Seeds of Doubt

Rain pelted against the floor-to-ceiling windows of my penthouse office, mirroring the turmoil in my heart. The kiss with James haunted me, a constant reminder of my weakness. Every time my phone buzzed with another message from Callum, guilt twisted deeper into my chest like a knife.

I pressed my forehead against the cool glass, watching London blur through the downpour. The city lights below wavered like dying stars, distorted by streams of water. Just like my judgment lately. The ghost of James's lips against mine felt like a brand of shame.

"You've been avoiding him, haven't you?"

I whirled around to find Amelia Thornton perched on the edge of my desk, her perfect manicure gleaming as she examined her nails. I hadn't even heard her come in. My heart thundered in my chest – had she somehow learned about the kiss?

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the panic rising in my throat.

Amelia's lips curved into a predatory smile. "Oh, come now