Hearts at War

Chapter 1 : The Meeting

Freen strode into the towering conference center, dressed in a sharp black suit tailored to perfection. Her heels clicked purposefully against the marble floor, each step radiating confidence. She’d built NeoTech from the ground up, and now, standing on the brink of a major AI project that could redefine everything, she felt unstoppable.

She scanned the crowd, noting familiar faces from rival companies, some of whom gave her polite nods, which she barely acknowledged. This was her game, and she was here to win.

Just then, the door opened, and the buzz in the room shifted. Freen looked up to see a woman enter—a striking figure in a light gray suit, exuding charisma with every step. Her relaxed, easy smile and sharp eyes commanded attention as she moved through the crowd.

Becky. Freen had heard of her—SkyLab's rising star. But seeing her now, with that disarming confidence, made Freen feel a spark of something unfamiliar, something she immediately pushed aside. She was here for business.

Becky caught her eye across the room and smiled, a look that was equal parts warmth and challenge. Then, with a subtle tilt of her head, Becky made her way over to Freen, stopping just close enough to feel her presence.

"Freen, NeoTech’s powerhouse," Becky greeted, her voice smooth, with a hint of mock admiration. "Here to claim your kingdom?"

Freen raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "And SkyLab’s silver-tongued charmer," she replied, her tone cool. "Trying to prove you're more than just good lighting and a nice suit?"

Becky chuckled, leaning in slightly. "Gotta keep up appearances," she said, flashing a grin. "But I promise, there’s more under the surface."

"Oh, I'm sure," Freen replied dryly. "Question is, how much of it is worth seeing?"

Their exchange had a spark of playfulness, but beneath it, a silent rivalry simmered. Becky held Freen’s gaze, a flicker of determination in her eyes that sent an unexpected jolt through Freen.

"Well," Becky continued with a challenging smile, "may the best company win."

"And we both know which one that is," Freen replied, matching her smile.

Becky’s eyebrows lifted. "Confidence—an admirable quality," she quipped. "Just try not to trip on it."

The two exchanged a look that was almost a dare, and Freen felt her heart pick up its pace, a thrill she wasn’t expecting.

As they took turns presenting their proposals, the intensity between them was palpable. Freen’s presentation was meticulously prepared, each point delivered with calm authority. She noticed Becky watching her, arms crossed, a slight smirk as if she were waiting for her chance.

When Becky took the stage, the atmosphere shifted again. Her style was casual but passionate, each word charged with conviction. Freen tried to stay unaffected, but Becky’s energy drew her in, irritating her yet intriguing her. Becky was bold, unafraid to take risks in her pitch, and Freen felt a grudging admiration.

After Becky wrapped up, the room filled with applause. Freen clenched her jaw as Becky glanced over, her smile smug and knowing.

As the conference wrapped up, Freen found herself running into Becky near the exit, both seemingly lingering for an unspoken reason. They locked eyes, the bustling noise around them fading into the background.

“So,” Becky began, crossing her arms with a sly smile, “do you always give that ‘you’re all beneath me’ stare, or am I just special?”

Freen chuckled, tilting her head. “It’s my professional look,” she replied, feigning innocence. “But you’re welcome to take it personally.”

Becky laughed, shaking her head. “You know, I had a feeling about you, Freen. Beneath all that…chilliness, you might actually be kind of fun.”

“Fun isn’t the word most people use for me,” Freen shot back, her tone light but laced with challenge. “But I’m not sure you’d keep up.”

“Oh, I can keep up,” Becky replied smoothly. “In fact, I might surprise you.”

Freen arched a brow, giving her a once-over. “Doubtful.”

They shared a look, the tension building, the spark undeniable. Becky extended her hand, her eyes meeting Freen’s with an intensity that was almost teasing.

“May the best woman win,” Becky said softly, her voice low and challenging.

Freen took her hand, feeling an electric warmth at the contact. “I intend to,” she replied, her voice steady, though her heart wasn’t.

Their hands lingered just a second too long, and Freen felt a swirl of something unexpected—admiration, challenge, and maybe something more. They parted ways, but as Freen left the conference center, she knew she’d crossed paths with someone who’d gotten under her skin.

And she had a feeling that this was only the beginning.

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Hello to all Lovely people out there , this is my first time writing a  love story , I hope you like this chapter , with there gazes further you'll like how the chemistry will buil.
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