Hearts at War

Chapter 2: The Rivalry Deepens

In the weeks following the initial conference, Freen and Becky crossed paths more than either of them had expected-or perhaps, more than either was willing to admit. Their companies, NeoTech and SkyLab, remained the top contenders for the project, and the board overseeing the contract was adamant about holding regular meetings to review each company's approach. Freen and Becky, therefore, found themselves in the same room often, each session a new battleground where they'd size each other up and argue points as if the fate of their lives depended on them.

One crisp morning, Freen walked into the conference room to find Becky already there, perched against the table with an easy confidence that hinted she'd been waiting. Freen glanced at her watch-Becky was early.

Becky looked up, her lips pulling into a smirk. "NeoTech's CEO, on time to the second. Admirable."

Freen raised an eyebrow, ignoring the warmth that pricked at her as she looked into Becky's eyes. "Punctuality shows respect for the task at hand," she replied smoothly, placing her files down. "But then again, I wouldn't expect everyone to understand that."

"Oh, don't worry," Becky shot back, crossing her arms with a spark of mischief. "I respect the task at hand plenty. Just happens I like to do things my own way, rather than... by the book." Her words were a gentle challenge, daring Freen to step out of her calculated, orderly approach.

Freen's lips twitched in amusement, but she held her gaze steady. "Everyone has their style," she said. "Just make sure yours can keep up with NeoTech's standards."

Becky laughed softly, looking at her with intrigue. "You know, Freen, I get the feeling you're not used to anyone questioning your methods."

"Not many dare to," Freen replied with a small smile, feeling her pulse quicken at the look in Becky's eyes.

Before the meeting began, Becky glanced at Freen's files and gave her a light nudge, as if pushing her off balance mentally. "That's a lot of notes," she teased. "All those pages just to keep up with SkyLab?"

Freen smirked. "Preparation is key. You should try it sometime."

As the board members filed in, Freen sat down, realizing that her heart was still racing from their banter. Becky had an undeniable charisma, one that left Freen slightly off-kilter yet somehow... exhilarated. Throughout the meeting, their eyes met over the table, sparking every time one of them made a point or countered the other's argument. Becky's gaze was sharp and playful, as if she was enjoying every second of pushing Freen's limits.

Later that evening, when the board called a short break, they were assigned a team-building exercise to gauge their ability to work together under pressure. Neither CEO looked thrilled, but neither dared to show anything other than calm professionalism.

Becky chuckled under her breath. "A team-building exercise? Really?"

Freen's expression softened, despite herself. "I think they're trying to test our patience as much as our teamwork."

"Then let's not make it easy for them," Becky said with a sly smile, her eyes glinting with mischief.

They were given a mock scenario, tasked with drafting a strategic proposal in under an hour with only minimal resources. Sitting across from each other, they dove into the work, exchanging quick, strategic ideas. Their hands occasionally brushed as they reached for notes, each touch sparking a jolt of tension that neither could ignore.

Becky glanced up, watching Freen with a look of admiration. "You know," she murmured, tilting her head, "I almost prefer you like this-all serious and determined. It's... charming."

Freen blinked, taken aback by the sudden intimacy in Becky's tone. She cleared her throat, attempting to keep her voice steady. "I'm here to get results, not charm anyone."

"Sure," Becky replied, a grin spreading across her face. "But I'll admit it's a pleasant side effect."

Trying to hide her flushed cheeks, Freen quickly returned her focus to the notes, though her mind lingered on Becky's words and the way they sent a thrill down her spine.

As the session wrapped up, they both stood and gathered their files. Freen turned to leave but paused, feeling the weight of Becky's gaze on her. She glanced back, meeting Becky's eyes in a moment charged with something deeper than rivalry.

"Not bad," Becky said, her voice softer. "You're... something else, Freen. I can see why NeoTech is at the top."

Freen felt her heart skip a beat at the sudden sincerity in Becky's tone. Her usual teasing demeanor was gone, replaced by a look of admiration that left Freen momentarily speechless.

"Likewise," Freen managed, her voice barely above a whisper. Beneath the competition, she felt a spark of genuine respect for Becky-one that both intrigued and unnerved her.

They turned to walk down the hallway together, their steps echoing in the quiet space. As they reached the elevator, Freen checked her phone and, distracted by a notification, missed a step. She stumbled, and before she could catch herself, Becky's hand was on her arm, steadying her.

"Careful there," Becky murmured, her voice low as she looked down at Freen.

Freen's heart raced as she found herself close enough to feel Becky's warmth, her hand lingering just a little too long on Freen's arm. She felt the slight pressure of Becky's fingers and caught the faint scent of her perfume-a mix of something subtle and captivating. Her heart beat so loudly that she was sure Becky could hear it.

Freen tried to gather her composure, but Becky's gaze held hers, intense and unyielding. She felt a pull, as if every nerve in her body was drawn to the proximity between them.

"Thanks," Freen whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Anytime," Becky replied, her eyes never leaving Freen's. Her voice held a hint of something softer, a flicker of vulnerability that she hadn't shown before. The hallway felt like it was closing in around them, the world shrinking until it was just the two of them, inches apart, lost in each other's eyes.

Freen swallowed, suddenly aware of the magnetic pull between them. She wanted to step back, to put distance between them, but something held her there, captivated by the way Becky was looking at her.

After what felt like an eternity, Becky's hand dropped, and she took a small step back, the moment breaking but leaving a lingering warmth in its wake.

As the elevator doors opened, Becky gave her a slight smile, her usual confidence returning. "Good luck tomorrow, Freen," she said, her voice returning to its playful tone. But there was something in her gaze that hinted at the vulnerability they'd shared moments before.

"You too," Freen replied, her voice soft as she watched Becky step into the elevator.

As the doors closed, Freen stood there in the hallway, her pulse still racing from the touch of Becky's hand, the intensity of her gaze. She knew, without a doubt, that this rivalry was turning into something far more exhilarating-and dangerous-than she had ever expected.
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Hi lovely readers , that's all for this chapter , be ready for chapter 3 it's going to be intense and I hope you all will love that.
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