Noah walked into his office at 8:30. He'd come in early. But he hadn't slept at all last night.
He sat at his desk. Turned on his computer.
His phone buzzed.
Emma: "Good morning babe ☀️ How are you today?"
Noah looked at the screen. Emma. His girlfriend. They'd been together for three years.
Normal. Everything has to be normal.
He typed:
"Good morning. I'm good. You?"
Short. Distant. But at least he'd responded.
Emma's reply came immediately:
"I'm good 😊 Did you sleep well last night? You looked tired."
Noah stopped. His fingers hovered over the keyboard.
Did you sleep well?
Noah hesitated. Don't. Don't think about it.
He typed:
"Yeah. I slept fine."
A lie.
Emma: "That's good 💕 Want to have lunch together?"
Noah's stomach turned. Lunch. With Emma. Talking. Smiling. Acting normal.
I can't. Not right now.
He typed:
"I have a busy day today. Meetings."
Sent.
A few seconds of silence.
Then:
Emma: "Okay. I understand. I'll see you tonight then ❤️"
Noah put his phone down on the desk.
Okay. Handled.
He looked at his emails. Pretended everything was normal.
Everything's normal. Just a normal day.
The morning meeting was routine. Sales figures, new projects, targets. Noah took notes, nodded, made a few comments.
Nobody noticed. That his face was pale. That his hands were shaking. That his mind was somewhere else.
His father closed the meeting. "Good work, everyone. We have a meeting with Sterling Holdings this afternoon. Be ready."
Alarm bells went off in Noah's mind.
Sterling Holdings.
Atlas's company.
His father continued. "We'll be discussing a partnership for a new app project. Important meeting. Everyone be prepared."
Noah's breath shook. "Atlas... will Atlas be there?"
His father shrugged. "I don't know. Probably not. He just got back, he's probably not active in the company yet."
Noah relaxed. Yeah. Atlas won't be there. Just the executives.
2:30 PM.
Noah entered the conference room. His father was there. The company's CFO. The project manager.
On the other side... old Mr. Sterling. Atlas's father. And two other executives.
Atlas wasn't there.
Noah breathed. Good. Good. He's not here.
He sat down. Looked at the empty chair across from him.
The meeting started. Wells Enterprises' project manager began the presentation. "A new mobile payment app in the fintech sector. Our target demographic is 18-35..."
Noah tried to listen. Charts, numbers, strategies.
Normal. Everything's normal.
The door opened.
Everyone turned.
Atlas walked into the room. His tall, lean frame moved with fluid grace in his suit. His fox-like eyes scanned the room, his pale skin almost glowing under the fluorescent lights.
Noah's world slowed down.
Old Mr. Sterling frowned but said nothing.
And Atlas sat in the chair directly across from Noah.
Noah's heart stopped.
No... this can't be happening.
Atlas sat down. Set his files in front of him. Took out his pen.
Then he looked up.
His eyes met Noah's directly.
One second. Two seconds. An eternity.
Noah's chest tightened.
He looked away. Quickly. Panicked.
Don't look. Just don't look.
The meeting continued. Numbers, charts, strategies.
Noah tried to take notes. But the letters were blurry.
Because Atlas... Atlas was there. Right across from him. A meter away.
Noah didn't take his eyes off the table. The screen. The papers. Anywhere else.
But... he could feel it.
He could feel Atlas's gaze.
He's looking at me. I know it. He's looking at me.
Someone asked a question. Noah answered. His voice was level. Professional.
But inside... he was a mess.
The meeting ended. It had lasted an hour. Felt like forever.
Old Mr. Sterling stood up. "Good start. Let our lawyers work out the details. Have a good day."
Handshakes. Smiles. Politeness.
His father and the others left the room. Old Mr. Sterling too. The executives too.
Noah gathered his files. Quickly. Hastily.
Get out. Just get out of here.
"Noah."
Atlas's voice.
The blood drained from Noah's face. He turned slowly.
Atlas was still sitting. Leaning back. Relaxed. In control.
A knot formed in Noah's throat. "Yes?"
