Corner Office Confessions

Chapter 17: Breaking Point

Nerisa was clearing out her desk drawer of stray pens when Nathan appeared, closing her office door behind him for the first time in weeks.

"You defended me today," she said, not looking up. "Thank you. But don't think that fixes anything."

"I know it doesn't." He exhaled, running a hand through his hair, some of his composure finally slipping. "I've spent this entire week trying to convince myself that distance is protection. That if I keep you at arm's length, nothing can touch either of us."

"And?"

"And I've never been more miserable in my life." The admission seemed to cost him something physical, like tearing down a wall brick by brick. "I watched Vivian try to use you against me, and instead of fighting for what we have, I let her win by pulling away first. I did exactly what I swore I'd never do — I protected myself instead of you."

Nerisa finally looked up, searching his face for the deflection she half-expected. She didn't find it. Just raw, unguarded honesty.

"I'm not asking you to be fearless, Nathan. I know what you carry. But I can't keep loving someone who runs the second things get hard."

The word *loving* hung between them, bigger than either of them had said out loud before.

He crossed the room in three steps, cupping her face in his hands like she was something he couldn't afford to lose again. "I don't want to run anymore. I'm terrified, and I don't know how to do this — but I want to try. With you. Only you."

"Then stop protecting yourself from me," she whispered, "and start choosing me instead."

He kissed her like an answer, slow and certain, every wall he'd built finally beginning to crumble.