☆Hate Sparks☆

Chapter Seven: Conflict of Interest (Aria's POV)

Aria sat in her office at Blackwood Energy, staring at the pipeline proposal on her computer screen. The words blurred as her mind wandered, yet again, to Zoe. She couldn't shake the memory of their last interaction - the lingering touch, the way Zoe's eyes had seemed to search hers for... something.

A knock on her door jolted her back to reality. "Come in," she called, quickly minimizing the proposal.

Her father, Richard Blackwood, strode in, his presence immediately filling the room. "Aria, we need to talk about the community project. It's time to wrap it up and focus on pushing the pipeline through."

Aria felt her stomach drop. "But Dad, the project has been incredibly successful. It's really improving our image in the community."

Richard waved his hand dismissively. "Image is all well and good, but we have shareholders to answer to. I need you fully committed to this pipeline. No more playing in the dirt with tree-huggers."

The casual dismissal of her work - and of Zoe - stung. "They're not just tree-huggers, Dad. They care about this community, just like we do."

Her father's eyes narrowed. "Aria, don't tell me you're going soft on me. I've heard rumors about you and that activist, Zoe Martinez. I hope you remember where your loyalties lie."

Aria felt a flash of panic. Were her feelings for Zoe that obvious? "Zoe and I are just... working together on the project. That's all."

Richard studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Good. Keep it that way. We can't afford any distractions right now."

After he left, Aria slumped in her chair, her mind a whirlwind. She'd spent her whole life trying to live up to her father's expectations, to be the perfect Blackwood heir. But now, for the first time, she found herself questioning everything.

Later that day, at the cleanup site, Aria couldn't help but notice the tension radiating from Zoe. Something was clearly bothering her.

"Hey," Aria said softly, approaching Zoe during a break. "Is everything okay?"

Zoe sighed, running a hand through her curls. "Not really. Alex and I had a huge fight last night. About you, actually."

Aria felt her heart race. "Me? Why?"

"He thinks I'm spending too much time on this project. Too much time with you." Zoe's eyes met Aria's, filled with a mix of confusion and something else Aria couldn't quite define.

"Oh," Aria said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. I never meant to cause problems between you two."

Zoe shook her head. "It's not your fault. It's just... everything feels so complicated lately."

They stood in silence for a moment, the air between them charged with unspoken words. Aria wanted nothing more than to reach out, to comfort Zoe, to tell her how she felt. But she held back, acutely aware of the invisible barriers between them.

"Zoe," Aria finally said, her voice trembling slightly. "I need to tell you something. The company... my father... they want to push forward with the pipeline. They're talking about ending the community project."

Zoe's eyes widened, hurt and betrayal flashing across her face. "What? Aria, you can't let that happen. This project is making a real difference!"

"I know, I know," Aria said, feeling torn. "I'm trying to fight it, but..."

"But what?" Zoe challenged, her passion igniting. "Aria, you've seen the good we're doing here. You can't just abandon that."

Aria felt tears pricking at her eyes. "It's not that simple, Zoe. This is my family, my career. I can't just throw that away."

"Even if it's the right thing to do?" Zoe's voice was soft, but her words hit Aria like a physical blow.

They stared at each other, the weight of their conflicting worlds hanging heavy between them. Aria opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.

Finally, Zoe shook her head. "I think... I think I need some space to think. I'll see you later, Aria."

As Zoe walked away, Aria felt like her heart was being torn in two. She was caught between her growing feelings for Zoe, her awakening environmental conscience, and the weight of her family's expectations.

Driving home that evening, Aria realized she was approaching a crossroads. The choice she made would define not just her career, but who she was as a person. And as much as it terrified her, she knew that Zoe - her passion, her integrity, her unwavering commitment to her beliefs - would play a crucial role in that decision.