Chapter 3

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                                  MARK P.O.V
Mark's mind was a whirlwind of emotions after the unexpected kiss in the elevator. He couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise, confusion, and even a hint of excitement. The kiss had caught him off guard, but deep down, he couldn't deny that there was a spark between him and Kylie.

As the elevator doors closed, Mark's heart raced. He wanted to say something, to address the moment, but the words escaped him. He found himself lost in the intensity of the kiss, his mind buzzing with questions and possibilities.

Mark knew that things had changed between him and Kylie. The kiss had revealed hidden truths and emotions that they had both been keeping at bay. It was a moment that couldn't be ignored or brushed aside.

In the days that followed, Mark couldn't help but steal glances at Kylie, wondering if she felt the same way. He knew he had to find the right time and place to talk about what had happened, to address the unspoken connection that lingered between them.

As their boss, Mark had always believed in Kylie's talent and dedication. He had seen her grow and flourish under his guidance. Now, he had to navigate the delicate balance between their personal and professional relationship.

Mark's enigmatic aura seemed to intensify as he contemplated the situation. He knew that he had to handle it with care, respecting Kylie's feelings and ensuring that their work environment remained unaffected.

Deep down, Mark wanted to support Kylie in every way possible. He wanted to be there for her, not just as a boss, but as someone who genuinely cared. He knew that their relationship had the potential to be something special, but he also understood the importance of taking things slow and allowing Kylie to process her own emotions.

As he prepared to have a conversation with Kylie, Mark couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and hope. He wanted to offer her guidance and reassurance, reminding her that they were in this together. No matter what happened, Mark was determined to support Kylie and never let their personal connection compromise their professional lives.

The elevator kiss had changed everything, and now it was up to Mark and Kylie to navigate the uncharted territory of their evolving relationship.

                               RYAN P.O.V

"It's been a whole year since the divorce, and let me tell you, it's been a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I've come to realize that all the money and power in the world can't mend a broken heart. Yeah, I was heartbroken, but deep down, I knew I wasn't really happy either. I used to accuse Kylie of things she didn't do, and now I see how terribly wrong I was. I made a promise to myself that if I ever saw her again, I would let go of my dominance and control over her. I would show her just how madly in love I am with her. I would climb mountains and put my life on the line, even though I never wanted anyone to have that kind of power over me. But you know what? Kylie has that power now. She's taken away my control in the blink of an eye. I used to be this mighty man, both physically and financially, who could make people dance to my tune with just a snap of my fingers. Money and power gave me that privilege over the years. But now, my whole life has been turned upside down since my ex-wife left. I'm filled with regret, and I can't even get a proper night's sleep because her image keeps haunting me. It's like she's always there, right in front of me."

He hadn't seen her face or known her whereabouts for months. He spent a fortune trying to find her, but all his efforts were in vain. The thought of never seeing her again weighed heavily on his heart, causing him to feel depressed and distracted from work and himself. Thankfully, his best friend Liam was there to support him. Liam had even hired a personal therapist to check on him regularly. Just as Ryan was lost in his thoughts, a voice broke the silence. "I've been standing here for 10 minutes, Ryan. What on earth are you thinking about?" she said, folding her arms. Ryan snapped back to reality and apologized, inviting Kristina to take a seat.

Kristin looked at Ryan with concern in her eyes. "You can't keep going like this, Ryan. Your health is at stake, and alcohol won't solve your problems. Please, open up to me. What's been going on?" Ryan's voice trembled as he poured out his feelings. "I've never felt so alone in my life. Nothing excites me anymore, and I can't shake this feeling. It's ironic, isn't it? No matter how many people are around, I still feel lonely. I've tried to accept it as part of who I am, but I don't want to be this way. I'm not sad, but I'm not happy either. I just feel lost. I don't know what I'm doing wrong or why people don't seem to like me. I've tried to be someone I'm not, but I can't pretend anymore." He let out a heavy sigh.

Kristin listened attentively to Ryan's words, her eyes filled with empathy. "Ryan, you need to accept yourself, regardless of what others think. Their opinions don't define you. As long as you strive to be the best version of yourself, everything will be okay. Have faith and believe that things will get better, even when it's hard. It's okay not to be okay."

Ryan's voice quivered as he spoke about the woman who held his heart. "I can't deny it, Kristin. Her opinion matters to me. I need to see her, talk to her. She makes me feel alive in a way I haven't felt in years. I'm head over heels in love with her. Do you think she'll ever forgive me?"

Nobody is a kid here Kristin so we don't need to deceive ourselves. She wouldn't want anything to do with him after what he did to her, to be honest if I were on her own shoes I wouldn't even look at him twice." Liam voice interrupted them. Kristin and Ryan turned to look at Liam, taken aback by his harsh words. "Liam, we don't need to deceive ourselves, but let's not jump to conclusions either. People can change, and forgiveness is possible. Ryan is genuinely sorry for his actions. Instead of judging, let's support him in his journey to make things right."

Liam's laughter filled the room as Ryan's words hit him. "Haha, you got me there, dude! Sorry if I was being mean. Let's have a good day, alright?" Kristin excused herself, leaving Liam and Ryan alone. Liam couldn't contain his excitement as he leaned against the office wall. "How are you feeling, buddy?" Ryan replied with a monotone voice, questioning Liam's Cheshire Cat-like grin. Liam chuckled, appreciating the reference. "Guess what? The deal went amazingly!

We've got a new merger, and Fortes is throwing a party in Miami tomorrow to celebrate. Exciting news, right?" Ryan rolled his eyes, unimpressed. "Is that all you came to tell me?" Liam nodded, undeterred by Ryan's lackluster response. "Yep, that's the scoop. Our flight leaves today at 6, so make sure you're at the airport on time." Ryan replied with a nonchalant "Sure." Liam bid his farewell, leaving the room with a sense of excitement in the air.

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