Paisley sat in her office, the files spread out in front of her like an intricate puzzle. Her fingers traced the edges of the papers, her mind whirring. She could feel the weight of the decision pressing on her chest. Every document she scanned only added to the growing uncertainty. The evidence was undeniable, there was no mistaking it. But was she ready to pull the trigger?
The sound of the door opening broke her concentration. She glanced up to see Stephan standing in the doorway, his face unreadable, his posture rigid.
I didn't expect to see you here, Paisley said, her voice betraying none of the emotions swirling inside her. She hadn't expected him to show up tonight, not after their last conversation.
Stephan stepped inside, his gaze flickering to the files on her desk. I know what you've found, Paisley. And I know what you're thinking.
You don't know anything, she shot back, her words sharp. But you're right. I've found everything. Everything I need.
His eyes hardened, but he didn't speak. Paisley's fingers tightened around the file in front of her. She could feel the anger bubbling inside her, mixing with something else. Something she didn't want to acknowledge.
She leaned forward, locking eyes with him. This could destroy you, Stephan. Your family. Everything you've built.
And you're willing to do that? To destroy me? His voice was low, filled with an emotion she couldn't quite read.
Paisley felt a surge of frustration. You don't get to make me feel guilty for doing what's right. My father's dead because of this because of your family. I have nothing left to lose.
Stephan took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. Then why haven't you done it yet? Why are you still hesitating?
Her heart raced, and for a moment, she almost believed him. The question hung in the air, unanswered.
The silence between them was thick, suffocating. Stephan stood motionless, waiting for her response. But Paisley was lost in her thoughts, her mind torn between duty and desire. The lines between right and wrong were blurred, and she didn't know where she stood anymore.
I don't want to hurt you, Stephan, she whispered, almost to herself. But I don't see any other way. My father's death your family's corruption it's all tangled up in this mess.
Stephan's voice was low, almost pleading. I know what I did. I'm not asking for forgiveness, Paisley. I'm asking for a chance to make things right.
Paisley looked at him, really looked at him for the first time in what felt like forever. There was something raw in his eyes, something that mirrored the conflict inside her. Was he really trying to change, or was this just another manipulation?
I don't know if I can believe you anymore, she said, her voice trembling with the weight of her decision.
Then believe in me, he whispered. Just for once. You don't have to do this alone.
The words hit her harder than she expected. Her resolve cracked, but only for a second. The weight of her father's death, the anger she'd been carrying for so longit was all right there in front of her.
And yet, standing across from Stephan, she found herself questioning everything.
The night dragged on, the minutes stretching into hours. Stephan had left, but Paisley couldn't shake the weight of their conversation. His words haunted her, and the doubt gnawed at her insides.
The door to her office creaked open again. This time, it wasn't Stephan.
Paisley?
She turned to see Rocco standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable. He was always calm, always composed, but there was something in his eyes now something different.
What is it, Rocco? Paisley's voice was steady, but she couldn't stop herself from feeling a pang of discomfort.
He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. I'm not here to talk about business. I'm here because I think you need to hear something.
Paisley raised an eyebrow. What are you talking about?
Rocco hesitated for a moment before speaking. Stephan's not the only one who's changed. He's not the only one who cares about what happens to you.
Paisley's heart skipped a beat. What are you saying?
He took a step closer, his voice softening. You've been carrying all of this alone for too long. And I think you deserve to know that you're not alone in this. If you ever need someone to lean on… I'm here.
Her breath caught in her throat. For a moment, she was speechless, the weight of his words sinking in. She wasn't sure what to say. What to feel.
Rocco… she began, her voice trembling. But before she could finish, he stepped back, giving her space.
I'll leave you to think about it, he said quietly. Just know that I'm here.
As he walked out, Paisley was left standing in the middle of her office, her mind spinning. She hadn't expected this hadn't expected the kindness, the vulnerability. She had never considered that Rocco might feel something for her.
But then again, nothing was what it seemed in this world.