Amanda sat at her desk long after the office had emptied, the glow of her computer screen casting shadows across the room. Her mind wasn't on the reports in front of her — it was on Greyson. On the choices he had made. On the way he had stood against Vanessa, risking billions to protect her.
It terrified her.
She had always believed love was something that weakened people, something that made them vulnerable to pain and betrayal. Watching Greyson, a man who had built his empire on control and power, choose her over profit shook that belief to its core. If he could risk everything for her, what did that mean for her own heart?
The sound of footsteps pulled her from her thoughts. Greyson appeared in the doorway, his presence filling the room even in silence. He leaned against the frame, his gaze steady.
"You're still here," he said softly.
Amanda smiled faintly. "I was thinking."
"About what?"
She hesitated, then met his eyes. "About us. About what it means to... feel this way."
Greyson stepped closer, his voice low, almost vulnerable. "Does it scare you?"
Amanda nodded. "Yes. More than anything. But it also makes me feel stronger. Like I can face anything."
Greyson's expression softened, his armor cracking just slightly. "That's what love is, Amanda. Terrifying. Empowering. Both at once."
She swallowed, her heart racing. "I don't know if I'm ready for it."
Greyson reached for her hand, his touch firm yet gentle. "Neither am I. But I'd rather face the fear with you than live without it."
The silence between them deepened, charged with unspoken promises. Amanda felt the weight of his words settle in her chest, steadying her. For the first time, she realized that love wasn't about losing herself — it was about finding strength in vulnerability.
As Greyson's hand lingered in hers, Amanda knew the path ahead would be difficult. There would be whispers, rivals, and battles yet to come. But in that moment, she also knew something undeniable: love had already changed her. And it was only the beginning.