Unwanted love

Secrets and Hidden Feelings

Episode 3

Amara arrived at the office, still exhausted from the sabotage of the previous day. Resi was already waiting, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.

“Good morning, Amara,” Resi said, voice sugar-coated but sharp as a knife. “I trust you’re ready for more work?”

Amara forced a smile. “Yes, Resi. I’ll handle it.”

As the day began, the subtle tension of the office wrapped around her like a thick fog. Every glance from Resi felt like a challenge, every whisper from coworkers like a trap. Amara felt herself growing cautious, aware that any small mistake could be used against her.

She tried to focus on her tasks, but then Ryan approached, leaning against her desk with a slightly uneasy expression.

“Amara…” he began, lowering his voice. “About yesterday… you should be careful. Resi doesn’t play fair.”

“I know,” Amara said quietly. “I can handle it. I just… I don’t understand why she’s doing this.”

Ryan hesitated, glancing around the office. “It’s complicated. People here… have their own reasons. Just trust me — watch your back.”

Amara nodded, though a flicker of suspicion entered her mind. She noticed the way Ryan’s eyes lingered on Ethan whenever he walked past, a blush creeping onto his cheeks that seemed… odd.

⸻

Later, Amara accidentally overheard a hushed conversation between Ryan and Resi.

“…She’s not supposed to know yet,” Ryan said nervously. “Just… make sure nothing blows up.”

Resi’s laugh was low and calculating. “Relax. I’ve got it under control. She’ll be out of your way soon enough.”

Amara’s stomach dropped. What were they planning? Why did Ryan seem… involved?

At that moment, Ethan walked in, his presence immediately commanding attention. He noticed Amara’s distracted expression and approached her desk.

“Amara, are you alright?” he asked softly.

“Yes, sir… I’m fine,” she said quickly, forcing a smile. She couldn’t tell him what she had overheard. Not yet.

Ethan studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, leaning slightly closer, he said, “You don’t have to prove anything to anyone here. You’re doing well. I see that.”

Amara’s cheeks warmed. She wanted to respond, to explain, but the words stuck in her throat. His attention was… different. Personal. Focused.

⸻

By the afternoon, Resi escalated her sabotage. She assigned Amara a complex project, then deliberately “forgot” to give her the correct documents. Amara scrambled to complete the work, knowing she had little time.

Ryan appeared again, this time muttering under his breath. “You’ll survive… but just know, some people here aren’t what they seem.”

Amara frowned. “What do you mean?”

Ryan’s eyes shifted toward Ethan for a fleeting moment before returning to her. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”

Amara felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Something was off. She didn’t trust the office anymore. She didn’t know who she could rely on.

⸻

As the day came to a close, Ethan appeared by her desk once again.

“You’ve been under a lot of pressure,” he said quietly. “Take a moment. Breathe.”

Amara looked up, startled. “Sir…”

“You’re doing more than fine,” he continued. “Don’t let anyone make you doubt that. Especially not Resi.”

Her chest tightened, and for a moment, she allowed herself to feel seen, protected. But the tension in the office lingered, reminding her that her victory was temporary.

⸻

Later, during a break, Amara’s curiosity got the better of her. She asked Ryan directly, “Why are you helping Resi?”

Ryan’s face flushed, and he froze. “I… I’m not helping her. I just… she thought you liked me, and I… it’s complicated.”

Amara tilted her head, confused. “What do you mean?”

Ryan’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I… I like someone else. Someone here. Someone you’d never expect.”

Amara’s mind raced. Who could he possibly like? Her stomach churned with unease, though she tried to hide it.

The day ended with a sense of dread. Amara realized that not only was the office dangerous professionally, it was dangerous emotionally. People weren’t who they seemed, feelings were hidden, and trust was fragile.

As she left, she couldn’t shake the image of Ryan blushing when he looked at Ethan. The realization hit her like a wave. He wasn’t interested in her at all. He had been… in love with Ethan.

Amara’s hands shook slightly as she got into a taxi. Betrayal, frustration, and a strange sense of relief mixed together. Tomorrow, she knew, would bring even more challenges. And she wasn’t sure if she was ready.