Monday morning at OrionTech felt different. The usual air filled with the aroma of coffee and the sound of typing keyboards was now laced with endless whispers. News about Ronan Blake, the CEO who had secretly disguised himself as an intern, had spread widely not only within the office but also to the outside world. Mainstream media and social networks were buzzing with stories about him. Some called him a bold genius, while others were skeptical, seeing the stunt as a mere at
Amid the commotion, Evelyn felt an invisible weight pressing heavier on her shoulders. She knew that the now-clear relationship between herself and Ronan was becoming a hot topic within the company. Not everyone accepted the fact that an ordin
On her wa
"Promotion just because of the relationship classic," someone wrote with a tone full of sarcasm.
Evelyn tried to swallow the pain. She knew it wasn't easy for people to believe in the capabilities of someone romantically involved with t
The day felt endlessly long. Evelyn tried to focus on her work, pushing away the echo of those words that kept replaying in her head. But during the corporate culture team meeting, her heart felt heavy. Every time she looked at Ronan, now confidently leading the discussion, she
How could Ronan the man she once saw as mysterious and unreachable now be someone who had opened up to her, yet simultaneously made her a target of criticism? How could they keep their relationship real amid all this pressure?
During the culture meeting, Evelyn sat in the corner of the room, her eyes occasionally drifting toward Ronan, who now appeared different more human, far from the cold CEO persona most people had known. But not all the gazes from other employees were warm. Some hid behind whispers, while others stared with visible skepticism.
Ronan spoke passionately about the cultural transformation the company needed one that had to begin from the ground up, by truly listening to the voices of employees who had long been overlooked. He didn't just want OrionTech to be a tech giant; he wanted it to be a place where everyone felt valued.
Evelyn knew he meant every word. She believed in Ronan's vision even though doubt and fear weighed heavily on her chest.
After the meeting, a colleague approached her, their voice low but loaded with meaning."I heard you got that position because of... well, you know, your relationship with Ronan."
Evelyn froze. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she chose to respond calmly."I got this position because of hard work, not a relationship."
"Well, we'll see about that," the colleague said before walking away.
The situation was growing more difficult.
That night, Evelyn sat in her apartment, her fingers trembling as she held her phone. Ronan's messages remained unanswered. She knew she needed to talk to him, but fear stood in the way.
She was afraid that if she opened up about all her doubts and pain, it might break the fragile connection they still had.
Yet deep in her heart, a small voice whispered,"This isn't just about you and Ronan. This is about who you truly are."
The next day, Ronan arrived at the office early. He knew Evelyn was still distant, and it made him restless. He opened his laptop at his desk, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Evelyn and their last conversation.
During a brief meeting with the executive team, Ronan emphasized the importance of honesty and transparency. "We have to be brave enough to face criticism and keep moving forward together," he said, his voice full of conviction.
Yet beneath that firmness, his heart trembled. What if Evelyn couldn't get through this? What if the pain from all the gossip ran too deep?
During a break, Ronan tried to send a short message to Evelyn:
"I know this is hard. I'm here. Whenever you want to talk."
But there was no reply.
Ronan knew the only way was to face the situation directly.
That afternoon, he searched for Evelyn in their favorite rooftop garden a place once full of laughter and honesty, now silent.
He found Evelyn sitting alone in a corner, staring at the sky with melancholy eyes.
Ronan approached quietly and sat beside her without saying much.
After a few minutes of silence, Ronan finally said, "I won't force you to trust me. But I want you to know I want us to face this together."
Evelyn turned to him, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. "I feel... like I'm losing myself, Ronan. All of this is making me doubt what I'm doing and who I am."
Ronan reached out and held her hand tightly. "I know, and I'm sorry for making you feel that way. I want you to find yourself again. Together with me."
They fell silent, letting the evening breeze wash away their doubts and pain.