SHE SAID "NO" TO HIS PROPOSAL

Fleeting Glances

Greg's POV

I'm standing next to the Marketing Director and Production Manager of DC Publishing Inc. They're chattering about updates in their departments, practically tripping over each other to brag about their monthly accomplishments. I'm nodding, but my mind is somewhere else entirely, unable to drum up any real interest in their stats and milestones. Instead, my attention is drawn to Luna, sitting at the far end of the room. Every few moments, I catch her glancing my way, though she looks away just as quickly, probably hoping I didn't notice. She's sitting next to Jared, who, at that moment, leans over and hands her a piece of cake. She laughs softly as she takes it from him, and the sound irritates me more than I want to admit. Seeing her with him—it gets under my skin.

It's been three years since things ended with Luna, and I'd like to believe I've moved on, but there's still a sting I can't seem to shake. I know I'm not in love with her anymore. Or maybe I'm just telling myself that. Either way, watching her drift so easily into laughter with someone else, with Jared of all people, leaves a bitter taste. My stomach tightens when I think about them outside the office, planning lunches and looking far too comfortable together.

This morning, when I overheard them planning a lunch date, my jaw clenched without me even realizing it. Not that I cared—why should I? I knew it wasn't urgent, but I decided to ask Luna for the report I'd requested in last week's meeting. I didn't need it right away; in fact, I'd barely glanced at the data I'd gathered from her last report. But I wanted to remind her, just a little, that I still have control over her time. Maybe it was petty. Maybe she deserved it. I glanced at Richard, my assistant, and casually asked him to organize a small team gathering for later, one that would ensure Luna's dinner date with Jared never happened. A quick smirk touched my lips as I thought about them canceling their plans. Ramen, my ass.

I actually do have an announcement to make, though I'm not supposed to reveal it just yet. It's meant to be saved for a formal company-wide meeting next week, a proper setting with all the right people in attendance. But something about seeing Luna and Jared trying to quietly slip out, as if my little get-together didn't matter, forces my hand. I ask Richard to make sure no one leaves until they hear my announcement. If they want to play games, I'll make sure they're both right here, sitting side by side, hanging on my every word.

I rise from my seat and make my way to the front, my presence drawing the attention of the room. Without needing to call out or gesture for their focus, everyone instinctively stops what they're doing and turns their gaze toward me, eager to listen.

"I hope everyone is enjoying the evening. You've all been working incredibly hard this week," I began, scanning the room as I tried to meet everyone's eyes. "This announcement isn't supposed to be made public yet, but I'm too excited to hold it in. I have some good news that I think everyone will be thrilled to hear." Sensing the eager anticipation in the room, I continued, "DC Publishing House has officially met its quotas for the month!" The room erupted in applause, filled with sheer excitement.

As the applause filled the room, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. The faces around me lit up with joy, a testament to the hard work and dedication each person had put in. I paused for a moment, soaking in the atmosphere—the laughter, the smiles, and the shared sense of accomplishment. It was moments like these that made all the late nights and missed lunches worthwhile.

"I want to take a moment to recognize each of you," I said, raising my hands to quiet the crowd. "This success isn't just about numbers; it's about the teamwork and commitment each of you has shown. We faced challenges, but we came together, and it paid off."

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Luna beaming as she exchanged excited whispers with Jared. The sight stirred something in me—a mix of pride and a tinge of envy. I pushed the feeling aside, forcing myself to stay focused on the moment.