For the next few weeks, the office settled into a strange rhythm.
Rylan, Max, and the twins' little team became a fixture in Kia's company. The projects at hand were massive—high-stakes mergers, critical decisions, presentations that could make or break the year. Mistakes weren't an option.
And Rylan? He thrived.
Not just surviving the chaos, but dominating it. His calm, sharp demeanor, his ability to anticipate problems, his uncanny knack for handling employees—everyone adored him.
Employees whispered about him in hallways.
"Rylan handled that client call like a pro… even better than the boss."
"Have you seen how he calms people down? Incredible."
"I think he's… untouchable."
And Kia? Kia felt it. Every glance, every compliment Rylan received, every small sigh of admiration from the staff—it cut him in ways he didn't expect.
He couldn't step in, couldn't force Rylan to notice him, couldn't act possessive. All he could do was watch.
---
One afternoon, they walked together down the sleek corridor to meet a key investor.
Rylan, calm and composed as ever, discussed projections, deadlines, and critical adjustments. His voice was smooth, precise, magnetic, and the staff nearby hung on every word.
Kia's jaw clenched. His hands tightened into fists at his sides.
He could feel the stares, the subtle admiration, the unspoken longing of the employees for the man he himself had loved for years.
He wanted to pull Rylan aside, warn him, claim him… but he couldn't. Not yet.
Not without scaring him off.
So Kia followed quietly, watching every subtle smile Rylan gave, every confident stride, every polite correction to a staff member's mistake.
Inside, his mind was a storm:
Rylan… my Rylan… everyone is falling for you. Everyone… but me. And I can't—can't ruin this. I can't push him away. Not now.
The tension was electric. Neither said a word about the jealousy simmering just below the surface, yet it was there in every glance, every restrained sigh, every silent heartbeat.
They arrived at the meeting room. Rylan led the way, naturally commanding the space. Kia followed, alpha instincts alert, protective—but restrained.
He would take his time. Let Rylan's influence grow. Let the staff admire him… but he would always be there, quietly, dangerously, and waiting.
Because deep down, Kia knew: he couldn't control the admiration of others. But he could control himself. And when the moment was right…
He would claim what was his.
Author pov
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