He didn't make eye contact. He looked at Atlas's tie. The buttons on his shirt. The table. Anywhere else.
Atlas stood up. Slowly. Walked around the table.
He approached Noah.
Very close.
Noah couldn't back away. The table was behind him.
Atlas stopped. In front of him. Too close.
Noah had to look up. And his eyes... his eyes locked with Atlas's.
There was something in Atlas's eyes. Dark. Dangerous. But also... inviting.
His lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile. Something... something else.
Atlas leaned in. Slightly. Just a few centimeters.
Noah caught his scent. Intoxicating.
"You don't look well." His voice was low. Velvet. "Did you sleep okay?"
A knot settled in Noah's throat.
"I... I just..."
Atlas's eyes were locked on Noah's. Wouldn't let him escape.
He just looked for a moment. Silent. Assessing.
"Interesting." He tilted his head slightly.
He paused. Narrowed his eyes. Noah's hands trembled.
Noah's mouth was bone dry.
Atlas pulled back. Straightened. That cold mask returned to his face.
"I hope you enjoyed the party." His voice was completely flat. But there was a glint in his eyes.
Noah couldn't tell. Was it innuendo? Mockery? A threat?
Atlas picked up his file. Walked to the door.
He stopped at the threshold. Turned his head.
"Have a good day, Noah."
And he left.
Noah just stood there. Couldn't move.
His legs wouldn't hold him. He leaned against the table.
What just happened? What... what was that?
Atlas's face was right in front of his eyes. That look. That tone. That closeness.
"Did you sleep okay?"
"Interesting."
"I hope you enjoyed the party."
Noah tried to expand his chest but his lungs wouldn't fill.
He's just... just playing games. Messing with me.
Yeah. Made sense. Atlas was like that. Cold. Controlling. He tested people. Played games.
Just having fun. That's all.
But that look...
That look wasn't a game.
That look... was dangerous.
And I... why do I still remember his scent?
Noah brought his hand to his mouth.
No. Stop. Don't think about it.
Noah breathed in slowly through his nose, held it, then let it out through his mouth. He tried to think.
Maybe... maybe he's threatening me. Does he think I'm going to tell people what I saw?
Or... or is he just having fun? Testing me?
Noah braced his hands on the sink. Lowered his head.
What should I do?
He considered his options.
He could do nothing. Ignore it. Stay away from Atlas.
But Atlas... Atlas wouldn't stay away. That much was clear.
He's playing a game. And he's pulled me into it.
Noah raised his head. Looked at himself in the mirror.
So what about me... what should I do?
An idea came to him. Strange. Scary. But... logical.
I need to talk to him.
He thought as he dried his face. Yes. He had to talk to him.
I need to tell him I won't tell anyone what I saw. That I'll keep his secret. And... and ask him to stay away from me.
Yes. That made sense. Simple. Clear.
We'll talk. We'll come to an understanding. It'll be over.
Noah pulled his phone from his pocket. He didn't have Atlas's number. But... he could find it.
Tonight. I'll text him tonight.
Noah sat in his office. Everyone had left. It was silent.
His phone was in front of him. He stared at the screen.
He'd found Atlas's number. From the company directory.
His finger hovered over the keyboard.
The phone rang.
Emma
Noah cleared his throat. Answered.
"Hello."
"Babe! Finally! I haven't heard from you all day." Emma's voice was cheerful. "How are you?"
"I'm good. Just... really busy day."
"I see. Are you still at the office?"
"Yeah."
"When are you getting out? Maybe I can come by, we can get dinner together?"
Noah paused. "I... I'm going to be here late tonight. I have work to finish."
"Tonight?" There was disappointment in Emma's voice.
Noah's chest tightened.
"I miss you. But... I'm really swamped. I'm sorry."
Emma was quiet. Then she took a deep breath.
"Okay. I understand. Work is important." Her voice softened. "But take care of yourself, okay? Don't overdo it."
"Okay. I promise."
"Noah?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
Noah closed his eyes.
"I love you too."
"Goodnight, babe."
