Noah sat in Christian's office, the weight of his decision pressing down on him like a lead blanket. Across the sleek mahogany desk, Christian leaned back in his chair, his expression calm and composed, though his eyes carried a hint of curiosity. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension, and Noah could feel his pulse quickening as he prepared to tell his boss—his mentor—that he was planning to leave the company.
"Christian," Noah began, his voice steady but laced with an underlying strain, "I've thought long and hard about the other job offer. It's an incredible opportunity, and I feel like it might be the right time for me to make a change."
Christian's expression didn't waver, but his eyes narrowed slightly, his fingers tapping together as he listened. "I see," he said quietly. "And you're certain this is the path you want to take?"
Noah nodded, though he couldn't quite shake the doubt that gnawed at him. "Yes. It's not an easy choice, but I think it's the best move for my career right now."
For a moment, Christian said nothing. The silence stretched on, filling the room with a sense of finality. Then, to Noah's surprise, Christian leaned forward, his tone calm but persuasive. "Before you make your final decision, Noah, I'd like to propose something to you. A counteroffer, if you will."
Noah blinked, caught off guard. "Another counteroffer?" he echoed. "Christian, I appreciate everything you've done for me, but I think it's time—"
Christian raised a hand, cutting him off gently. "Hear me out," he said, his gaze steady. "I'm willing to do more than just increase your salary or adjust your title. I'm prepared to fund your own agency—give you $20 million in seed money to start your own business. You'll have full control, and your agency can partner with my firm. We'd be allies, with our companies working together to dominate the market."
The room seemed to shrink around Noah, the offer hitting him with the force of a sledgehammer. His mind raced to process what Christian was saying. This wasn't just a counteroffer; it was an opportunity to achieve something he had only ever dreamed of—owning his own agency, building something from the ground up with the kind of resources that could make him a major player in the industry.
"Are you serious?" Noah asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Christian nodded, a slight smile touching his lips. "I wouldn't be saying it if I wasn't. You're too valuable to lose, Noah, and I believe in your potential. If you're willing to stay, I'll make sure you get everything you need to succeed—on your terms."
Noah felt his heart pounding, his mind spinning with the possibilities. It was an offer he couldn't have imagined in his wildest dreams. To start his own agency with the backing of a powerful ally like Christian? It was more than just a promotion—it was a leap into a whole new level of success. He had come into the meeting certain of his decision to leave, but now, Christian's words had changed everything.
"I..." Noah hesitated, the enormity of the choice weighing on him. "This is... beyond generous. I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll stay," Christian replied, his voice smooth and confident. "Say you'll take this opportunity to build something incredible, with my support behind you."
Noah swallowed, his gaze drifting to the floor as he considered his options. Finally, he looked up, meeting Christian's eyes. "Alright," he said slowly. "I'll do it. I'll stay, and I'll take the offer."
Christian's smile widened, and he stood, extending his hand. "Good choice, Noah. I know you won't regret it."
The next week flew by in a blur of activity as Noah began transitioning into his new role. He was meeting with lawyers, strategizing with accountants, and laying the groundwork for his agency. It was an exciting and chaotic time, and the enthusiasm he felt for this new venture seemed to push everything else to the background. Everything except the nagging feeling that there was something he was missing—something he couldn't quite place.
Sophia did her best to share in his excitement, but her mind was increasingly preoccupied. She felt the weight of her secret growing heavier with each passing day. As much as she tried to focus on Noah's new opportunity, her thoughts would drift back to Christian and the complicated web they had woven.
It didn't help that Christian was as charming as ever, reaching out occasionally to "check on Noah's progress" but always finding ways to slip in a question or two about Sophia. She knew she should have distanced herself, but she couldn't seem to cut the cord completely. There was still a part of her that longed for what she had felt with him, even if it was tangled with guilt and confusion.
A couple of weeks later, Christian invited Noah and Sophia to dinner to celebrate the launch of Noah's new agency. It was meant to be a casual affair—just the three of them at a sophisticated restaurant downtown. As they settled into their seats, the conversation flowed easily. Christian was in high spirits, discussing the future of their partnership and all the potential avenues for success. Noah, too, seemed relaxed, energized by the new direction his career had taken.
After they had finished their main courses, Noah excused himself to use the restroom. Sophia watched him walk away, her eyes following him until he disappeared down the hallway. When she turned back, she found Christian's gaze fixed on her, his expression unreadable.
"Are you happy, Sophia?" he asked quietly, his voice barely loud enough to be heard over the hum of the restaurant. The question took her off guard, and for a moment, she didn't know how to answer.
"Yes," she said finally, her voice hesitant. "I'm happy that Noah is doing well. He's worked so hard for this."
Christian tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing. "I wasn't asking about Noah," he said, his voice soft but pointed. "I was asking about you."
Sophia's breath hitched, her fingers curling around the stem of her wine glass. "Why does it matter?" she replied, her tone defensive. "I made my choice. I'm with Noah."
"And yet, you haven't been able to stay away," Christian murmured, leaning closer. "You can't tell me you haven't thought about that night. About us."
Sophia's pulse quickened, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over her. "It doesn't change anything," she said quietly. "Noah deserves better than this. I shouldn't have—"
"Deserve?" Christian interrupted, his gaze intense. "What about what you deserve, Sophia? I see the way you look at me. I hear it in your voice. You can lie to yourself, but you can't lie to me. There's something between us, and you know it."
She shook her head, her eyes stinging with tears she refused to let fall. "I don't know what I'm doing anymore," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I can't stop thinking about you. But I also can't do this to Noah."
Unbeknownst to them, Noah had just rounded the corner of the hallway leading back to the dining area. As he approached the table, he caught the tail end of Sophia's confession: "...I can't stop thinking about you." Her voice was strained, as if she was fighting to keep her emotions in check.
Noah froze, his heart dropping into his stomach as he processed the words. He wasn't close enough to hear everything, but what he had overheard sent a chill through him. He remained hidden just out of sight, leaning against the wall, listening to the conversation unfold.
Christian's voice was calm and steady. "Then don't fight it, Sophia. Let yourself feel it. You can have what you want. You just have to be honest with yourself."
Sophia's response was softer, almost inaudible. "I... I don't know if I can."
Noah's hands clenched into fists at his sides, a storm of emotions swirling inside him—anger, betrayal, confusion. He had trusted Sophia, believed in their future together, and now it felt like everything was unraveling right before his eyes. But he wasn't ready to confront them—not yet. He needed to know the whole truth, to understand what had really happened between them.
Silently, Noah retreated back down the hallway, his mind racing as he replayed the conversation in his head. He would confront Sophia soon enough, but first, he needed to find out exactly how deep this betrayal went.
YOU ARE READING
Unfinished Affairs: The Dark Secrets
Mystery / ThrillerSophia Lane's life in New York takes an unexpected turn when a figure from her past reappears, reigniting buried desires and dangerous secrets. As she navigates a tangled web of obsession, betrayal, and manipulation, Sophia realizes that some affair...