YOU CAN'T BREAK ME

Chapter 6

"Mr. Thatcher," I said, keeping my tone professional. I saw his jaw flex subtly.

 "I wanted to discuss your role here," he began. "You're new to the company, and while your qualifications are clear, there are a few things we need to establish upfront."

Meeting his eyes took a lot of effort. I didn't want my gaze to waver.  "Of course, Mr. Thatcher."

 "You'll be working closely with various team members, including Oliver." His eyes darkened slightly, and he continued, "He's... enthusiastic, but I want to make it clear that this is a professional environment. I expect you to maintain a level of professionalism at all times, especially when it comes to interactions with colleagues."

 I blinked, taken aback. Was he implying that I had done something wrong? Or worse, that I had been flirting with Oliver?

"Mr. Thatcher, I—" I started, but he cut me off.

"I'm not accusing you of anything," he said, his firm voice made it hard to believe. "But I want to be clear that your focus should be on your work. Personal relationships can complicate things, and I'd rather avoid that."

The implication stung, making me suddenly upset, but I knew I had to hide it. Did he really think I was the type to flirt my way through a job?  "Understood," 

He studied me for a moment, and I looked away. "That's all for now. You can return to your desk."

I stood up. "Thank you, Mr. Thatcher," I said and turned to leave.

Fighting the urge to defend myself further would only make things worse. He was the boss.  

Another week passed without seeing Grayson, and then another one followed. I told myself I was glad, that it was easier not to be around him. But deep down, I was a bit sad. 

There were times I found myself glancing toward his office, half-expecting to see him, and when I didn't, I got disappointed.  It was ridiculous—I knew that.  I should not care whether he was around or not, especially after how things turned out. But I hated how much it bothered me that he was not around. 

I overheard that he was away for training. Apparently, he was preparing to take over the business as his parents were planning to retire soon. That made sense, I told myself. Of course, he had more important things to focus on than being at the office every day.  

 He was being groomed to run the entire company, to carry on his family's legacy. It was a huge responsibility. 

 The thought of him taking a powerful role should have intimidated me, but all it did was make me wish I could be part of it, even in some small way. But it made me realize one thing also, that when I left that school, I should have left my feelings too, but I didn't after all. With his success now, he was even more impossible to reach. 

I chastised myself for being so foolish, but as my mother said, nobody knew my thoughts, only me. So, even though he had his own life, his own path, I could let my thoughts of Grayson Thatcher take up space in my mind.  I could still like him and admire him in secret.

 I would keep that secret to death. 

.

People moved briskly to and from their desks. I left after finishing my tasks. On the way down, I noticed a bit of a commotion at the security desk. A young woman, probably two years younger than me, was trying to get past the guards, her voice growing increasingly frustrated.

She was beautiful with shoulder-length wavy chestnut hair that framed her face perfectly. Her brown eyes sparkled with determination and exasperation, trying to explain herself to the guard. She was dressed in a stylish, fitted jacket over a floral dress.