Clyde’s presence was a steady comfort beside her as they navigated the final stages of their project. Each passing day brought more challenges, but also more moments that felt like a promise of something deeper between them. Keila had become accustomed to the way his gaze lingered on her just a little longer than necessary, how his hand brushed against hers when they passed each other in the office. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, but she had never felt more alive.As they continued to work together, the professional façade they had maintained for so long began to fade. Keila found herself looking forward to their private moments—those fleeting seconds when their eyes met, when they shared a quiet laugh, or when Clyde would simply stand a little too close, the air between them thick with unspoken understanding.One afternoon, they found themselves alone in the office, going over some last-minute details for the presentation they had to give the next day. Keila was at her desk
Clyde took her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he led her toward the exit. The night air felt cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the office. Keila’s mind was still spinning from the kiss they had shared earlier, the confession he had made. For the first time, she felt her heartbeat slow, the tension in her body easing with each step.They reached the parking lot, where Clyde’s car was parked under the dim light of a streetlamp. He opened the door for her, and she slid into the passenger seat, the silence between them comfortable, yet charged. As he got in and started the engine, Keila couldn’t help but glance at him, noticing how his jaw tightened with a mix of concentration and something deeper.“So,” she said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts in her head, “what now?”Clyde turned his head toward her, a soft smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Now, we take it one step at a time,” he said, his tone calm but determined.
The next few weeks felt like a blur, each day passing by in a haze of shared moments with Clyde. Keila had never felt more alive, yet there were moments when she felt the weight of their situation. Their relationship, though undeniable, was still new, and she couldn’t help but wonder if they were rushing things. They had to be careful. They couldn’t afford to let their feelings get in the way of their work, especially since they were both so committed to their careers.Clyde was always there, though—by her side in meetings, offering advice when needed, and sharing quiet glances when the world around them was too loud. His presence gave her comfort, and slowly, the worry in her chest began to fade. Keila had never been one to let emotions control her, but with Clyde, everything felt different. She wasn’t sure if it was the way he made her feel safe or the way he looked at her when he thought no one was watching, but she knew she was in deep.One Friday afternoon, the office was unusual
The next few weeks felt like a blur, each day passing by in a haze of shared moments with Clyde. Keila had never felt more alive, yet there were moments when she felt the weight of their situation. Their relationship, though undeniable, was still new, and she couldn’t help but wonder if they were rushing things. They had to be careful. They couldn’t afford to let their feelings get in the way of their work, especially since they were both so committed to their careers.Clyde was always there, though—by her side in meetings, offering advice when needed, and sharing quiet glances when the world around them was too loud. His presence gave her comfort, and slowly, the worry in her chest began to fade. Keila had never been one to let emotions control her, but with Clyde, everything felt different. She wasn’t sure if it was the way he made her feel safe or the way he looked at her when he thought no one was watching, but she knew she was in deep.One Friday afternoon, the office was unusual
It had been a few weeks since Keila and Clyde had shared that evening, and their bond continued to grow. The connection between them was undeniable, and both had become more comfortable with each passing day, embracing their newfound closeness. Their relationship, once filled with uncertainty, had evolved into something much more solid, rooted in trust, affection, and mutual respect.The office dynamic had shifted too. Though they had always maintained a professional front, it was now evident to those around them that Keila and Clyde were growing closer, their interactions filled with unspoken understanding. Keila had been cautious at first, not wanting to jeopardize the work environment or her reputation, but Clyde had a way of making everything feel effortless. He made her feel seen, not just as a colleague, but as a person with her own hopes, dreams, and desires. She could feel herself changing—becoming more open, more willing to express her feelings.One afternoon, Keila was at he
Clyde had been true to his word. The weekend getaway was arranged with meticulous detail, and Keila had only to pack a bag. The thought of escaping the confines of work and routine with him was exhilarating. She found herself looking forward to it more than she expected, and she knew it wasn’t just about the change of scenery. It was about the time they would spend together, uninterrupted by deadlines or responsibilities.The day before the trip, Keila sat at her desk, her mind wandering from the reports she was supposed to be reviewing. She couldn’t stop thinking about the weekend, about the cabin in the mountains, and about what this trip might mean for her and Clyde. She had grown fond of him—fond in a way she hadn’t allowed herself to feel for anyone in a long time. “Keila, you okay?” It was Clara, her colleague, snapping her out of her thoughts.Keila smiled and nodded, though she couldn’t quite shake the excitement that was brewing inside her. “Yeah, just thinking about somethi