"Goodnight."
He hung up.
Put the phone on the desk.
Silence.
Noah looked at the screen. Empty. Dark.
I lied to Emma.
There's no work. I just... just want to be alone.
He leaned back in his chair. Looked at the ceiling.
Atlas came to mind.
What should I write?
It shouldn't be too formal. But not too familiar either.
He started typing. Deleted it. Typed again. Deleted again.
Finally:
"We need to talk."
He looked at it. Too harsh?
He deleted it. Typed again:
"Atlas, can we talk? About something important."
No. Too formal.
He deleted it again. Thought.
Finally he typed:
"Can we meet?"
He looked at it. Was it good? Was it enough?
Send. Just send it.
He put his finger on the send button.
It was trembling.
Is this right? Should I really do this?
But there was no other choice. Atlas wasn't going to leave him alone. So... so they had to talk.
He pressed it.
The message sent.
Noah put the phone on the desk. Like it was a bomb in his hand.
Okay. Okay, it's sent.
What would happen now?
Would Atlas reply? When? What would he say?
Noah waited. Stared at the screen.
One minute passed.
Two minutes.
Five minutes.
Nothing.
Noah breathed. Maybe he didn't see it. Maybe he's busy.
He put the phone in his pocket. Started gathering his things. Got ready to leave the office.
His phone buzzed.
Noah's body tensed.
He slowly pulled it from his pocket.
Looked at the screen.
Atlas Sterling
Message:
"Are you free now?"
Noah's heart raced. Now? This fast?
His fingers trembled. He typed:
"Yes."
Sent.
The reply came within seconds:
"Good. I'll send you my address. Come."
Then a location came through. Atlas's penthouse. Where the party had been.
Noah stared at the screen.
There... am I going to go there?
His hands shook. But he typed:
"Okay. I'll be there in 20 minutes."
Sent.
He closed his phone. Sat at the desk. Buried his face in his hands.
What am I doing? What... what am I doing?
But there was no turning back now.
Atlas was waiting.
Noah stood up. Grabbed his jacket. Left the office.
Each step felt heavier.
But he kept walking.
Noah parked his car. Looked at the building.
It was dark. Tall. The lights at the top looked out over the city.
Go in. Just go in.
The valet recognized Noah. "Mr. Wells. Welcome."
Noah nodded slightly, couldn't find words.
He entered the lobby. Got in the elevator. Entered the VIP code.
As it rose, he looked in the mirror. His face was pale. His eyes were tired.
Just talk. Explain. End it.
The elevator stopped.
The doors opened.
Noah stepped out. Stood in front of Atlas's door.
He raised his hand. Took a breath.
Knocked.
The door opened.
A middle-aged man. In a suit. Professional.
"Mr. Wells. Welcome. Mr. Sterling is expecting you." His voice was flat. Gave nothing away.
Noah went inside.
The penthouse was the same. But silent. No trace of the party. Just dim lights and the city view.
"Please follow me."
The man walked. Noah followed.
A long hallway. Art on the walls. Modern. Cold.
The man stopped at a door. Must be a study.
"Mr. Sterling is inside." He opened the door.
Noah's breath caught.
He went in.
And froze.
Atlas was there.
Behind the wide desk. Leaning back. A glass of whiskey in his hand.
Black shirt. Collar open. Sleeves rolled up.
But... he wasn't alone.
Next to him... that man.
The man from the party.
Handsome. Foreign-looking. Leaning against the desk. Casual.
Noah's world tilted.
What... what is he doing here?
Atlas looked up. His eyes locked on Noah.
His lips curved slightly.
"Come in." His voice was flat. Polite but distant.
Noah just stood there. Couldn't move.
Atlas took a sip of his whiskey. Then turned to the man beside him.
He said something. In a low voice. Noah couldn't hear.
The man nodded. Smiled. Touched Atlas—his shoulder, lightly—and walked to the door.
He stopped as he passed Noah. Looked at him. Smiled.
"Goodnight."
And left.
Silence.
Atlas was still behind his desk. Motionless. His eyes on Noah.
