The following morning, Jeslyne arrived at work prepared to face another day. She had spent the night convincing herself that no one had the power to undermine her worth, least of all Sofia Laurent. She wore a tailored navy-blue suit, her hair pinned back in a sleek bun, and her confidence carefully assembled like armor.
After settling into her desk and reviewing her schedule, she headed to the elevator to make her way to the modeling department for a brief meeting. As the doors slid open, she stepped inside only to find Sofia Laurent and Rolland already there.
Sofia's sharp eyes landed on her immediately. "Ah, Miss Timer," Sofia said with a faint smirk, her voice as sweet as it was cutting. "How's the new department treating you?"
Jeslyne straightened her back, meeting Sofia's gaze head-on. "It's been an interesting challenge," she replied with controlled politeness.
"Interesting," Sofia repeated as though savoring the word. "I suppose it must be quite the adjustment, considering you've been managing from a larger office before. Do you miss the autonomy?"
Jeslyne's jaw tightened. "I've learned to adapt to change. It keeps things fresh."
Sofia chuckled lightly, leaning against the elevator wall. "Fresh, yes. That's one way to put it. I hear the models can be… difficult at times. Is that true?"
Jeslyne clenched her hands at her sides. She knew what Sofia was doing—testing her patience. "They're passionate, which is what makes them good at what they do. I respect that."
Sofia raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And how's your design work coming along? Or have you decided to take a back seat in that department now?"
Jeslyne refused to rise to the bait, even as her chest tightened. "My work is progressing well. Thank you for asking."
Sofia's smile sharpened. "Six months in, and you're still so polite. I'd have thought the new environment would bring out a bit more… resilience in you by now."
Jeslyne looked down at her feet briefly, willing her composure to stay intact. Her silence must have pleased Sofia because the woman straightened and turned her attention elsewhere.
"Mr. Williams, I trust we'll see you in the boardroom later?" Sofia asked Rolland, her tone markedly warmer than when she addressed Jeslyne.
"Of course," Rolland replied, his voice steady but his eyes flicking toward Jeslyne.
The elevator doors opened, and Sofia stepped out gracefully. "Well then, have a good day, both of you," she said, her tone dripping with condescension as she exited.
The tension in the elevator thickened as the doors closed, leaving Jeslyne and Rolland alone. Jeslyne kept her gaze firmly on the glowing elevator buttons, refusing to acknowledge his presence.
"Jeslyne, I was going to…" Rolland started, his voice softer than before.
She cut him off sharply, finally turning to look at him. "I'd really much respect it if you call me by my surname," she snapped, her voice firm but laced with hurt.
His brow furrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line. "Have I done something wrong?"
Jeslyne laughed humorlessly, shaking her head. "Wrong? No. Everything is perfectly fine, Mr. Williams." Her words were clipped, and she immediately turned her gaze back to the buttons.
Rolland took a step closer, his voice lowering. "I'm serious. If I've done anything to upset you—"
Jeslyne recoiled as though his proximity burned her. "What do you think you're doing, Mr. Williams?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly but firm.
Their eyes met, his full of confusion and hers a storm of mixed emotions—anger, pain, and something else he couldn't place.
"Let go of me," she added, her voice soft but commanding, glancing at the elevator doors. When she noticed the lack of cameras, her heart skipped a beat.
"If it's cameras you're worried about, they're not in here," Rolland said, as though sensing her thoughts.
Her glare intensified. "If there's anything I should be worried about, it's you," she countered. "Please maintain a reasonable distance from me."
He took a reluctant step back but held her gaze. "Why are you doing this? Acting like I'm some kind of enemy?"
"Because you are," she replied, her voice breaking slightly. She quickly composed herself. "At least to my peace of mind."
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Jeslyne immediately stepped out, not sparing him another glance.
---
When Jeslyne reached her department, she threw herself into work, determined to shake off the encounter. Emma stopped by her desk a few minutes later, a cup of coffee in hand.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Emma said, taking a seat across from her.
Jeslyne forced a smile. "Just a long morning."
Emma frowned, clearly not convinced. "Long mornings don't usually make you look this rattled. Are you sure you're okay?"
Jeslyne hesitated, then sighed. "I'll be fine. Just need to focus on work."
Emma studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, but if you need to vent, you know where to find me."
Jeslyne nodded, grateful for Emma's support but unwilling to delve into the mess in her head. She spent the rest of the day focusing on her tasks, doing her best to avoid any thoughts of Rolland or Sofia.
Jeslyne left her office later that evening, feeling drained but oddly triumphant. Work had been productive, even if her thoughts occasionally drifted back to the tense elevator ride with Rolland and Sofia. She reassured herself that she had handled it as professionally as possible, but a small voice in the back of her mind nagged her.
The memory of Rolland's concerned expression kept creeping back into her thoughts. Why had he looked so...genuine? As if her well-being truly mattered to him?
Emma caught up with her as she reached the lobby. "Ready to call it a day?" Emma asked cheerfully, falling into step beside her.
"More than ready," Jeslyne replied with a tired smile.
They walked to the parking lot together, their conversation light and pleasant. Emma chatted about her plans for the weekend, but Jeslyne's responses were half-hearted, her mind still tangled in the events of the day.
