The office was quiet.
Too quiet.
Emily stood near Ethan's desk, her arms crossed, trying to appear calm. She wasn't.
"You shouldn't have asked that," Ethan said softly.
"I needed the truth," she replied. "Even if it hurts."
He stepped closer.
"So did I," he said.
The distance between them vanished.
Emily could feel his breath, warm and familiar. Her heart raced, her body betraying her mind.
"This isn't a good idea," she whispered.
Ethan lifted a hand, hesitating just before touching her cheek.
"I know," he said. "But I've thought about this moment for years."
Her breath caught.
Their eyes locked. Time slowed. Everything else disappeared.
Slowly, Ethan leaned in.
Emily didn't move away.
Their lips were inches apart.
Her fingers curled into his suit jacket.
Just one more second—
The door opened.
"Ethan?"
Amanda's voice.
Emily stepped back instantly, her face burning.
Amanda stood frozen at the doorway, surprise flickering across her composed expression.
"I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
Ethan cleared his throat, his expression unreadable again.
"It's fine," he said coldly. "We were just finishing."
Emily grabbed her bag.
"I should go," she said, avoiding both of their eyes.
She walked out fast, her heart pounding.
Behind her, silence filled the room once more.
Amanda looked at Ethan carefully.
"Was that… something I should be worried about?" she asked gently.
Ethan didn't answer.
Because for the first time in years, he knew the truth.
Letting Emily go had been his biggest mistake.