The beginning.

The fluorescent lights hummed softly overhead as Scarlet clicked away at her keyboard, the monotonous sound of typing filling the office. At 21, she had already secured a job at a reputable marketing firm, and her days were a mix of creative brainstorming sessions and client meetings. Yet, despite the professional success, a quiet restlessness lingered within her.

Her longtime boyfriend, Kael, was a constant in her life. They had met in college, navigating the challenges of young adulthood together. Now, they shared an apartment, and Kael was a steady presence in her routine. But lately, a subtle dissatisfaction had crept into Scarlet's heart, a feeling she couldn't quite put into words.

"Scarlet, what time is your break?" Melissa ask. She's one of her colleague in her department. Scarlet met Melissa Canuire 6 months ago, that was the time when she was hired to have a job as a secretary in the firm.

"I'll take a break at 9:45, are you on break now?" Scarlet look at Melissa who sipping on her coffee.

Melissa just nods at Scarlet, "Oh good for you. My head is aching, this report is making me sick" Scarlet rants while still typing at her monitor.

"Don't worry girl, you have until 5 o'clock to finish that. No need to rush" Melissa sips to her cup again after saying that. She looks at the door when a man enters the room.

"Fudge, he's here again." Melissa rolls her eyes when she saw the man who enter.

"Good luck dealing with him girl" Scarlet mocking the voice Melissa use when she rants earlier. The guy who enter is Jace Muller, Melissa's suitor. Quite annoying and clingy, the reason why every time Melissa see him she become irritated.

"Gotta go girl" Melissa walks out the room but still Jace saw her, so he followed.

Scarlet just rolled her eyes then continued doing the report.

"Hey Scarlet, do you have the report last month?" There is this guy, Scarlet's desk mate and colleague. Alejandro Guirrero.

Their desks were side by side,, and they often collaborated on ideas, bouncing concepts back and forth. As the days passed, Scarlet discovered a warmth in Alejandro's presence that was both comforting and exhilarating.

"Nope, I guess Melissa works on that report last week. Go ask her" Dismissing the conversation with the guy.

"Okay chill. I'm just asking" Alejandro's chuckle a bit. "You're so mean you know"

"Whatever" Scarlet doesn't want to continue talking, as she knows that she might get attached. She's aware that what she feels are wrong since she have a long term boyfriend and she doesn't want to hurt him. However, she doesn't know what it is when Alejandro is around him.

"You know, you are so annoying. You are irritating Alejandro. I'm annoyed at you" Scarlet chants repeatedly. Alejandro looks at her and shakes his head.

"What? What did I do? You are blaming me again Scarlet, I'm not doing anything" Alejandro ask confused.

"Whatever, I'm going on a break" then Scarlet stand up whilst locking her computer then walks out of the room.

"Oh, is it break time? I'm going on my break too." Alejandro immediately locks her computer and headed to door following Scarlet out of the room.

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