The Proud CEO

It started with a whisper.

A pause in conversation when Eliana walked into the room. A second glance when Adrian held the elevator for only her. A smirk shared between two interns when the two of them left the building within minutes of each other.

By Wednesday, it was no longer just whispers—it was full-blown speculation.

"He never used to smile like that," someone said in the break room."Did you see how close they were standing at the launch event?" another added."Maybe she's the reason for her fast promotion…"

Eliana felt the pressure mounting. She could barely breathe during meetings, every laugh dissected, every shared moment scrutinized.

She sat at her desk, staring at her inbox but seeing nothing. When her phone buzzed, she nearly jumped.

Adrian: Conference Room C. Now.

She stood, straightened her blouse, and walked with purpose. But her heels felt heavier with every step.

Inside, Adrian was pacing.

"They called HR," he said without preamble.

She blinked. "Who?"

"Someone. Doesn't matter. The board wants clarity. They're concerned the relationship could be seen as favoritism."

Her stomach dropped.

"What did you tell them?"

He looked at her. "That I'm not letting go of the best damn executive assistant I've ever had… or the woman I'm falling for."

Her breath caught.

"Adrian…"

"I'll fix this," he said firmly. "But I need to know you're in this too."

She looked down at her trembling hands, then up into his eyes.

"I'm in this," she said softly. "But I won't let this relationship be the reason I lose everything I've worked for."

"Then we fight it. Together."

He reached for her hand.

For the first time since the whispers began, she didn't flinch when someone opened the door and caught them.

Let them talk.

She had nothing to hide anymore.