Ruined Me

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫

Crystal stood at the entrance of Hayslett Properties, her real estate empire that had transformed from a small office space into a sprawling headquarters showcasing the pinnacle of luxury and success.

The sleek glass doors reflected a bright morning sun, illuminating the polished marble floors and elegant decor that sprawled out before her. She took a breath, letting the reality of this moment wash over her. It was more than just a building; it was the result of blood, sweat, and countless sacrifices.

As she lingered at the entrance, she marveled at the hustle and bustle of her team, each person a key component of her dream. A sense of pride swelled within her chest, juxtaposed with an unwavering belief that this was only the beginning.

With a determined stride, she walked past the reception area, her heels clicking rhythmically on the floor, a sound she had come to associate with power and purpose.

Crystal stepped into her office, a space that balanced sophistication with functionality. It was adorned with photographs of landmark properties and framed accolades, each representing a milestone in her career. As she settled into her chair, Zora, her competent and sprightly assistant, entered with a steaming cup of coffee.

"Good morning, Crystal!" Zora chirped, her energy infusing the room with warmth. "You have a busy day ahead!"

"Good morning! What's on our agenda?" Crystal replied, accepting the coffee, the rich aroma perking her up immediately.

Zora pulled out her tablet and scanned through the list. "First up, you have several contracts to review and sign. Then, the client meeting with Barrington Investments at eleven. They're eager to discuss some new properties. But the big one is at noon.. a boardroom meeting with Devale Ellis from Ellis Realty. They're interested in collaborating on that downtown project. It could be a major opportunity for us."

Crystal felt a flutter in her stomach at the mention of Devale. They shared an undeniable connection, one that crackled like electricity in the air whenever they were in the same room.

She smoothed her blouse, determined to keep her focus. "Let's make sure we're prepared for that meeting. I want all our proposals in top shape."

An hour flew by as Crystal dedicated herself to reviewing contracts and polishing her presentation for the meeting. She felt an exhilarating blend of anticipation and resolve, ready to seize the day and the opportunities that awaited her.

As the clock struck twelve, she made her way to the boardroom, where her colleagues and representatives from Ellis Realty had already gathered. The room was spacious and tastefully decorated, with a long mahogany table extending down the center.

Crystal could feel everyone's eyes on her as she entered, but one pair drew her attention particularly—Devale's.

His dark brown eyes were locked onto hers, possessive and intoxicating, piercing through the noise of the gathering. A sudden rush of warmth swept over her, and for a brief second, she lost her resolve, as if time had paused just for them.

But she quickly composed herself, redirecting her focus and engaging the rest of the room with her professional demeanor.

The meeting commenced, and Crystal navigated through the presentation with confidence, outlining their vision for the collaborative project with Ellis Realty.

While they discussed potential strategies and projections, she could feel the intensity of Devale's gaze still lingering on her, an invisible weight that kept drawing her gaze back to him.

As they wrapped up, he spoke up with a question that hinted at his interest in her approach, and she answered, her heart racing. But when it was time to shake hands and cement the discussions, she remained composed, shaking hands with the others and finally reaching Devale.

Their handshake was brief yet electric, a touch that sent shivers through her body, their eyes locking momentarily in a moment that felt charged with unspoken words.

"Thank you all for coming," she said, her voice steady. "I appreciate your time and insights. Let's reconvene next week to follow up on our proposals."

Once everyone began to file out, she looked around the boardroom and made the bold decision, "Before you leave, can we clear the room, except for Devale?"

Curiosity sparked around the table, but they complied, leaving only the two of them in the space. The door clicked shut, plunging them into a charged silence. Crystal turned back to face him, and the moment their eyes locked again, everything else faded away.

"Hey," he began softly, his voice a deep rumble that resonated in the quiet room.

"Hi," she replied, trying to gauge her emotions as they hung suspended in the air.

The intensity of the moment became palpable; it felt as though the walls of the boardroom were closing in around them, amplifying the tension. There was a raw honesty in his gaze, a plea for closer engagement.

"Take off your coat," Devale finally commanded, his tone steady, yet edged with an unanticipated audacity.

Crystal's breath caught in her throat. The directness of his request stilled her thoughts, forcing her to confront the connection that, over time, had become so much more than just a professional curiosity.

After a heartbeat of indecision, she hesitated. "Why would I do that?"

"Because," he said, stepping closer, the distance between them evaporating. "It's time you stop pretending." There was a challenge in his voice that sparked the fire within her, lighting the small embers of desire that lingered in their relationship.

Her heart skipped a beat, and all her carefully maintained barriers began to dissolve. With a deep breath, she loosened her grip on the lapels of her coat and with a slow shrug, let it slip off her shoulders, allowing it to fall to the floor.

Devale's gaze darkened with something raw and intense, and within that charged space, Crystal could feel the heat building between them. The world outside melted away; it was just the two of them, standing on the precipice of what could be, neither willing nor wanting to resist.

"What now?" she asked, equal parts daring and vulnerable, fully aware that this moment could change everything.

"Now," he whispered, closing the distance further, "I bend you over this table and show you how much i've missed you."

" Devale.." she whispered but it came out as a whimper, "We can't. I'm at work and you're married. I- we can't."

" I don't think I asked. Turn around. " he said with much force in his voice.

In that moment, she realized that they were no longer just two professionals in a boardroom but two people who had been waiting for the right time to embrace what had been brewing under the surface all along.