Xavier motioned to the chair across from his desk. "Sure, what's on your mind?"
I sat down slowly, trying to collect the courage that had all but scattered since stepping into the room. My fingers fidgeted in my lap as I searched for the right words.
"I… I wanted to ask you something," I began. "Lately, you've been doing these thoughtful things — the coffee, the notes, the sunflower…"
His brows raised slightly, expression unreadable.
"It's all meant a lot to me," I continued. "And I guess I started to wonder if maybe… you felt something? For me?"
The silence was deafening. For a moment, I thought the world had gone still.
Xavier leaned back in his chair, his expression carefully neutral now. "Khloe… I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I didn't mean for any of that to come across in a way that made you uncomfortable."
I felt my heart sink. "Oh. No, I wasn't uncomfortable… I just—never mind."
"I value what we have here. Professionally," he added, his voice gentle but firm. "You're one of the most capable people I've ever worked with."
Professionally. That word echoed in my head like a gavel hitting a courtroom bench.
I forced a tight smile. "Of course. Sorry I brought it up."
He gave a small nod. "No need to apologize."
I stood up quickly, not trusting my voice to say anything else. "I'll get back to work."
As I walked out, my eyes burned. I blinked fast, refusing to let any tears fall in the hallway. My heart thudded painfully in my chest, not from embarrassment — but from that crushing weight of disappointment that settles in when reality hits harder than you'd prepared for.
Back at my desk, I dropped my bag and collapsed into my chair, staring blankly at my monitor. After a long minute, I pulled out my phone and dialed the one person who always knew what to say.
"Hey babe," Ayra answered, her voice bright as ever. "What's up?"
"Ayra," I said, voice already cracking. "I did it."
There was a pause. "You asked him?"
I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Yeah… and he said it was all just professional. That he didn't mean it that way."
"Oh, Klo…"
I sniffed. "I feel so stupid. I should've just kept my mouth shut."
"Don't say that," she said quickly. "You were brave. You spoke your truth. That's never stupid."
"But what if I ruined everything?" I whispered.
"You didn't," Ayra said firmly. "He should be the one feeling awkward — not you. You had the guts to ask. That's more than most people do. And if he can't see how amazing you are, that's his loss."
I took a deep breath. Her words were like a balm on a fresh bruise.
"Thank you," I murmured.
"Always. You know I've got you. Now, do me a favor?"
"What?"
"Take a walk. Breathe. Then come back and remember who you are."
I let out a tiny laugh. "Bossy much?"
"Only because I love you."
I smiled weakly. "Okay. I'll try."
As I ended the call and stood from my desk, I realized something. The ache in my chest was real, but so was my strength. And maybe this wasn't the fairy-tale ending I'd hoped for — but it also wasn't the end of my story.