Between the lines

When Jasmine Richards joins Stratford & Co., a prestigious marketing firm, she's eager to prove herself. She quickly befriends her colleagues-except for James Thorne, the company's brooding yet brilliant strategist. From the moment they meet, tension crackles between them. He's curt, distant, and seemingly uninterested in getting to know her. Lana convinces herself he despises her.

But what she doesn't know is that James is battling his own emotions. He doesn't hate her-far from it. He's drawn to her, but an awkward first impression, a series of misunderstandings, and his own fear of vulnerability keep him from showing it.

As time passes, their silent war continues: lingering glances across the conference room, snide remarks laced with an undercurrent of longing, accidental touches that last too long. Everyone at the office assumes they're just oil and water, clashing endlessly. No one suspects the stolen moments of hesitation, the late nights where they nearly cross the line but don't.

When an unexpected company retreat forces them to work closely together, the façade begins to crack. Secrets slip out. Truths surface. They realize they've both been misreading each other all along. But even then, neither is willing to be the first to admit their feelings-because what if it ruins everything?

So, they keep up the act. Enemies in daylight, lovers in thought. But how long can they deny what's been simmering between them all along?