The evening continued with a quiet ease, the weight of the world falling away as Keila and Clyde shared their space. The fire crackled in the background, casting flickering shadows on the walls, while the soft hum of the night outside seemed distant and far away. Keila leaned back into the couch, her body feeling warm from the wine and the intimacy of the moment.She glanced over at Clyde, who was studying her with a thoughtful expression. His eyes seemed to be searching hers, as if trying to read her mind, but there was no tension, no pressure. Just curiosity and a sense of understanding between them.“You’re quiet,” Keila remarked, breaking the silence. “Something on your mind?”Clyde smiled, his expression softening as he met her gaze. “I was just thinking about how this feels—how easy it is to be here with you. I didn’t expect it, but I’m glad it’s happening.”Keila felt a warmth spread through her at his words. It was rare for her to feel so at ease with someone, to let down her
MALUNGKOT na nagmamasid si Keila sa kanyang ina na nakaupo sa balkonahe ng kanilang bahay, ang tingin nito ay tila nawawala sa kawalan. Para siyang isang estatwa—walang galaw, hindi nagsasalita—na tila nagmumuni-muni sa mga alaala ng kanyang pumanaw na asawa. Alam ni Keila na ang sakit ng pagkawala ng kanyang ama ay masyadong sariwa para sa kanyang ina. After he died, everything changed. Ang ina na lang niya ang tanging karamay niya sa buhay. Her mother has been struggling to cope with the loss, and Keila has taken it upon herself to be strong for them both. Pero deep inside, she feels a mix of anger and sadness. Lumapit siya nang dahan-dahan, umupo sa tabi ng kanyang ina, at marahang inilagay ang kamay niya sa balikat nito."Mama" She said softly na puno ng pag-aalala. "Hindi mo na naman inubos yung kinakain mo kanina. Kapag ganyan ka palagi, manghihina ka lalo. Paano tayo makakabawi?"Napabuntong-hininga ang kanyang ina, bahagyang ngumiti, pero halatang pilit ang ekspresyon nito.
The evening continued with a quiet ease, the weight of the world falling away as Keila and Clyde shared their space. The fire crackled in the background, casting flickering shadows on the walls, while the soft hum of the night outside seemed distant and far away. Keila leaned back into the couch, her body feeling warm from the wine and the intimacy of the moment.She glanced over at Clyde, who was studying her with a thoughtful expression. His eyes seemed to be searching hers, as if trying to read her mind, but there was no tension, no pressure. Just curiosity and a sense of understanding between them.“You’re quiet,” Keila remarked, breaking the silence. “Something on your mind?”Clyde smiled, his expression softening as he met her gaze. “I was just thinking about how this feels—how easy it is to be here with you. I didn’t expect it, but I’m glad it’s happening.”Keila felt a warmth spread through her at his words. It was rare for her to feel so at ease with someone, to let down her
Clyde had been true to his word. The weekend getaway was arranged with meticulous detail, and Keila had only to pack a bag. The thought of escaping the confines of work and routine with him was exhilarating. She found herself looking forward to it more than she expected, and she knew it wasn’t just about the change of scenery. It was about the time they would spend together, uninterrupted by deadlines or responsibilities.The day before the trip, Keila sat at her desk, her mind wandering from the reports she was supposed to be reviewing. She couldn’t stop thinking about the weekend, about the cabin in the mountains, and about what this trip might mean for her and Clyde. She had grown fond of him—fond in a way she hadn’t allowed herself to feel for anyone in a long time. “Keila, you okay?” It was Clara, her colleague, snapping her out of her thoughts.Keila smiled and nodded, though she couldn’t quite shake the excitement that was brewing inside her. “Yeah, just thinking about somethi
It had been a few weeks since Keila and Clyde had shared that evening, and their bond continued to grow. The connection between them was undeniable, and both had become more comfortable with each passing day, embracing their newfound closeness. Their relationship, once filled with uncertainty, had evolved into something much more solid, rooted in trust, affection, and mutual respect.The office dynamic had shifted too. Though they had always maintained a professional front, it was now evident to those around them that Keila and Clyde were growing closer, their interactions filled with unspoken understanding. Keila had been cautious at first, not wanting to jeopardize the work environment or her reputation, but Clyde had a way of making everything feel effortless. He made her feel seen, not just as a colleague, but as a person with her own hopes, dreams, and desires. She could feel herself changing—becoming more open, more willing to express her feelings.One afternoon, Keila was at he
