chapter 7
928 Words
The Monday after her unexpected weekend with Luke was nerve-wracking for Kara. She had never been the type to mix business with pleasure, and yet here she was, walking into her office with the memory of Luke’s touch still fresh in her mind.
“Focus, Kara,” she muttered to herself as she rode the elevator to her office floor.
Luke, it seemed, had no trouble pretending nothing had happened. When she spotted him in the legal department later that morning, he was standing in front of a group of coworkers, discussing the latest campaign.
For a moment, Kara let herself admire him from a distance. The way he gestured, the way he spoke it all felt so different now that she knew him outside of work. But when his eyes flicked to hers, his expression stayed neutral, giving nothing away.
It stung, but she reminded herself that they had agreed to keep things professional.
Later that day, Kara chaired a meeting with her top executives. Luke was there, representing the legal department.
“Let’s talk about the upcoming rebranding launch,” Kara began, her tone all business. “Luke, can you update us on the legalization of the campaigns new name?”
Luke nodded, standing to present. “Of course, Ms. Prescott. our team will be headed to court next week to copyright the name.''
Kara nodded along, keeping her expression impassive. But inside, she couldn’t help but admire his professionalism.
When he finished, the room broke into applause. Kara offered him a brief, polite smile. “Excellent work. Keep me updated.”
“Will do,” Luke replied, his tone just as professional.
The rest of the meeting passed smoothly, though Kara was hyper-aware of Luke’s presence.
It wasn’t until later in the week that their carefully constructed facade began to crack. Kara was reviewing campaign materials in her office when Luke walked in, holding a file.
“I wanted to go over these numbers with you,” he said, his tone formal. But when he shut the door behind him, his demeanor changed.
“Do you have to look at me like that in every meeting?” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
Kara blinked, her cheeks flushing. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, come on,” he said, leaning against her desk. “You’re staring at me like you’re remembering Saturday night.”
Kara glared at him, though her lips twitched with the beginnings of a smile. “Luke, we agreed to keep this professional.”
“And I am,” he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I didn’t say anything inappropriate in the meeting, did I?”
“No, but…” She trailed off as he stepped closer, his grin fading into something softer.
“Kara,” he said gently, “you don’t have to keep pretending with me. I know how hard this is for you, running the company, dealing with Max, and now… us. But I’m here, okay? You don’t have to carry it all alone.”
Her throat tightened at his words. For so long, she had felt like she had to shoulder everything herself. But Luke was offering something she hadn’t realized she needed, partnership.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Anytime. Now, let’s get back to work before someone catches us.”
While Kara and Luke tried to navigate their budding relationship in secret, Max was busy plotting his next move. Losing his job at 'Sparkle' hadn’t just bruised his ego it had ignited a burning desire for revenge.
He had already tried to sabotage Kara’s reputation, but his plans had been thwarted. This time, he decided to go bigger. He started spreading rumors within the industry, claiming that Sparkle's new campaign was a sham and that the company was on the brink of financial ruin.
The whispers eventually reached Kara’s ears, and she knew exactly who was behind them.
“Max is desperate,” Luke said when she confided in him after hours. “He’s trying to get under your skin.”
“Well, it’s working,” Kara admitted. “I can’t let him ruin everything I’ve worked for.”
“We won’t let him,” Luke said firmly. “You have me on your side now, remember?”
Kara smiled, her anxiety easing slightly. “I do.”
The company’s annual gala was fast approaching, and Kara knew it was the perfect opportunity to silence the rumors. She planned to deliver a speech about companies future and showcase the new campaign, proving to everyone that the company was thriving.
Luke offered to help her prepare, and the two spent late nights in her office, working side by side. The lines between personal and professional continued to blur, but they managed to keep their relationship under wraps.
The night of the gala, Kara stood in front of the mirror in her office, adjusting the strap of her elegant silver gown. Luke entered, dressed in a sharp suit, and froze when he saw her.
“You look incredible,” he said, his voice filled with admiration.
Kara turned, smiling shyly. “Thank you.”
They stared at each other for a moment, the tension thick. But before anything could happen, Kara’s assistant knocked on the door, announcing it was time for her to take the stage.
she boldly shut down Max's rumours and even announced the expansion of the company the night was a success.
- Writer
