The CEO's Challenge

Chapter 22: Forgetting Yesterday

Nova's pov

I can't focus at work, my mind constantly drifting to Damien. I replay our conversations, our moments together, over and over in my head. I miss him, miss the way he makes me feel.

My phone buzzes, and I glance down, seeing a text from Veronica. "Damien is so happy about the baby," she writes. "He's accepting everything, finally being responsible. I'm so glad he's stepping up."

I feel a pang of hurt, a twinge of jealousy. I know I have no right to feel this way, know that Damien and I aren't together. But still, the thought of him being happy with her, with their child, it stings.

I type out a response, trying to keep my tone light and supportive. "That's great news, Veronica. I'm sure Damien will be a wonderful father. Congratulations to you both."

I hit send, setting my phone down on my desk. I try to focus on my work, try to push thoughts of Damien out of my mind. But it's hard, so hard.

I love him, I realize. I'm in love with him, and I don't know what to do about it. I don't know how to move forward, how to let him go.

But I know I have to try. For my own sanity, for my own happiness. I can't keep pining for a man I can't have, can't keep hoping for something that will never be.

I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't even hear Mark come into the office. He appears beside my desk, his presence startling me out of my reverie.

"Hey, Nova," he says, his voice gentle. "Is everything okay? You look a bit... unfocused."

I blink, glancing up at him. "Oh, hey, Mark," I say, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just, you know, busy with work."

He nods, but I can tell he's not convinced. "Listen, I was thinking," he says, leaning against my desk. "Why don't we go grab a coffee? Get out of the office for a bit, clear our heads."

I hesitate, torn. On one hand, I don't really feel like company. I just want to wallow in my own misery, in my own thoughts of Damien. But on the other hand, maybe a distraction is exactly what I need.

"Sure," I say finally, standing up and grabbing my purse. "Let's go."

We walk to the café down the street, the conversation light and easy. I find myself relaxing, enjoying Mark's company. He's funny, charming, and he seems genuinely interested in me.

But I can't bring myself to tell him about Damien, about my feelings for him. I know Mark and Damien haven't always gotten along, and I don't want to cause any tension.

So I keep quiet, sipping my coffee and laughing at Mark's jokes. And for a little while, at least, I can forget about Damien, about the pain in my heart.

Mark suddenly slings his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. "Hey, Nova," he says, grinning. "Let's take a picture, yeah? It's always good to have photos, right?"

I laugh awkwardly, trying to ease the tension. "Sure, Mark," I say, forcing a smile. "Let's do it."

I lean in, posing for the picture. But as soon as Mark's arm touches me, I feel a wave of discomfort wash over me. I don't like this, I realize. I don't like him touching me, invading my personal space.

Mark must sense my unease, because he immediately removes his arm, stepping back. "Sorry, Nova," he says, his face reddening. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just thought it would be fun to take a picture."

I wave a hand, trying to brush it off. "No worries, Mark," I say, my voice light. "It's fine, really."

But it's not fine. It's not fine at all. I feel violated, invaded. And I can't help but think of Damien, of how he would never make me feel this way.