DESIRE

The encounter

Chapter 1

“Happy 35th birthday, honey! I can’t believe you’re 35 already.”

“Thanks, Mom. I know, time flies.”

“It really does. Which is why I’m going to say this — I wish you weren’t spending 35 single.”

George grabs his keys, “Mom…”

“I’m serious. You deserve someone. A real partner.”

“I want that too. I just haven’t found the right person yet.”

“Maybe you’re not looking closely enough. That girl down the street — Emily? She’s lovely. And she clearly likes you.”

“You’ve already planned this, haven’t you?”

“I’m just suggesting coffee, not a wedding.”

He (smiles), “Alright, maybe I’ll say hi.”

“That’s all I ask.”

“I’ve got to run, or I’ll be late.” “Thanks… for caring.”…He said.

“Always. And think about what I said!” She kisses him on the cheeks as he walks away.

“I will. Bye, Mom.”

George’s Birthday Morning

The headquarters of West Bridge Construction stood like a monument of glass and steel, overlooking the city skyline. The 18th floor, where senior management worked, was quiet but elegant. Floor-to-ceiling windows poured golden morning light across polished marble tiles. Architectural models of skyscrapers sat on display shelves, each a symbol of projects worth millions.

George’s office is minimalist but powerful: a wide oak desk, dual monitors, neatly stacked blueprints, and a leather chair that speaks of authority. A faint scent of coffee and cedar filled the air.

At 35, he was already a project manager handling multi-million-dollar developments. Calm, sharp, and disciplined. Very optimistic about the future of science in architectural innovations. He loves mirror shoes and suits.

As he stepped into his office that morning, he noticed something unusual: a small midnight-blue gift box tied with a silver ribbon sat at the centre of his desk. Before he could wonder who left it, a gentle knock followed.

“Come in,” he said. Celine entered. She wore a cream blouse tucked into a charcoal pencil skirt, her hair softly curled around her shoulders. She carried confidence with a touch of nervous warmth. Her eyes held a brightness that spoke deeper. Celine (smiling softly): “Happy birthday, George. I hope I’m not too early.”

(Pleasantly surprised) “You remembered.”

“I notice things that matter.” She gestured toward the gift.

“Open it.” — George untied the ribbon. Inside lay a sleek silver pen engraved with his initials and a tiny compass symbol.

George (impressed): “A compass?”

“You’re always guiding projects… and people. I thought it fit.” She whispered.

“That’s thoughtful. Thank you, Celine.”

There was a brief silence. The air shifted. Celine took a breath, fingers lightly clasped.

Celine (gentler tone): “George… there’s something I’ve wanted to say for a while. I—”

George (swift but polite interruption): “By the way, did the Lagos site send the revised structural report?”

She blinked, caught off guard. Celine: “Yes… last night.”

George (nodding, already flipping a file open): “Good. We’ll need to review the load calculations before noon. Investors will ask.” A pause…..

Celine studied him. She understood the deflection. Still, she tried once more.

Celine (softly): “George, this isn’t about work. “He met her eyes briefly — kind but guarded.

George: “I know. And I respect you a lot, Celine. Truly. But today’s… busy.”

The unspoken words hovered between them. Celine forced a small smile.

Celine: “Of course. Work first.”

At the Executive Office

The executive floor of Armitage Development Group buzzed with quiet urgency. Assistants moved briskly between glass-walled offices, and the low hum of conversation blended with the distant sounds of construction from a nearby site.

The General Manager’s office overlooked downtown Chicago — steel towers stretching into a pale winter sky. On the walls hung framed photos of completed projects: stadiums, luxury condos, transit hubs. Proof of power and money.

George stepped in after his assistant's urgent call. He expected a briefing. He didn’t expect her.

Katherine stood near the window, scrolling through a tablet. Tailored navy blazer, sharp posture, very confident. When she looked up, their eyes locked. Old friction that never fully faded.

