BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 17

•SHELBY•

It took me three grueling hours to complete the revision of the merger project payroll. Eager to share my progress, I headed straight to William's office without bothering to knock. As I entered, he shot me a disapproving glare. Unbothered, I approached his desk and placed the folder on top of it.

"The payroll revision is finished. Once the finance team reviews it, they'll send you the final draft," I informed him in a professional tone.

He picked up the folder, without bothering to open it, and placed it on the pile beside him before turning back to his laptop.

"You can leave now," he said dismissively, without even looking at me.

I scoffed, initially planning to walk away, but then changed my mind.

"What's your problem with me, anyway?" I asked, annoyance evident in my voice.

He lifted his eyes from the laptop, narrowing them at me.

"I don't have a problem," he retorted, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Don't think I'm unaware of how you treated me during the earlier meeting. Did you invite me just to pick on me for no reason? If you have an issue, just say it."

He stared at me for a moment, then chuckled and stood up from his seat.

"You think you're the only one allowed to get angry, throw a fit, or be moody around here? So if others act that way, suddenly they have a problem with you?"

He laughed, and I clenched my fist tightly.

"The world doesn't revolve around you, Shelby. Get over yourself. Not everything is about you," 

Shelby. That was the first time in a while he had addressed me by my name instead of using his usual nickname. It seemed he was genuinely angry about something.

"Fine. Then stop choosing me as an easy target for your frustrations. I don't have the time to deal with you or whatever is bothering you. Your mood can impact our work as well,"  I shot back, throwing his words right back at him.

A smirk appeared on his face, as he realized I had turned the tables on him. I glared at him one last time, then turned around to leave the room.

"Does your new boyfriend know you hate roses?" he called out, causing me to halt in my steps. I couldn't help but smirk as pieces of the puzzle started fitting together in my mind.

Was he angry because Michael giving me roses? Could he actually be jealous?

Turning back to face him, I was surprised to see that he had left his spot and was now standing in front of his desk, hands buried deep in his pockets.

"They're blue."

"You hate all roses," he confidently stated.

"Not this one."

"Why?" he prodded. "Because they're from someone special?"

I took a step forward, teasing him with a smile.

"Careful there, Will. Someone might get the wrong idea and think you're jealous,"

He clenched his jaw, a reaction I had rarely seen before. I usually didn't refer to him as "Will," except in situations like this to provoke him.

"Why would I be jealous of him? He's way out of my league," he retorted.

I nodded in agreement. 

"Exactly. So why are you so bothered by Michael giving me roses? It's okay to admit you're a little jealous, you know."