Assigned Bride [Unrequited Love]

6

Francesco sat behind his large desk the next morning, his gaze fixed on the skyline beyond the windows, but his thoughts were far from the view. The events of last night weighed heavily on him. Mason's betrayal had caught him off guard, especially considering Mason knew about his feelings for Emily since high school. Emily's cold dismissal of his feelings had added salt to the wound. Since high school, Mason has been aware of his feelings for her. And even worse, how long had he been capitalizing on that knowledge, pretending to be a supportive friend while knowing Emily's lack of interest in him?

He had always prided himself on being in control, the man who never let emotions cloud his judgment. Yet here he was, embarrassed and hurt, the sting of betrayal cutting deep. He had spent years building his empire, earning respect and loyalty from his colleagues and friends, but last night had reminded him that even the people closest to him could turn their backs. And that vulnerability, that exposure, was something he couldn't afford to show-not to Mason, not to Emily, not to anyone.

He gripped the arm of his chair tightly, feeling the leather creak beneath his fingers. Last night, Katherine had seen more of him than he would have liked. She had witnessed the cracks in his facade, had seen him drink more than he should have, and had been there when he'd been at his lowest. He wasn't used to people seeing him like that, and it unsettled him.

But there was something about Katherine that had surprised him. She hadn't judged him. She hadn't pitied him. She had simply stayed by his side, offering quiet support without pushing or prying. And for that, he found himself softening towards her, in a way he hadn't expected.

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door, and Katherine stepped inside. Her usual composed demeanor faltered slightly as her gaze met mine, and I could see the concern in her eyes. She hesitated for a moment, as if unsure of how to approach me after what had happened the night before.

"Good morning, Sir," she said quietly, her voice softer than usual. "I hope you're feeling better today, do you need anything?

He studied her for a moment, the way she stood with a certain grace, her posture professional yet with a warmth that set her apart from others. Normally, he would've brushed off her concern with a cold, distant response. But today, something in him shifted.

"Thank you, Katherine," he said, his voice more gentle than she was used to hearing. "I appreciate that. And... for last night. For staying with me."

Katherine blinked, taken aback by his tone. He has called her by her name for the first time. His voice wasn't the sharp, commanding tone she was used to. It was softer, almost vulnerable, and it stirred something inside her that she hadn't been prepared to confront.

She had always admired Francesco from a distance. His power, his control, his confidence-they were traits she found compelling, even if they sometimes intimidated her. But last night had shown her another side of him, a side that wasn't bulletproof, a side that could be hurt. And that revelation had made her feelings towards him more complicated.

"Of course, sir," Katherine replied, trying to keep her tone professional despite the flutter of emotions stirring inside her. "I know it wasn't easy for you... last night."

Francesco nodded, his gaze distant for a moment before returning to her. "People have their own agendas," he said quietly. "Sometimes, the people you think you can trust... they turn out to be the ones who hurt you the most."

Katherine felt a pang of sympathy for him. She wanted to say something that might ease his pain, but she knew there were no easy words for the kind of betrayal he had experienced. Instead, she offered a small nod, her heart heavy with the realization that she cared about him more than she should.