Mr. Reynolds (General Manager): “George, glad you made it. Close the door.” George did, then nodded, “You said it was urgent?” “It is. The state just opened final bids for the Harbour Expansion Project.” George’s expression sharpened. “That’s a multi-million-dollar contract.” Mr. Reynolds- “Yes, on a minimum, and we’re going after it hard. I want you to lead the bid team.” “I’m in,” George responded, feeling motivated.

Mr. Reynolds turned to Katherine. “And you’ll be working closely with our new Procurement Manager.”

A slight pause, Mr. Reynolds: “Katherine Cole.” George exhaled slowly…“New procurement manager?”

Mr. Reynolds (oblivious to tension): “Yes. She has a strong background. Thought you two could hit the ground running.

George (careful but firm): “Right. ‘Hit the ground running.’ Interesting phrasing. Would’ve appreciated a heads-up about staffing changes before the introduction.” Katherine raised an eyebrow, but didn’t respond.

Mr. Reynolds (quickly): “George, I need results, not grievances, in two months, and I want airtight numbers, a solid vendor contract, and no mistakes. This contract is a multimillion-dollar opportunity.”

George (acknowledging but pissed): “Understood, sir. But it would help efficiency if introductions like this came with context. Last-minute surprises can affect workflow,” Mr. Reynolds (nodding, slightly uncomfortable).

George: …Katherine. Katherine (calm, professional): George. They briefly exchanged pleasantries.

Mr. Reynolds (smiling): You two already know each other? George replied, College. Katherine — We were in the same program, Mr. Reynolds: Perfect, then you know how each other works. A brief silence hinted otherwise.

Katherine: Procurement will be ready. I’ve already shortlisted vendors. Good, I’ll align the cost projections with engineering. Their eyes met — polite, but edged.

Mr. Reynolds: “That’s what I like to hear. Collaboration. This meeting isn’t a classroom anymore — it’s the big leagues.”

They both nodded. … Meeting over. As they stepped into the hallway—Katherine (quietly): “Just so we’re clear… I don’t need anyone taking credit for my work. ”George stopped walking. “And I don’t need anyone folding when deadlines hit.

Professional smiles returned like masks, and they walked in opposite directions. But the bid had already become more than just business.

The moment George walked into the Manager’s office, - Surprise, nostalgia, and something deeper. Something dangerous. college memories rushed back uninvited: late-night study sessions, coffee runs, the way she used to laugh too loudly at his dry jokes, the way she had looked at him like he was the only man in the room.

Back then, he had Amy. Beautiful, bright and calm Amy Brown, he had drawn a line with Katherine even when the tension between them hummed like a live wire. Now that the same wire sparked again, he didn’t smile, but couldn’t resist.

After the meeting, George came back to Mr. Reynold, the executive Manager,

“You didn’t think to mention she was coming?” he asked sharply. The Manager frowned. “Didn’t know she’d be a problem.” “She is,” George spoke in a top-of-his-voice. – Don’t blame me when this project fails.

“She’s also the best procurement negotiator we could get for the government bid. So figure it out. ”George walked away, irritation simmering in his chest. Or remove her, he thought, smashed his hands slightly into the wall.

Katherine sat at her new desk, fingers resting on the keyboard but mind miles away. George looked even better than in college, more defined, more confident. The kind of man women trusted too easily. The kind of man she had never stopped wanting. She remembered the ache of watching him choose Amy back then, remembered telling herself she’d move on, which she never did. When she later discovered Amy’s secret — her attraction to women — the idea came like a whisper—a chance to break them apart.

Katherine had slowly slid into Amy’s social circle, friendly, supportive, and understanding, then closer and more intimate. She still remembered the night George had walked in on them — the shock in his eyes, the betrayal, Amy crying, while she pretended it just happened. It worked. They broke up, but she hadn’t planned on George hating her for it. That part still stung. Seeing him now reopened both the wound and the desire. Maybe this is fate, she thought. Maybe this is my second chance.