"Sit."
It wasn't a command. But it wasn't a suggestion either.
Noah walked. Sat in the chair across from him.
Atlas took another sip of his whiskey. Slowly. Savoring it.
"Drink?"
Noah shook his head briefly. "No. Thank you."
"You sure?" Atlas's voice was soft. But his eyes... his eyes weren't soft. "You look like you could use one."
Noah put his hands on his knees. Tight. White knuckles.
"I'm fine."
"I see." Atlas set the glass on the desk. Leaned forward. His hands clasped on the table.
Noah paused for a moment, filled his lungs with air. He had to speak. Now.
"I... I just wanted to explain something."
Atlas's face was expressionless.
"Last night... at the party... I..." The words tangled in his throat. "I accidentally... walked into the wrong room."
"Accidentally." Atlas repeated. It wasn't a question.
"Yes. I... I was looking for you. To thank you. And... and the door was open. So I..."
He stopped. His eyes met Atlas's. And couldn't look away.
Atlas's gaze was calm. Assessing.
Noah's throat went dry. "I... yes. But I... I didn't tell anyone. And I won't. I promise."
"You promise." Atlas's lips curved slightly. "How kind."
"I'm serious. I... your private life is none of my business. I just... just want to forget about it. And... and act normal. Like everyone else."
"Normal." Atlas repeated. He turned the word over in his mouth. "Interesting choice of words."
Noah spoke quickly. "You misunderstand. I... I have a lot of friends... they're also... I mean..." He stopped. Took a breath. "I'm not homophobic. Really. It's just... this is... this is about you."
Atlas's eyes narrowed.
"Why did you come here."
"Because... because you... today in the meeting..." Noah stopped. Couldn't find the words.
"What did I do in the meeting today, Noah?" Atlas leaned forward. A little closer. "Did I say something to you? Did I threaten you?"
"No but... but your looks... and... and you said things..."
"What did I say?"
Noah's mouth was bone dry. "You... you know."
"Tell me." Atlas's voice was soft. But dangerous. "What did I say?"
Noah took a deep breath. "You asked if I slept well. And... and you said you hoped I enjoyed the party. And... and your tone... your looks..."
"My tone." Atlas leaned back. He smiled. But it was a cold smile. "Noah, I was just being polite. I asked questions you'd ask a friend."
"But... but..."
"But what?" Atlas tilted his head. "Or... did you think something? Maybe... did something form in your mind?"
Noah froze. "No. I... no."
Atlas's eyes gleamed. "Is that so?"
"Yes. I just... just wanted to be clear. I won't tell anyone what I saw. And... and I want our relationship to stay professional. As business partner families. That's all."
"Professional." Atlas stood up.
Noah's breath caught.
Atlas came out from behind the desk. Slowly. Walked.
Toward Noah.
Noah leaned back. Sank into the chair.
But Atlas... Atlas kept coming closer.
He stopped in front of the chair. Looked at Noah. From above. Down.
"Professional," Atlas said. His voice was low. "Interesting."
Their eyes met. "Yes. Professional."
Atlas tilted his head. Slightly. His eyes locked on Noah's.
"Then tell me, Noah." His voice dropped to a whisper. "If you're so professional..."
He paused.
"...why are you trembling?"
Noah's breath caught.
Atlas was right. His legs were shaking. His breathing was shallow.
Stop. Calm down. Just calm down.
"I... I'm just... tired. It's been a long day."
"Tired." Atlas's lips curved. "Of course."
He pulled back. Walked to the desk. Picked up his whiskey. Drank.
Noah breathed. Relaxed.
But too soon.
Because Atlas turned and came back. And this time... this time he sat next to Noah.
On the chair. Right next to him. Too close.
Noah tensed. "What... what are you doing?"
Atlas leaned back. Smiled.
"Does it bother you?"
Noah tried to pull away. But there was nowhere to go.
"I... I just..."
"Just what?" Atlas turned his head toward Noah. His eyes met Noah's.
"No I... just..."
Atlas continued, his voice low, "if it bothers you... maybe the problem is you."
