The Forbidden Affair

The Building Tension: The Triangle

A few uneventful months went by. I stayed after work fairly often, sometimes with Caleb and other times with the rest of the team, but nothing remarkable happened for almost half a year. Life moved along in it's usual way—until I found myself in a relationship that turned sour faster than I'd expected. He had promised me the world, only to run back to his ex, leaving me questioning why I'd trusted him in the first place. Maybe that experience shifted my perspective on what it meant to be a "homewrecker"—though, of course, I had no idea I'd soon be flirting with that role myself.

But if those months taught me anything, it was that sometimes, our best intentions get tangled up in places we least expect. Little did I know how close I was to stepping into something that would challenge everything I thought I knew about myself, loyalty, and the boundaries I believed I'd never cross.

In June, my manager Thobias tied the knot, and the whole Pear crew was invited to celebrate. Even Caleb would be there, which somehow added an extra layer of excitement to the night. The theme was "summer chic," and everyone went all out to embody it. One of my coworkers even dared to show up in shorts and flip-flops, leaving me both amused and slightly horrified—some risks don't always pay off.

I, on the other hand, was feeling confident in my own choice of outfit. I wore a long, fitted strapless dress in a rich, glossy brown that practically shimmered in the evening light. The fabric clung just right, and the high slit along one leg added a hint of daring to the elegance. To keep things casually chic, I opted for white sneakers instead of heels—a choice I'd soon be thankful for when I noticed how rough the garden path was. I'd pulled my hair back with a clip, letting soft curls spill out around my face and framing it with two carefully curled strands. A thin, glimmering necklace paired with matching earrings and bracelets completed the look. I felt amazing, a little bold, and thoroughly ready to celebrate.

As I stepped into the wedding venue, a lush outdoor garden filled with delicate string lights and summer flowers, I immediately felt swept up in the atmosphere. A few coworkers glanced my way, their eyes lingering just long enough to make me feel like I'd made the right choice with the dress. But tonight wasn't about me; it was about Thobias and his radiant bride. And there they were, in the center of it all, looking absolutely magical together, her dress swirling with every step in their opening dance, his face beaming with happiness.

After a warm round of congratulations to the couple and a few photos, I joined a few colleagues by the bar. The evening air was filled with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the easy mingling that only comes with any celebration. A couple of coworkers nudged me playfully, joking that I was setting the bar high for "wedding guest fashion." I laughed it off, taking a sip of my drink and enjoying the friendly banter.

And then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Caleb, looking sharp as ever, his usual confidence amplified by the setting. He caught my eye for just a second, a hint of recognition passing between us before he turned back to the conversation he was in. The night was just beginning, but somehow, the stage already felt set for...something.

I made my way to the bar and ordered a beer, which apparently was unexpected. My coworker Johnny, never one to miss a chance at a joke, gave me a smirk.

"Well, that's a strange shade of blue," he quipped, hinting at how he expected me to go for a sweet cocktail instead. I rolled my eyes, chuckling at his predictable teasing. Little did I know that this night seemed to be Johnny's cue to up his flirting game. After his joke and my reaction, he complimented me. "You look lovely". I felt flustred and surprised, but in a good way. I thanked him and that was the end of that. After this evening, he'd start dropping compliments and throwing winks my way at work, which we'll get into later.

A bit of background on Johnny: he's another 6'2" guy but with a more rugged build than Caleb, and he definitely has the look of someone who's spent time outdoors. Curly hair, a well-kept beard, and an earthy vibe give him this mature, outdoorsy appeal, although he's only 25—surprisingly younger than Caleb, despite looking a bit more serious. He's into nature, loves a good camping trip, and has that grounded confidence that gives him an easy charm.