The Rumor

I found Jonathan waiting in the lobby.

Friday evenings always transformed Parker Wines into a completely different place. Laughter echoed through the building, conversations became louder, and everyone seemed lighter now that another exhausting week had come to an end.

I waved as soon as I spotted him.

He smiled back, but something was off.

His usual playful expression had vanished, replaced by an uneasy frown.

"Ready to introduce me to my future husband?" he joked, though the smile never quite reached his eyes.

"You don't sound very excited."

"I need to talk to you first."

His tone immediately caught my attention.

"What happened?"

Before he could answer, two coworkers appeared beside us, insisting we join everyone outside before all the good cocktails disappeared.

Jonathan shot me an apologetic look.

"We'll talk later."

The company garden looked beautiful under the warm evening lights.

Soft music drifted through the air while elegant fountains sparkled behind groups of employees scattered across beanbags and cocktail tables.

It was everyone's favorite moment of the week.

For a few hours, Parker Wines stopped feeling like work.

We walked toward the outdoor bar.

"Two mimosas," Jonathan said.

I had barely taken my first sip before someone approached me.

"I've always thought you were intriguing."

An accountant from the second floor.

I recognized his face but couldn't remember his name.

I smiled politely and shook his hand.

Before our conversation could continue, another coworker interrupted us.

Then another.

And another.

Within minutes, I found myself speaking to people who had never acknowledged my existence before.

One of them stepped closer.

"Hi, Blair."

"Hi."

"I'm Rick. Marketing."

"Oh..."

Recognition finally dawned.

"I've seen you around."

"I've seen you too."

He smiled nervously.

"I've wanted to ask you something for a long time."

He extended his hand.

I shook it.

He didn't let go.

"I think you're beautiful."

My smile faltered.

"Would you like to have dinner with me sometime?"

I tried to pull my hand back.

His grip tightened slightly.

Around us, conversations seemed to slow.

Jonathan stood several meters away, trapped in another conversation while desperately trying to get my attention.

My pulse quickened.

Why was everyone staring?

Why did it suddenly feel impossible to breathe?

"No."

A deep voice cut cleanly through the crowd.

"She won't."

Every muscle in my body froze.

Leonard.

Rick immediately released my hand.

"Mr. Parker... I was just talking to Blair."

"I noticed."

His tone was calm.

Cold.

"I'm not deaf."

The atmosphere changed instantly.

The lively chatter faded into uneasy murmurs.

Nobody moved.

Nobody interrupted.

Rick forced an awkward smile.

"It was nice talking to you, Blair."

He wasn't looking at me.

He was looking at Leonard.

Seconds later, he disappeared into the crowd.

The conversations slowly resumed.

I remained rooted to the spot.

"Blair."

I turned.

Leonard stood close enough for the familiar woody scent of his cologne to reach me.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Parker."

"Can we talk?"

"Alone."

I instinctively searched for Jonathan.

He noticed.

Our eyes met.

He pressed his palms together apologetically before shrugging.

There would be no rescue.

I nodded.

Without another word, Leonard rested a hand lightly against the small of my back, guiding me toward the building.

The simple touch sent an involuntary shiver through me.

Neither of us spoke.

The click of my heels echoed across the marble floor as we passed reception, the elevators, and the empty corridors.

Instead of stopping at his office, he continued walking.

My stomach tightened.

Where was he taking me?

He finally stopped in front of the company's private gym.

Opening the door, he gestured for me to walk inside first.

Every possible scenario raced through my mind.

This was it.

He was going to fire me.

And somehow, he'd chosen the gym to do it.

Perfect.

I walked inside.

The room was almost empty.

Only the soft ambient lights illuminated the boxing ring and the rows of hanging punching bags.

Silence surrounded us.

Leonard closed the door behind us before walking toward the ring.

He leaned casually against the ropes, crossing his arms.

I remained standing beside one of the punching bags, trying to steady my breathing.

I'd never been fired before.

I took a slow breath.

"Mr. Parker..."

I forced myself to meet his eyes.

"We're alone now."

I swallowed.

"What did you want to talk to me about?"