By midweek, the whispers had become more pronounced.
It began with furtive glances and quiet laughter near the coffee machine. Before long, the entire office buzzed with curiosity. Ava Collins could sense it — the weight of unseen eyes and the questions lurking behind every polite smile.
Something had shifted, and everyone was aware of it.
"Have you noticed how close she's been to Mr. Kingsley lately?" she overheard one of the assistants whisper.
"She's always in his office," another responded. "And he doesn't let anyone else bring him reports anymore. Seems suspicious, right?"
Ava's heart raced. She maintained a neutral expression as she walked past them, clutching a stack of documents against her chest. Her fingers trembled, but she kept moving forward.
Upon entering Liam's office, his calm demeanor offered both comfort and unease. He looked up immediately, sensing her tension.
"What happened?" he asked, rising from his chair.
"People are talking," she said softly, setting the papers down. "About us."
Liam sighed, tightening his jaw. "Let them talk. Rumors fade when they aren't fed."
She cast him a worried glance. "But what if they don't fade? What if they escalate?"
He stepped closer, his voice gentle yet firm. "Then I'll protect you, Ava. You and our baby — that's all that matters."
Her heart fluttered at his words; the tenderness in his tone drew her in like gravity. But fear still lingered in her mind.
"Liam, you can't shield me from gossip," she replied. "Once it spreads, it spreads. People will judge. The board—"
"I'll deal with the board," he interrupted decisively. "You focus on yourself. That means no more worrying."
She attempted a smile, but her chest felt tight with anxiety. He reached for her hand, his thumb making small circles on her skin. The warmth of his touch helped steady her.
"If it ever becomes too overwhelming," he murmured, "remember this — I chose you. Every single day, I'll keep choosing you."
Ava blinked back tears. "You don't know what that means to me."
He leaned forward until their foreheads lightly touched. "I think I do."
For a brief moment, the world outside faded away — just their breaths mingling together and their fragile secret suspended in the air between them.
Yet beyond the door, the whispers continued to grow.
And secrets, no matter how well-guarded, have a way of being uncovered.