Noah's heart was pounding. "What do you mean?"
Atlas shrugged. "Just... curious." He leaned in. Closer. "Why are you so tense?"
"I'm... I'm not tense."
"Don't lie." Atlas's voice hardened. But the smile was still there. "I'm aware of everything, Noah. Every tremor. Every breath. Every... look."
Noah's world spun.
What is he saying? What... what does he mean?
"I... I'm not looking."
"No?" Atlas's eyes narrowed. "Then why... right now... are you looking at me?"
Noah's gaze dropped to the floor. Fast. Panicked.
Atlas laughed. Low. Deep. Dangerous.
"There," he said. "There it is."
Noah jumped to his feet. Quickly. Moved behind the chair.
Atlas stood up. Slowly. Unhurried. Relaxed.
He looked at Noah. From top to bottom. Studying him.
Then he turned toward the door.
Noah just stood there. Couldn't move. Couldn't speak.
Atlas reached the door.
He didn't turn around. But he stopped.
"By the way," he said, his voice low, "my lover is waiting."
He turned slightly and looked at Noah. A sideways glance. Flirtatious. Seductive.
"If you want to join the fun... come."
And he left.
Noah couldn't move.
What... what did he just say?
Atlas's words echoed in his head.
"Maybe the problem is you."
"My lover is waiting."
"Join the fun."
Noah brought his hand to his mouth.
What... what did he mean?
A few seconds passed. Ten seconds. An eternity.
Then he came to his senses.
He stumbled. Grabbed onto the chair.
I have to get out of here.
He went into the hallway. Panic. Shame. Confusion.
He ran to the elevator. Pressed the button. It didn't come.
He headed for the stairs. Went down. Running. Stumbling.
Got to the lobby. Burst outside.
When Noah found himself outside, he couldn't even remember how he got there.
Cold air hit his face.
But his face was still burning.
What did I do? Why... why did I go there?
Noah stumbled to his car. Opened the door. Got in.
He leaned against the steering wheel. Tried to breathe.
Buried his face in his hands.
Atlas played games with me. And I... what did I do? I just sat there. Just... just let it happen.
Noah started the engine. Hit the gas.
Drove away.
But Atlas's words... Atlas's scent... Atlas's gaze...
They didn't leave.
Noah was driving through traffic. His hands gripped the steering wheel tight.
What happened there? Why... why did I act like that?
Atlas's words kept spinning in his head.
"Maybe the problem is you."
Noah clenched his jaw.
No. No, the problem isn't me.
I was just... just surprised. Because... because I wasn't expecting it.
But this... this was an overreaction.
Red light. He stopped.
Why did it affect me so much? Why... why couldn't I control myself?
This isn't normal.
Noah looked in the mirror. His face was still flushed.
I... I overreacted. Atlas just talked. He just... just sat next to me. And I... I panicked.
Green light. He drove.
This is wrong. This is so wrong.
The breath that escaped Noah's chest felt like it was emptying his soul too.
Okay. I've decided.
I'm going to stay away from Atlas. Completely.
I'll be professional in company meetings. But... but there won't be any other contact.
I won't text. I won't call. I won't talk.
I'll stay away.
Noah arrived at his house. Parked. Turned off the engine.
He just sat in the car.
Yes. That's best.
Because Atlas... Atlas is dangerous.
And I... I shouldn't be affected this much.
This isn't healthy.
When Noah got out of the car, his legs wouldn't hold him.
He stumbled to the door.
It took him three tries to get the key in the lock.
When he went inside, the silence suffocated him.
He closed the door. Leaned back against it.
Starting tomorrow, everything will change.
I'll stay away from Atlas.
And... and I'll get on with my life.
With Emma. With work. With normalcy.
Noah went to his bedroom. Lay down on the bed.
Yes. I've decided.
Atlas Sterling... is no longer in my life.
But when he closed his eyes...
Atlas's voice came.
"My lover is waiting."
Noah opened his eyes.
Forget. Just forget.
He buried his face in the pillow.
But he couldn't sleep.