Just friend,he said

The champagne in my glass tasted like ash. I stood just a few feet away, hidden by the large marble pillar, when I heard his laugh—that deep, rich sound I used to love. But then, he spoke. "Sienna? No, don't be ridiculous," Julian said to the beautiful blonde standing in front of him. "She's just my best friend. Nothing more, nothing less." I froze. Ten years of my life, summarized in six words that meant absolutely nothing. I didn't wait for him to turn around. I didn't want to see the pity in his eyes if he caught me crying. Instead, I walked away, my heels clicking sharply against the cold floor. Every step was a promise to myself: no more being the shadow. No more being the 'best friend' who waits for a scrap of his attention. By the time I reached my car, the tears were gone, replaced by a cold, sharp clarity. He wanted a friend? Fine. But he was about to realize that once you break a heart like mine, you don't get to keep the pieces. I pulled over and took out my phone. There was one man who had been trying to recruit me to his company for months. Marcus Thorne. He was Julian’s biggest business rival—colder, more powerful, and far more dangerous. I dialed his number. He picked up on the second ring. "Sienna? It's late for a phone call," Marcus’s deep, velvet voice sent a shiver down my spine. "The job offer," I said, my voice finally steady. "Is it still on the table? I'm done being 'just a friend'. I want to win, Marcus. And I think you're the only one who can help me do that." "Meet me tomorrow at my office. Eight sharp, Princess. Our game is just beginning."