Chapter 19

‎“Cleo, you have a boyfriend now,” Claire said teasingly, her eyes fixed on Cleo’s phone screen as it lit up with an incoming call. She arched a playful brow when she saw the caller ID simply read Ryan. The screen showed Cleo's hand hovering over the answer button, hesitating just slightly.

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‎Cleo glanced at the display, then back at Claire. “That’s my boss,” she replied in a quieter tone, as if the words themselves carried more weight than she wanted to admit.

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‎Claire tilted her head, giving her friend a knowing look. “Uh-huh. Boss, sure.”

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‎Cleo rolled her eyes but said nothing as she answered the call. Her voice shifted into a more professional cadence. “Hello, sir. Hope you’re doing well?”

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‎Ryan's voice came through the speaker, low and noticeably weaker than usual. “Hey, Cleo…”

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‎She frowned instantly, the concern rising in her chest. He sounded even more drained than he had looked earlier that day in the office, dazed, unfocused, pale. Something was off.

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‎“You don’t sound too good. Are you alright?” she asked, trying to keep her tone steady.

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‎“I don’t know if you’re free, but… I need you to pick up some cold and cough medicine for me,” he said, his voice still rough and fatigued.

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‎“Of course, sir,” she responded quickly, almost too eagerly. “Just forward me your home address. I’ll head over right away.”

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‎There was a brief pause on the line, as if even speaking was a strain for him. Then he said softly, “Thanks, Cleo. I really appreciate it.”

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‎“It’s nothing, sir,” she replied, a flutter of nervous excitement hidden under her concern. “I’m happy to help.”

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‎She ended the call and lowered the phone slowly, her mind already racing. Her heart beat a little faster, not just from worry, but from something else too. It wasn’t just that he was sick. It was the fact that she was going to be there. At his place. Alone.

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‎Claire gave her a long, amused stare.

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‎“You’re blushing,” she said, crossing her arms. “And don’t pretend that’s just work.”

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‎Cleo tried to hide her smile but failed.

‎“What’s with that expression?” Claire asked, raising an eyebrow as she caught sight of the unmistakable excitement dancing across Cleo’s face.

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‎Cleo’s lips curled into a satisfied smile as she slung her handbag over her shoulder. “He’s feeling under the weather,” she said, a touch of mischief in her voice. “So he called me, asked if I could pick up some medicine and drop it off at his place.”

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‎Claire crossed her arms, eyeing her friend with suspicion. “At this hour? He couldn’t order it himself? Or have someone else bring it?”

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‎Cleo shrugged casually, but her eyes sparkled with more than just concern. “He’s sick, Claire. And I’m his assistant. It’s perfectly normal for me to help him out when he’s not feeling well.” She paused, leaning in slightly with a sly grin. “Besides, it’s also... an opportunity.”

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‎Claire blinked, narrowing her eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to sleep with a man while he’s sick,” she said, trying to sound disapproving but unable to hide the amused smile creeping onto her face as she took in Cleo’s devilish expression.

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‎Cleo laughed softly, waving a hand as she started down the hallway toward her room. “Oh please. I said it’s an opportunity, not that I’m going to pounce on him while he’s coughing up a lung. There’s always next time, right?” she added, throwing a playful wink over her shoulder.

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‎Claire shook her head with a grin, watching her friend disappear around the corner. “Ridiculous,” she muttered, chuckling under her breath. But even as she turned away, she couldn’t help smiling at Cleo’s audacity.