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I took a deep drag.
Too long without smoking; I coughed violently.
"Running away earlier? Afraid I'd bite?" she teased.
"No."
I looked down, avoiding her eyes.
"Project's done. Time to think things over?"
"Think what?"
I played dumb.
Suddenly, Sophia grabbed my collar, pulling me close.
"Playing dumb?"
"Or… not interested?"
I shook my head quickly.
"Of course not!"
"Then… still hung up on the ex?"
"Absolutely not!" I replied instantly.
"Then why?"
I stayed silent.
She looked me up and down, frowning playfully.
"You're not… into guys, are you?"
"Definitely not!"
She laughed, one hand resting on my chest, finger tracing a slow circle.
"You landed the company a huge deal. How about coming to my place tonight? My treat."
I started to refuse, but Sophia pressed a finger to my lips. "No arguments. Or you're fired."
She leaned closer, her gaze dropping to my mouth.
No doubt.
She was going to kiss me.
I felt frozen.
Unable, unwilling, to pull away.
Our lips were inches apart when Vivian's voice shattered the moment.
"What are you doing?!"
We turned. Vivian stood there, eyes red, glaring furiously.
She stormed over, roughly yanking Sophia away, hand raised for a slap.
I caught her wrist mid-air, shielding Sophia.
"Ms. Shaw! Keep your hands off my girlfriend!"
I released her arm.
Vivian stared, disbelieving. "Girlfriend?"
"Evan, how dare you date someone without my permission?!"
No matter how much time passed, Vivian remained the same – superior, entitled.
"Ms. Shaw, my personal life is none of your concern."
Vivian glared, speechless.
I took Sophia's hand to leave. Vivian blocked us.
"We need to talk."
"We have nothing to talk about."
Vivian looked at me pleadingly.
"Do I have to beg?"
I asked Sophia to go ahead.
Followed Vivian to the end of the hall.
