I force the words out before I can stop myself. "This arrangement—us—it needs to end."
The color drains from her face.
"What?"
"You heard me."
"No. No, I—" She shakes her head like she's trying to clear it. "Daniel, wait. I came here to tell you something important. Just let me—"
"There's nothing to say." I keep my voice flat, emotionless. "This was always temporary. We both knew that."
"But—" Her voice cracks. "After London. After everything you said—"
"London was a mistake. I got too close. I let this become something it was never supposed to be."
She stares at me like I'm a stranger. Like I've become someone she doesn't recognize.
Maybe I have.
"I don't understand," she whispers. "What happened? Yesterday you were—"
"Yesterday I was pretending. Tonight I'm being honest."
The lie tastes like ash.
She watches me for a long moment, those dark eyes searching my face for cracks in the armor. I don't let her find any.
"This is about the board meeting, isn't it?" Her voice is steadier now, anger starting to creep in. "They told you to end this."
I don't answer. Let the silence speak for itself.
"So that's it? They snap their fingers and you just—" She gestures between us. "You're really going to let them decide this?"
"It's not about what they want. It's about what's best for the company."
"The company." She laughs, sharp and bitter. "Right. Because that's all that matters. The almighty company."
"Bailey—"
"Don't." She holds up a hand. "Don't stand there and tell me this is just business. Not after London. Not after you told me I was the only person who's ever seen the real you."
"That was—"
"What? A lie? Part of the performance?"
"It was a mistake."
The word hangs between us like a blade.
She flinches as if I've struck her. "I see."
"This was always temporary," I continue, pushing forward before I lose my nerve. "The arrangement served its purpose. My image is rehabilitated. You got your professional recognition. But now it's become a liability."
"A liability." She repeats the word like she's tasting poison. "That's what I am to you? A liability?"
"That's what this situation has become. The media attention. The investor pullouts. I can't—" I force myself to stay cold. "I can't let a relationship jeopardize everything I've built."
"So you're choosing the company. Over me. Over us."
