Xan walked her to her room that night with deliberate restraint.
The hallway was quiet, carpet muting their footsteps. Nicole swayed slightly, not drunk enough to lose control—but relaxed in a way she hadn't been in weeks. Xan kept a respectful distance, hands clasped behind his back, every instinct in him screaming to reach out, to steady her, to pull her close.
At her door, she fumbled with the keycard, then laughed softly when it took a second try.
"Thank you," she said, turning to him. Her eyes were warm. Open. Trusting. "For tonight. For… everything."
Xan swallowed. Say goodnight. Walk away.
"Get some rest," he said instead, voice calm despite the war raging inside him. "Tomorrow will be full."
She nodded, hesitated like she might say something else, then smiled and stepped inside. The door closed softly between them.
Only then did Xan exhale.
⸻
Xan — Alone
Back in his own hotel room, Xan stripped off his jacket and stood under the shower longer than necessary, letting the hot water pound against his shoulders as if it could rinse the image of her laughter from his mind.
It didn't work.
Her smile stayed with him. The way she leaned in when she spoke. The way she trusted him without question.
She's married, he reminded himself, jaw tightening.
And he's my best friend.
He lay in bed staring at the ceiling, sleep slow to come, desire tangled with guilt until exhaustion finally won.
⸻
The Next Morning
Xan woke early.
Too early.
He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie, then paused. After a moment, he changed it—switching to the deep charcoal-blue Nicole once casually mentioned made his eyes look softer. He selected the cologne she liked too, subtle, clean, familiar.
Stop this, he told himself.
But he didn't change it.
⸻
The Meetings
Nicole was focused, sharp, brilliant.
Xan watched her from the head of the table as she delivered her presentation—steady voice, confident posture, eyes alight with purpose. Each point landed perfectly. The room leaned toward her.
When applause filled the space, Xan stood.
"Before we move on," he said, voice commanding attention, "I'd like to formally announce that effective immediately, Nicole will be stepping into the role of Lead Operations Manager."
The room erupted.
Nicole froze, eyes wide. "What?"
"You've earned it," Xan said simply, meeting her gaze. "Congratulations."
Later, at dinner, glasses clinked, laughter flowed, and the mood was celebratory—until someone finally asked what everyone was thinking.
"So," a colleague said carefully, "is it true you married Director Gu Sean?"
Nicole stiffened, color rising to her cheeks.
Xan stepped in smoothly. "Nicole's personal life is her own," he said lightly. "What matters here is her talent—and tonight, we celebrate that."
Relief flickered across her face when she met his eyes.
"Thank you," she murmured later, when they were alone for a moment.
Xan smiled. "Anytime."
And she meant it when she thought—Xan isn't a bad guy. Not at all.
⸻
Home — Ash's Place
When Nicole returned home, Ash noticed the difference immediately.
"You look lighter," Ash said, handing her tea.
"I got promoted," Nicole said softly. "And… Xan was really kind."
Ash studied her. "Kind can be dangerous."
Nicole nodded. "I know."
By the end of the week, reality refused to stay quiet any longer.
Nicole sat on Ash's couch, phone heavy in her hand, thumb hovering over the screen.
I'll come home. We need to talk.
She stared at the message for a long moment before sending it.
Nicole:
I'll come home tonight after my meeting. We need to discuss everything.
The reply came almost instantly.
Gu Sean:
I'll be waiting.
Her stomach twisted.