This is exactly what I was afraid of.
People are already noticing. Already talking. And if they find out I'm pregnant with Donovan's baby?
My career is over.
The strategy meeting at ten is excruciating.
Donovan runs through Q4 projections while I take notes and try to avoid eye contact. When he asks for my input on the Chicago expansion, I keep my response brief and professional.
"The market analysis supports continued investment," I say. "I'll have detailed projections by Wednesday."
"Wednesday?" Donovan frowns slightly. "I thought we agreed on Monday."
"I have other projects that take priority."
"Such as?"
I can feel everyone watching us. "The Asia-Pacific assessment Carmen assigned last week."
"That can wait. The Chicago expansion is time-sensitive."
"With respect, Mr. Titan, Carmen determines my project priorities. Not you."
The room goes silent.
Donovan's jaw clenches. "Of course. My apologies, Ms. Sinclair."
The meeting continues, but the tension is palpable. When it finally ends, Donovan catches my arm as I'm leaving.
"Emma, what the hell was that?"
I pull away. "Professional boundaries, remember? That's what we agreed on."
"That wasn't professional boundaries. That was you deliberately shutting me down in front of the entire strategy team."
"You were overstepping. Carmen's my supervisor, not you."
"I was asking about a project deadline—"
"You were treating me differently than everyone else in that room, and people notice."
"So what, we're supposed to pretend we barely know each other?"
"Yes!" The word comes out sharper than I intended. "That's exactly what we're supposed to do. At work, you're my CEO and I'm your employee. That's it."
"And outside of work?"
"I don't know yet." I can feel tears threatening and I refuse to cry at the office. "I need to go."
I walk away before he can respond, ignoring the concerned looks from my coworkers.
By six PM, my phone is blowing up.
DONOVAN (2:47 PM): We need to talk about this morning.
DONOVAN (3:15 PM): You can't just shut me out because you're scared.
DONOVAN (4:23 PM): Sinclair,pick up.