The next few weeks felt like a blur, each day passing by in a haze of shared moments with Clyde. Keila had never felt more alive, yet there were moments when she felt the weight of their situation. Their relationship, though undeniable, was still new, and she couldn’t help but wonder if they were rushing things. They had to be careful. They couldn’t afford to let their feelings get in the way of their work, especially since they were both so committed to their careers.Clyde was always there, though—by her side in meetings, offering advice when needed, and sharing quiet glances when the world around them was too loud. His presence gave her comfort, and slowly, the worry in her chest began to fade. Keila had never been one to let emotions control her, but with Clyde, everything felt different. She wasn’t sure if it was the way he made her feel safe or the way he looked at her when he thought no one was watching, but she knew she was in deep.One Friday afternoon, the office was unusual
The next few weeks felt like a blur, each day passing by in a haze of shared moments with Clyde. Keila had never felt more alive, yet there were moments when she felt the weight of their situation. Their relationship, though undeniable, was still new, and she couldn’t help but wonder if they were rushing things. They had to be careful. They couldn’t afford to let their feelings get in the way of their work, especially since they were both so committed to their careers.Clyde was always there, though—by her side in meetings, offering advice when needed, and sharing quiet glances when the world around them was too loud. His presence gave her comfort, and slowly, the worry in her chest began to fade. Keila had never been one to let emotions control her, but with Clyde, everything felt different. She wasn’t sure if it was the way he made her feel safe or the way he looked at her when he thought no one was watching, but she knew she was in deep.One Friday afternoon, the office was unusual
Clyde took her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he led her toward the exit. The night air felt cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the office. Keila’s mind was still spinning from the kiss they had shared earlier, the confession he had made. For the first time, she felt her heartbeat slow, the tension in her body easing with each step.They reached the parking lot, where Clyde’s car was parked under the dim light of a streetlamp. He opened the door for her, and she slid into the passenger seat, the silence between them comfortable, yet charged. As he got in and started the engine, Keila couldn’t help but glance at him, noticing how his jaw tightened with a mix of concentration and something deeper.“So,” she said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts in her head, “what now?”Clyde turned his head toward her, a soft smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Now, we take it one step at a time,” he said, his tone calm but determined.
Clyde’s presence was a steady comfort beside her as they navigated the final stages of their project. Each passing day brought more challenges, but also more moments that felt like a promise of something deeper between them. Keila had become accustomed to the way his gaze lingered on her just a little longer than necessary, how his hand brushed against hers when they passed each other in the office. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, but she had never felt more alive.As they continued to work together, the professional façade they had maintained for so long began to fade. Keila found herself looking forward to their private moments—those fleeting seconds when their eyes met, when they shared a quiet laugh, or when Clyde would simply stand a little too close, the air between them thick with unspoken understanding.One afternoon, they found themselves alone in the office, going over some last-minute details for the presentation they had to give the next day. Keila was at her desk
Clyde’s lips were warm against hers, sending a wave of electricity through her body. Keila closed her eyes, savoring the moment, the raw intensity that she hadn’t realized she needed until now. It felt like everything in her world shifted—like she could finally breathe freely for the first time in ages.As they pulled away, Clyde’s forehead rested against hers, his breath shallow. “I’ve wanted this for so long, Keila,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.Keila opened her eyes, locking onto his. “Me too,” she whispered back. “But I didn’t want to mess things up, especially with work. We’ve been so focused on this project, I didn’t want to complicate it.”He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I get it. But I’ve been trying to ignore this connection between us, trying to keep things professional. It’s not easy.”Keila smiled, a mix of relief and excitement flooding her chest. She had felt it too—the way the tension had been building for weeks, the way her h
Keila walked into the meeting room, determined to address the cost issues that had cropped up. The tension in the air was palpable as she took her seat at the table, Clyde by her side. The contractors and suppliers were all there, waiting for her to speak."Alright, let's get down to business," Keila said, her voice steady but firm. "We have a budget, and we need to stick to it. I want to know exactly why these costs have gone up and how we can make adjustments without compromising the quality of the project."The contractor’s lead, Mark, cleared his throat. "There have been delays in materials, Ms. Keila. We’ve had to source from other suppliers, which caused the price hike. But there are ways we can adjust the schedule and materials to lower costs."Keila narrowed her eyes, focusing on the issue. "We’re not cutting corners, Mark. I want quality, but I also want to stick within the financial plan we’ve set. Let’s brainstorm some viable alternatives."The meeting lasted for a few more