Loving Mr CEO

fected over the years. Seven years is too long a time to love someone but I did it. Caleb and I started dating in my first year at the university. We were young then, naive, hopeful and very

Breathe, Aida. Just breathe. My phone vibrated. I didn't need to check to know who it was. Instead, I stared at my computer screen, blinking hard, refusing to let the tears fall. Not here. Not now. "Hey." Mike's voice was quiet. I looked up and saw him standing a few steps away, holding a file against his chest. His expression wasn't curious. It wasn't a pity either. It was... concern. "You forgot this," he said, placing the notepad I'd dropped earlier on my desk. "Oh. Thanks." My voice came out thinner than I wanted. He didn't leave immediately. Are you okay?" His voice was low. Careful. Like he didn't want to startle me. I nodded immediately. Too quickly. "Yes." Lie. He didn't call me out on it. Instead, he glanced around once, quickly then leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You don't look okay." Something about the way he said it without judgment and without pressure made my eyes sting. "I'm fine," I repeated, softer this time, like if I said it gently enough it might become true. He studied me for a moment, then stepped back, giving me space. I appreciated that more than he knew. "Mercy said I should sit with IT for now," he said. "But... if you're busy, I can come back later." Busy. I almost laughed. "Give me five minutes," I said, surprising myself. "I'll walk you there." His brows lifted slightly. "You sure?" I nodded again. This time, slower. "Yeah." We walked side by side toward the IT section, not touching, but close enough that I could feel the heat from his arm every time it swung near mine. I focused on the sound of my heels against the tiled floor, counting each step like it was a lifeline. One. Two. Three. "Thank you," he said again, breaking the silence. "For earlier. And... now." "You don't have to keep thanking me," I replied. "It's literally part of my job." "I know," he said. "Still." That word again. Still. "You don't have to come if you don't want to," he said quietly. "I can find my way." "I said I'd take you," I replied. "I meant it." He glanced at me then. Really looked

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