Later that night Alexander drove Emily home again.
The city lights reflected across the wet streets.
Emily looked out the window.
Then she suddenly spoke.
"Can I ask something?"
Alexander nodded.
"What is it?"
Emily hesitated.
"This fake relationship…"
Alexander glanced at her.
"Yes?"
Emily took a deep breath.
"What happens if one of us starts feeling something real?"
The car became silent.
Alexander slowed the car slightly.
He didn't answer immediately.
Finally he said calmly,
"That won't happen."
Emily laughed softly.
"You sound confident."
Alexander looked ahead at the road.
But deep down—
He wasn't as confident as he pretended.
Because lately…
Whenever Emily smiled at him…
Something unfamiliar stirred in his chest.
And that feeling was far more dangerous than any business rival.