THE INTERN, THE JOURNEY ON BECOMING.

ork City, Calista "Cal" Jackson sat at her desk, lost in thought. Her cowork

in thought?" Jas asked, but Cal

er mind, I'll share my news instead

evident. "What are yo

der Industries, and they're willing to pay top dollar for

s her face. "Wait, what? That can

est player in the state, and they love your work. Be ready to cel

rises lay in store for her. Little did she know, this was just the beginning o

smile faltered. She couldn't help but ask, "Are you s

star of the show! Your design landed the Ryder Industries accou

g away. "I don't know, Jas...I'm n

ed to see you. He's my boyfriend, but he's also our boss, and he knows how tal

Hutton Advertising and Design. She had a complicated history with h

her decision. "Fine, I'll c

d the tension between them. She couldn't deny the truth - she was going to the

s primping for one person alone: her boss, Cain Hutton. She reapplied her signature cherry red

teria, where her friend and colleague, Jasmyn, was already waiting. But Ca

, his raven hair slicked back, and a hint of stubble framing his chiseled jawline. Cal's hear

il of his appearance, committing each feature to memory. She knew it would

oice sending shivers down her spi

ed, trying to play it cool. "Thanks,

lint in her eye. "Well, well, well

is eyes never leaving hers. "Let's just say

d. And she had no idea how to stop it. She had played the role of his pretend girl, and he casually witho

illed her with a sense of longing. But her reverie was broken when he halted and scanned the room, his eyes searching for someo

the dynamics at play. As he made his way towards them, Cali felt her anxiety spike.

kiss, oblivious to Cali's discomfort. Jasmine giggled and pushed him a

otionless. Cali felt like an outsider, a trespasser in their little bubble of love. She prayed

ne. For a fleeting moment, his eyes softened, a glimmer of warmth flickering in their dept

h sarcasm. "Look what we have here. The elusive Cal

to bore into her soul, making her heart race with a mix of emotions. But, as quickly a

ed the turmoil inside her. She couldn't help but feel a pang of longing, a

never leaving hers. Cal felt a surge of f

ats, Jasmine asked, "So, Cal,

ent thought. His eyes locked onto hers, and she felt her heart skip a beat. Bu

ed with encouragement. "We're celebrating today beca

barely above a

lp but wonder what had happened to the Cain she once knew, the one who had been kin

y cheesecake, strawberry muffins, and red wine, while Cain chose his usual rice cake with peanut butter and

and excused himself to answer it. Jas turned to Ca

avored every bite of her food, the intense gaze she felt

believe what just happened," he said, his eyes sparkling with ex