But Vivian immediately offered an extra 2% discount… if I handled the project.
My boss, Sophia Reed, called me in.
She was a powerhouse like Vivian, but different – gentle, respectful.

Sophia poured me water. "History with her?"
"Sophia, give this project to someone else. I can't do it."
"But she specifically requested you. What am I supposed to do?"
Sophia leaned on her desk, her gaze soft.
I sighed, silent.
My smooth progress here owed much to Sophia's support.

Landing Vivian's project could catapult the company forward.
Torn between the company's future and Vivian's shadow, I hesitated.
"If you're not comfortable, I'll decline the project."
Sophia reached for her phone. I stopped her hand.

"Are you crazy? You know what this means for the company!"
"But you don't want it. I won't force you."
Sophia looked at me intently.
"Your peace of mind matters more than any project."
My heart skipped.
I thought of Vivian – she'd have chosen the company without blinking.
Now, someone put mefirst. It was impossible not to be moved.
Something dead inside me stirred.
"It's fine. It's just work."
I took the project.
Thankfully, Vivian kept things professional. Maybe it really was just business.
If so, fine. Once done, no more ties.
Throughout, Sophia checked on me constantly. Said to bail if it got too much; she'd handle the fallout.
I appreciated it but didn't want to quit mid-stream.
The project closed successfully. I earned a hefty bonus.
Planning a team celebration, I found Sophia had already organized it.
That night, at the hotel banquet room.
I walked in to a chorus of congratulations.
I smiled, accepting them.
Talk shifted from work to personal lives. Someone asked,
"Evan, you're single, right? Buried in work like this, what girlfriend would stick around?"
I chuckled.
"Hey, Sophia's single too! Guess high-achievers aren't in a rush. Though you guys aren't getting any younger…" another colleague teased.
Sophia took a sip of wine, casting a shy glance my way.
"I like someone. Just not sure if he likes me back."
My heart thudded. I looked down, taking a long drink.
I wasn't stupid.
Sophia's actions spoke volumes.
I was drawn to her too, but afraid of repeating history.
I wanted to wait, build myself up more before trying.
"Who? Sophia, a knockout like you? What guy wouldn't see that?"
"Yeah, spill! We'll help!"
"Damn right! We'll drag him to the courthouse if we have to!"
Sophia didn't answer. She just stared straight at me.
The others followed her gaze.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
I stood up. "Excuse me, restroom."
I splashed cold water on my face, trying to clear my head.
Remembering the scene, I patted my pockets instinctively. No cigarettes.
I'd quit.
Bad for the health.
Suddenly, a slender cigarette appeared between my lips.
I turned. Sophia stood beside me.