Blossom Again

Ryan felt a hole in his heart ever since Emily stopped talking to him. She had cut all ties, refused his calls, and even returned the car his dad had gifted her. He was frustrated and unable to focus on anything.

Emily wasn't doing much better. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about him.

"You shouldn't have cut him off completely, Emily," her best friend Ashley said, seeing her sitting on the floor with her head buried in her knees.

"I don't know why I feel this way," Emily muttered. "Everything reminds me of him, and I hate to admit it, but... I miss him."

Ashley sighed. "Let's just get to work. But seriously, I'm mad you returned that car before letting me see it!"

"I can't deal with your drama right now, Ashley," Emily said, standing up. "Let's go."

When they walked into the office, all eyes were on Emily.

"That's her!" someone whispered. "She's dating the artist!"

"No wonder she's glowing lately," a brunette added.

Ashley smirked. "Everyone's obsessed with you, girl."

Emily ignored the attention and walked straight to the elevator.

The day dragged on, and Emily struggled to focus. By lunchtime, she hadn't even left her office. Instead, her mind wandered back to Ryan—his smile, his voice, the way he made her feel alive. She missed him so much it hurt.

A loud knock startled her. Before she could react, the door opened, and there stood Ryan, holding a bouquet of roses.

"I tried to stop him," Pamela, her assistant, said, rushing in behind him.

"It's fine, Pamela," Emily said, forcing a calm smile. "You can leave us."

Pamela hesitated but closed the door behind her.

Silence filled the room as Emily and Ryan stared at each other. He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming.

"Hi, Emily," he finally said.

Emily stepped back, putting distance between them. "Please, don't come any closer."

Ryan's smile faltered. "I'm sorry, Emily," he said softly. "I know I messed up, but I never meant to hurt you. I know we agreed to act from the start, and I regret that more than anything. But I need you to know something."

He stepped forward again, ignoring her boundaries.

"I've fallen for you, Emily. This isn't just an act or a fling. You've changed my life. You brought so much light into my world, and I love you. I'll do whatever it takes to prove it—just give me a chance."

A tear rolled down Emily's cheek, and Ryan gently wiped it away. "Please, Emily," he whispered. "Let me show you how much I love you."

Emily couldn't deny the emotions bubbling inside her. She loved him too, despite her fears. Without saying a word, she threw her arms around him, holding him close.

Ryan wrapped his arms around her, relief washing over him.

"I'll give us a chance," Emily said softly as she pulled away.

"Thank you," Ryan said, his voice full of gratitude. He held up a paper bag. "I brought you lunch."

Emily smiled. "You didn't have to do that."

"I can't let my woman skip meals," he teased.

"Isn't it too soon to call me that?" she laughed, taking the bag from him.

Inside was her favorite meal—sweet potatoes, salad, grilled chicken, and apple juice.

"How did you know?" she asked, surprised.

"Secret," he said with a playful grin.

"Let me guess—Ashley told you!" Emily said, narrowing her eyes.

Ryan laughed. "Maybe."

Emily shook her head, smiling. "Thank you," she said, giving him a quick kiss.

"When are you done for the day? I want to take you out tonight," he said.

"Five o'clock. Come pick me up then."

"That's too far away," Ryan pouted.

"Don't be such a baby," Emily teased, nudging his arm. "Now go, so I can eat."

"I'll miss you," he said, stealing another kiss before leaving.

As the door closed behind him, Emily smiled to herself. Her day had completely turned around.

---

"I can't believe this! I just can't!" Genevieve yelled, staring at her phone screen like it had betrayed her. Her blood was boiling despite the icy chill in the room. She felt a storm raging inside her.

"How could Ryan pull this stunt on me? Dump me for that nobody?" she spat, practically trembling with anger. Her words dripped with venom as she promised herself she'd make him pay.

The tabloids were buzzing with the latest gossip. Picture after picture of Ryan looking cozy with some girl named Emily was splashed all over the internet. Comments flooded in, most gushing about Emily's natural beauty or speculating about her mysterious background.

Genevieve, a glamorous model who'd gone under the knife more times than she cared to admit, couldn't stomach the sight. She'd worked too hard sculpting her "perfect" look to be replaced by some fresh-faced nobody. She knew Ryan was a player—a total ladies' man—but she didn't care as long as she got the perks: money, status, and attention. She'd clung to him like a bad habit, willing to do whatever it took to stay in his orbit.

"Tell me, Cassie," she snapped at her best friend, "does that girl have anything on me? Anything at all?"

Cassie, her partner-in-crime and spoiled to the core, gave a dismissive wave. "Gen, come on. That chick's got nothing on you. Not a thing."

Genevieve narrowed her eyes, doubt gnawing at her. "But he rejected me, Cassie. Me! For the first time ever, Ryan turned me down. Do you know how humiliating that is? And why? All because of her!" She slammed her fist on the table, her voice shaking with frustration.

Cassie leaned closer, mischief glinting in her eyes. "So, what are we gonna do about it? We can't just sit here and let her win. Let's find a way to break them up."

Genevieve tilted her head, a wicked smile creeping across her face. "You're right. Some troll online said they knew something about her, didn't they?"

Cassie nodded eagerly. "Yup. Those internet sleuths dig up dirt faster than TMZ on a bad day."

"Then get to work," Genevieve commanded, her voice cold and calculating. "I want to know everything about her—where she's from, who she's dated, every little skeleton in her closet. No one's squeaky clean, and I'm going to prove it."

Cassie whipped out her phone, already dialing her contacts. "You got it, girl. I'll find something."

Genevieve walked to the window, downing a shot of whiskey as she gazed out at the city skyline. Her mind raced with plans for revenge. "She's not some angel," she muttered. "Nobody is."

A few minutes later, Cassie's delighted gasp filled the room. "Oh, you're gonna love this," she said, grinning as she tapped away on her laptop. "I found something, and it's juicy."

Genevieve turned around, her smile dripping with malice. "Good. Let's make her regret ever stepping into my world."