairly good. I swallowed.

His dark eyes made my legs go weak. I thought he was going to kiss me. My breath caught.

Just as I opened my mouth, he straightened up. "Got it. Eat up. I’m going." He winked and walked away.

He left. I watched him go, my heart pounding. I tried to calm down.

I stared at my favorite snacks on the table and started eating. I couldn’t stay mad for long. He knew my weaknesses.

From his office, Julian peeked through the curtains, watching me and grinning. He was incorrigible. I shook my head, smiling.

"Savannah, the meeting’s starting soon. You can come now!" His message popped up.

"Okay, be right there!" I texted back, rolling my eyes but smiling. I couldn’t help myself.

I fixed my hair, grabbed my laptop, and went to the conference room. My stomach fluttered with nerves. I took a deep breath.

Today was the Q3 planning meeting, with the design department doing a brainstorming session. The room buzzed with anticipation. The energy was electric.

Julian introduced the Q3 goals at the front, dressed in all black, so handsome my knees went weak. He owned the room. I tried not to stare.

As he spoke, he tugged at his blue-striped tie, glancing at me. It reminded me of putting his tie on him at home this morning, making me blush. I ducked my head.

"Savannah? You’re up." His voice snapped me back.

"Oh! Right, it’s my turn…" I snapped out of it, wiggling my mouse to start my presentation. My cheeks burned. I fumbled.

But no matter how I clicked, nothing happened. The screen stayed stubbornly blank. My panic rose.

Dead mouse? I jiggled it. Still nothing.

I clicked harder—still nothing. Embarrassed, I looked up to apologize. "Sorry, my mouse seems to be dead…" My voice was small.

Then I heard everyone gasp. The room went still. My heart stopped.

A coworker elbowed me, eyes wide. I followed her gaze to the projector. Dread pooled in my stomach.

Photos of me and Julian from our college days flashed on the screen! My heart stopped. I wanted to scream.

"What the—!" I blurted. My face went red.

I jumped up, cursing. Panic shot through me. I wanted to run.

What was going on? My mind spun.

I shot Julian a glare. He looked amused, not at all apologetic. I wanted to strangle him.

He stood at the front, arms crossed, shaking his head and mouthing, "Your—mouse—" He was enjoying this way too much.

I wiggled my mouse and realized it was connected to his computer! I’d been clicking through his photo album! Mortification flooded me.

I was mortified. How could I explain this? I wanted the floor to swallow me whole. My hands shook.

I looked around. "Uh, these photos are Photoshopped… Anyone buying that?" My voice was weak, hopeful. No one bought it.

Julian burst out laughing. The sound broke the tension. Laughter rippled through the room.

I glared at him. He was enjoying this way too much. I wanted to smack him.

"Enough, I give up. I got my first love back." His voice was proud, almost smug. He grinned at me.

"Wow!" someone shouted. The room erupted.

Everyone cheered. "I knew something was up with you two!" The excitement was contagious.

"Yeah, right, as if those photos were fake! Savannah, do you think we’re idiots?" Someone teased. I covered my face.

"I thought I was the only one who noticed, but looks like everyone did!" Another voice chimed in. I groaned.

"Congrats! Editor Whitaker, we all expect wedding wine!" The teasing wouldn’t stop.

"So sweet! First love? I believe in love again!" The room buzzed.

"Savannah, office romance is so exciting!" I could only laugh.

I could only hold my head and sigh. There was no hiding now. I gave up.

Julian dropped his boss act, grinning like a kid who stole candy. "Of course you’ll all be invited to the wedding. I’ll drop gift cards in the team chat later!" He winked.

Everyone cheered again. "Thanks, Editor Whitaker!" The room was electric.

"So generous!" someone called out. I rolled my eyes.

They started swapping gossip, piecing together all the clues. Julian messaged me: "Let’s go home together tonight. You’ll meet my parents." My heart skipped.

"Savannah, I want to be with you in a new way." The words lingered in my mind.

I looked up. Julian stood at one end of the table, me at the other, smiling at each other across a sea of people. My heart felt full. I felt seen.

In that moment, I believed love could conquer anything. Even office gossip. I smiled.