Sealed with a kiss (WomanxWoman)

14

Charlotte's POV:

It's 7:20 am, and I'm sitting in my office as usual, going through files and budgets. But my mind is elsewhere. I keep thinking about Jenny, the pain I saw in her eyes this past weekend. Her beautiful hazel eyes, filled with tears... tears I caused. I haven't slept all weekend. I went out with Jeff but turned him down when he wanted to come back to my place, saying I'd had a long week and was exhausted. What was I thinking? Sleeping with both of them? Every time I'm with Jeff, I picture Jenny. It's the only way I can stand it. I meant what I said when I told her she's ruined me for anyone else.

I try to understand my actions and conclude that I was driven by fear. Fear of getting caught. Fear of losing everything I worked so hard to achieve-my position in the company, my father's approval, my reputation. I put my head in my hands and sigh. What am I doing? What do I even want?

A notification pings on my phone, reminding me about the company gala next month. Every year, my father throws this event, inviting all our clients and potential partners. It's a headache, but it's good for business. And, of course, I'm expected to go with Jeff. I wish I could choose who I bring to these events. I miss Jenny. I open her Instagram, and there she is, tagged in a photo by Cherry with the caption "sealed with a kiss" and a lipstick mark on her cheek. My cheeks burn with anger.

I get up, needing air, and go to the window. I look down and spot a black limo pulling up in front of the building. Jenny steps out, laughing and smiling. My blood boils. I guess now I know where she's been all weekend-and with whom. And she's happy, no less. All I seem to do is make her cry, while Cherry makes her laugh. I hate it. God, I'm so selfish. Why can't I accept that she'd probably be better off with Cherry? I can't offer her anything. I'm also her boss. What a mess.

I glance at the office cameras and see her at her desk, already working. I ache to go out there and talk to her, to just breathe her in... but I remind myself that she probably smells like Cherry. I push the thought aside and try to get back to work.

At 8:00, Claire knocks on my door, cheerful as always, carrying breakfast. "Good morning, dear. How are you today?" She sets the food on my desk. "Rough weekend? You look like you partied all night."

I give her a look. Why does everyone have to be so cheerful this morning? "No, just a typical weekend. Nothing special."

Claire smiles. "I was just talking to Jenny. I heard she might be reeling in another big client for us. It's so great to have her here. She works hard, she's talented, and such a lovely girl."

I try to smile, but it doesn't reach my eyes. "Yeah, she's a gem." More like a treasure I've lost. I sigh, and of course, Claire notices.

"What's wrong, dear? Is there a problem with her? Did she do something wrong?"

"No, she's doing great. More than great, actually. I just worry about putting so much pressure on her. She's still young and new to this business," I lie.

Claire gives me a knowing look. "Don't worry about her. She might look young, but she's stronger than she seems. We're lucky to have her, and we need to make sure no one snatches her away."

"You're right, as always. Anyway, I've got some things to wrap up before more people start coming in."

Claire turns to leave. "Alright, dear. Don't forget you have lunch with Jeffrey and your father today."

Is that today? Ugh! "I won't. Thanks, Claire."
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I'm on my way back to the office after lunch. It went...okay. My dad, as usual, was pressuring us to finally set a wedding date, and then there was some chatter about the upcoming gala. I barely paid attention; my mind was somewhere else entirely. At least it's over. Gosh, I hate those lunches! Anfter that dreadful meal, Jeff and I walk into the building together, heading up to the fifth floor. Every time we go to lunch, he insists on accompanying me back. I used to think it was a gentlemanly habit, his way of making sure I arrived safely. But lately, I wonder if there's more to it-like he's showing me off, his prize to parade, or trying to prove something.

As we step onto the fifth floor, my gaze drifts to Jenny's desk. She glances up, and our eyes meet. That sad, quiet look in her eyes hits me like a blow, and I feel my chest tighten with guilt. Every single time.

Jeff and I walk into my office. He gives me a chaste kiss, wishes me a good day, and leaves. I watch the elevator doors close behind him, and as soon as he's gone, I hurry to the bathroom. I need a moment to breathe. Passing Jenny's desk, I notice she isn't there.

Inside the bathroom, I hear soft sniffles from one of the stalls, which stop abruptly as I enter. My heart pounds. "Jenny?" I call out softly.

The stall door opens, and there she is, her eyes red and puffy. The sight of her tear-streaked face makes my heart ache. I step closer, raising a hand to wipe her tears gently. "Jenny..." I murmur, my voice breaking. She looks up at me, still and vulnerable, her beautiful hazel eyes filled with hurt.

Before I can think, I lean in and kiss her, pouring everything I feel into it. I need to erase her sadness, even just for a moment. She kisses me back, hungrily, desperately, but then she pulls away, her voice barely a whisper. "I can't do this."

I cradle her face, my thumb brushing against her cheek. I'd do anything to see her smile again. "I want to be with you, and only you," she says, her voice trembling. "I can't do this if I have to share you with someone else. It's breaking me. This whole situation...it's breaking me." Tears flow down her cheeks, and I wipe each one away, feeling their weight in my heart.

"You won't have to share me," I say, my voice low and raw. "From now on, I'm yours, and only yours. You're the one I want, Jenny. Please, give us another chance" I give her a small, sad smile. "I don't want to share you either. I'm lost without you."

Slowly, the light returns to her eyes, and I feel my chest swell with hope. She's breathtaking. I lean in, kissing her softly, carefully, as if she might break.

"You're serious?" she asks, studying me with a vulnerable intensity. I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, nodding. "Yes."

She kisses me, hard, and I kiss her back, feeling the world melt away. Suddenly, we both freeze at the sound of the bathroom door creaking open. In a panic, we break apart, turning to the sinks and turning on the faucets, pretend to wash our hands by. Claire walks in, smiling and greeting us, blissfully unaware as she heads into a stall. We glance at each other, both thinking the same thing, and bolt from the bathroom as soon as we can.

Back in my office, I grab my phone and send her a message.

Charlotte: Meet me after work? For a talk...and maybe more?

Jenny: Absolutely, though we really do need to talk. But if it goes well...who knows? 😉

She drives me crazy.

Charlotte: I'll wait for you by the manager's parking lot.

Jenny: C u soon 🌸

I set my phone down, feeling lighter and more alive than I have all weekend. As I dive back into work, there's a giddy warmth in my chest that I can't quite contain.

Now I just need to figure out how to maintain our relationship while hiding it from my father and Jeff.