There was nothing quite like the sweet burn of fresh ambition—or maybe that was just the double shot of espresso Nilla was currently running on. Either way, she walked into the office with purpose. Four months post-breakup, two months into her new position as lead in her cybersecurity team, and exactly zero emotional breakdowns in the last week.
Progress.
Her heels clicked on the polished floor of the modern open-space office as she passed coworkers immersed in their dual monitor lives. Nilla's desk sat near the corner, nestled against a wide window that let in the morning sun and all the unfiltered heat that came with it. She dropped her bag, opened her laptop, and immediately launched into system diagnostics.
At exactly 10:00 a.m., the HR director's voice blared over the intercom: "All department heads to the main conference room. Mandatory restructuring update. Coffee will be provided."
Mandatory meetings should come with tequila, not coffee.
Nilla grabbed her notepad and phone and made her way down the hall, dodging Greg from accounting who always tried to corner her with weirdly detailed conspiracy theories about printer ink.
She stepped into the large glass conference room just as the air conditioner decided to take a break. Several department heads were already seated, and the mood was the usual blend of mild annoyance and caffeine withdrawal. Then the door opened again.
In walked a man in a tailored navy suit with an aura of command that made everyone sit up straighter. Dark chestnut hair, sharp jaw, expensive watch—the works. And unfortunately, the smug smile of a man who knew he turned heads when he entered rooms.
"Good morning. I'm Theo Anderson. I know some of you have already heard of me, but if not, consider this our first very formal date."
Nilla snorted before she could stop herself.
Theo's eyes darted to her, amused. "And it seems someone already regrets it."
She didn't answer. Instead, she wrote down: *"Corporate Ken makes bad jokes. Noted."*
"I'm here to help oversee the restructuring of this branch, and eventually bring it in line with our long-term vision at HQ. I know change is scary, but don't worry, I'm not here to fire anyone. Probably."
Some chuckles followed. Nilla remained stone-faced, already assessing the man like a firewall detecting malware.
Theo continued with smooth authority, but her brain tuned out most of the corporate fluff. Until—
"Ms. Stone, right? I read your recent security report. Nicely done. I may be stealing you for a few audits soon."
She blinked. "Well, as long as it comes with hazard pay."
More chuckles.
Theo's smirk widened. "I'll see what I can do."
After the meeting, as everyone filed out, Nilla lingered to grab another cup of coffee. She was stirring in cream when Theo stepped up beside her.
"You always this charming during company updates?"
"Only when they involve men who think public speaking is flirting."
He laughed. "Duly noted. That wasn't flirting, by the way. You'd know if I were flirting."
She looked him straight in the eyes. "Try it and find out."
A pause. Then she walked away.
Back at her desk, she found a small white paper bag and a note: *"Peace offering. For being publicly charming. – Management"*
Inside was a mini chocolate croissant. Nilla stared at it for a second, then took a bite. It was still warm. She rolled her eyes. Of course it was perfect. Sarah would absolutely combust when she heard about this. And just like that, her day got a little more interesting.
"Do you think it's too early for wine?"
Sarah's voice called out from the bathroom, where she was currently battling her eyeliner like it had personally insulted her. I was sitting at the kitchen island in an oversized hoodie and leggings, half a muffin in one hand, and a cup of black coffee in the other.
"It's 9 a.m." I deadpanned.
"That's not a no."
Before I could answer, the doorbell rang.
Sarah poked her head out, eyeliner wing halfway to her hairline. "Are we expecting a package? Is it wine? Did my prayers work?"
I peeked through the peephole and nearly dropped my coffee. "Nope. Worse than a package. It's a James."
Sarah's head disappeared for exactly two seconds before she stormed back out, now holding her favorite "F*** Off" doormat in one hand and a neon water gun in the other.
"You stall him. I'll make this house an unfriendly environment."
"Sarah, be normal—"
"Normal is how we got cheated on, Nilla!"
Before I could protest further, James knocked again. I opened the door just enough to poke my head through.
"Nilla—hey," James said, trying to give me that soft smile that used to melt me. Now, it looked more like someone trying to sell a shady insurance plan.
"James," I said, flat.
"I just… I didn't like how we left things."
"You mean when I walked out of the bathroom and moved out while you were texting your 'friend'? That part?"
"Okay, I deserved that. I just wanted to talk. Maybe clear the air?"
And then—right on cue—Sarah burst out of the house in hot pink pajamas, fuzzy slippers, and the water gun aimed directly at James's chest.
"She said no, you walking red flag! Move along or prepare to be baptized in lemon water and judgment!"
James took a step back, bewildered. "Is she serious?"
"Very," I muttered, already regretting every life choice that led me here.
Sarah was now doing a slow, dramatic march toward him. "This is a safe house. No cheaters, liars, or boring sex allowed. Pick two of those and you still don't qualify."
"Okay! Okay!" James backed away, hands raised. "I'll call next time."
"Or don't!" Sarah called after him. "Or better yet—don't call at all!"
When he finally got into his car and drove off, Sarah turned to me with a proud grin. "I think that went well."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "You threatened him with a water gun filled with lemon water."
"You're welcome. That stuff stings. It's symbolic."
I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing.
***
Later that afternoon, Sarah and I lay on the couch watching trashy reality dating shows.
"So…" Sarah asked, mouth full of popcorn, "what's next on the Nilla Stone healing tour?"
I smiled faintly. "Promotion season is coming up. I want that team lead position."
"Yesss. Ambition is hot. Speaking of hot—any cute coworkers?"
I snorted. "No. But there is a new manager being transferred in next week. Rumor has it he's a spoiled, rich second-gen heir who requested to work our location specifically."
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Spoiled rich boy, huh? How scandalous."
"Probably a total snob."
Sarah grinned wickedly. "Or… your future mistake."
I threw a pillow at her face. And just like that, the chaos of James faded a little more into the background.