Beyond the Headlines

CHAPTER 8

Ryan’s Apartment – Late Night

Interior: Ryan’s Apartment

The room is dimly lit, with a warm glow emanating from a single lamp on the side table. Ryan is sitting on a sleek leather couch, still in his suit from the party, though his tie is loosened and his jacket is draped over a chair. A glass of whiskey rests on the coffee table, untouched.

He leans back, running a hand through his hair, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. The soft hum of the city fills the silence as he stares out of the large window overlooking the skyline.

Cut to: Ryan’s Memories

Flashes of Millie at the party play in his mind—her composed smile, the way she handled herself with Mathew, and how her eyes sparkled when she laughed with Honey.

Ryan (murmuring to himself):
"Why do you always have to be so... perfect?"

He shakes his head, as though trying to shrug off the thought, but it lingers.

Cut to: Ryan’s Inner Conflict

He picks up the whiskey glass, swirling the amber liquid but not drinking it.

Ryan (thinking):
"Keep it professional, Ryan. She’s a colleague. A friend. That’s it."

But the more he tries to rationalize, the deeper his feelings seem to grow. The way she carries herself, her intelligence, and her quiet strength—it’s all etched into his mind.

He exhales deeply, placing the glass back on the table without taking a sip.

Ryan (murmuring):
"But it’s not just admiration anymore, is it? It’s more than that."

Cut to: Ryan’s Dilemma

He stands and walks toward the window, placing both hands on the frame as he gazes at the city lights.

Ryan (thinking):
"Does she even know how incredible she is? Or how much I...?"

He stops himself, shaking his head.

Ryan (sighing):
"She deserves someone who can match her. Someone who can make her happy. What if I’m not that guy?"

Cut to: Ryan’s Determination

The conflicted expression on his face hardens into something more resolute.

Ryan (to himself):
"Take it one step at a time. Be there for her. Maybe that’s enough for now."

As he moves away from the window, he picks up his phone and scrolls through his emails, trying to distract himself. But his mind lingers on Millie, the depth of his feelings refusing to fade.

Ryan in the quiet solitude of his apartment, the city glowing in the background—a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions he’s trying to contain.

The night deepens, the city outside his window glittering like a thousand stars. Ryan sits at his desk now, an old jazz tune playing faintly in the background. A notebook lies open before him, and he’s absently twirling a pen in his fingers. His gaze drifts away from the page, thoughts of Millie filling his mind once more.

Her laughter, her unwavering focus during interviews, the way her kindness shone when she spoke to Mathew’s daughter—all of it replays in his head. He smiles softly, almost unaware of the warmth spreading through his chest.

Ryan (thinking):
"She’s... different. Not just smart or beautiful, but genuine. The kind of person who doesn’t come around twice."

He leans back in his chair, running a hand over his face as a wave of self-doubt creeps in.

Ryan (to himself):
"But what if she doesn’t feel the same? What if I ruin everything by saying something? The last thing I want is to make her uncomfortable."

His smile falters, replaced by a frown. He picks up the pen again, scribbling aimlessly on the page.

Close-up: The Notebook

Without realizing it, he’s written her name—Millie. He stares at it for a moment before crossing it out with a sigh.

Ryan (thinking):
"She’s focused on her career. On being the best at what she does. She doesn’t need... distractions."

Cut to: Ryan’s Reflection

He stands and walks to the window, his reflection merging with the city lights outside.

Ryan (whispering):
"But what if I could make her happy? What if I could be the reason she smiles like that?"

He chuckles bitterly, shaking his head.

Ryan (thinking):
"Get a grip, Ryan. She probably doesn’t even notice you like that."

Cut to: A Moment of Hope

Yet, despite the self-doubt, a flicker of hope refuses to die. He remembers the way her eyes softened when he praised her after the interview, or how she always included him in conversations, no matter how busy she was.

Ryan (softly):
"Maybe... maybe there’s a chance."

His heart races at the thought, but the fear of rejection still looms large. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside him.

Cut to: Ryan’s Resolve

He turns away from the window, heading back to his desk. Sitting down, he stares at the notebook again, his fingers brushing over the crossed-out name.

Ryan (thinking):
"For now, I’ll wait. If it’s meant to be, I’ll find the right moment. Until then, I’ll just... be there for her."

His expression softens, a mix of love and longing in his eyes. He closes the notebook, resting his head on his folded arms.