"Okay, spill," Emma said suddenly, stopping in her tracks.
Jeslyne blinked. "Spill what?"
Emma folded her arms, giving her a pointed look. "You've been distracted all day. Is this about Sofia? Or... someone else?"
Jeslyne sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's not Sofia. Not entirely, anyway."
Emma raised an eyebrow. "Then it's definitely someone else. Care to share?"
Jeslyne hesitated, her thoughts a jumble. "It's complicated."
Emma grinned knowingly. "It's Rolland, isn't it?"
Jeslyne's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "Why would you think that?"
"Oh, come on," Emma teased. "You get all flustered whenever his name comes up. And don't think I haven't noticed how your mood shifts every time he's around."
Jeslyne shook her head, laughing softly. "You're imagining things."
"Am I?" Emma challenged, her tone playful but curious.
Jeslyne sighed, deciding to deflect. "Let's just say the work environment has been... challenging lately. I don't think it's good for anyone to feel like their job is under constant scrutiny."
Emma nodded sympathetically. "Fair enough. But if you ever want to talk about it, you know I'm here."
"I know," Jeslyne said with a small smile. Jeslyne finished lacing her shoes and straightened up, brushing her hands against her skirt. "Nothing specific," she lied, avoiding Emma's eyes.
Emma wasn't convinced. "Nothing specific, huh? Not even about the offer you mentioned last week?"
Jeslyne froze briefly, then sighed. "I haven't made up my mind yet."
Emma stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Why not? You said it yourself—the position at Beckett Designs is practically tailor-made for you. They're offering you creative control and a pay bump. What's holding you back?"
Jeslyne hesitated, glancing around the garage. Her eyes flicked toward a sleek black car parked a few feet away, and her stomach did a small flip when she realized Rolland was seated inside, his silhouette illuminated by the faint glow of his dashboard lights.
Emma followed her gaze, her brows knitting together in confusion. "What's so interesting over—oh." Her expression shifted to one of understanding.
Jeslyne quickly looked away, her voice defensive. "It's not about him."
Emma smirked. "Sure, it's not."
Jeslyne crossed her arms, exhaling sharply. "I just need space, Emma. That's why I'm even considering Beckett Designs in the first place. This company—it's suffocating me. I don't feel like I belong anymore. They took away everything I worked for, and now I'm supposed to act like it doesn't bother me?"
Emma's playful demeanor faded, replaced with genuine concern. "I know it's been rough, Jes. And I get why you'd want to leave. But you've been with Williams for years. You've built a name for yourself here. Are you sure you want to throw all of that away?"
Jeslyne sighed again, leaning against the side of the car. "I don't know, Emma. Part of me feels like I've outgrown this place. And honestly…" She hesitated, her voice dropping. "I don't think I can keep pretending everything's fine. Not with Sofia here. Not with—" She cut herself off, shaking her head.
Emma placed a hand on her shoulder. "Not with Rolland here?"
Jeslyne shot her a sharp look. "Don't start."
Emma held up her hands defensively. "Okay, okay. But you can't ignore the fact that he's part of this, Jeslyne. Whether you like it or not, he's one of the reasons you're struggling. Maybe you should talk to him."
Jeslyne snorted, her tone bitter. "Talk to him? About what? How his presence makes me question every decision I've made in the last six months? How I can't even look at him without feeling like I'm losing control of myself?"
Emma's eyes softened. "Maybe it's not about losing control. Maybe it's about figuring out why he has this effect on you. And what you're going to do about it."
Before Jeslyne could respond, the sound of a car door opening interrupted them. They both turned to see Rolland stepping out of his car, his gaze locking onto Jeslyne immediately.
Jeslyne felt her pulse quicken as he approached, his expression unreadable. "Ladies," he greeted, his voice smooth as ever. "Still here this late?"
Emma glanced at Jeslyne, then back at Rolland. "Just wrapping up the day." She smiled politely. "I'll leave you two to it."
Jeslyne's eyes widened slightly. "Emma—"
"See you tomorrow!" Emma called over her shoulder, walking away quickly.
Jeslyne shot her a glare before turning back to Rolland, who was now standing just a few feet away. "Something I can help you with, Mr. Williams?" she asked, her tone colder than she intended.
Rolland raised an eyebrow, his gaze steady. "I couldn't help but overhear part of your conversation. Are you thinking of leaving?"
Jeslyne stiffened, mentally cursing the acoustics of the garage. "That's none of your concern."
His expression darkened slightly, but he remained calm. "If you're unhappy here, I'd like to know why."
Jeslyne folded her arms, meeting his gaze head-on. "Why? So you can fix it? Or so you can convince me to stay for the company's benefit?"
Rolland's jaw tightened, but his voice remained steady. "Maybe both. Or maybe because I don't want to see you leave."
Her heart skipped a beat at his words, but she quickly masked her reaction. "My career decisions are my own, Mr. Williams. I don't owe you an explanation."
He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "You don't owe me anything, Jeslyne. But I think you know as well as I do that this isn't just about your career."
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. But then she straightened her shoulders, her resolve hardening. "Goodnight, Mr. Williams."
She turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing in the garage. Rolland watched her go, his expression unreadable, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper—something he wasn't ready to admit, even to himself.