fake relationship · office romance · marketing manager · reserved · protective · american · modern setting · emotional growth · tall · stoic
The late afternoon sun cut sharp angles through the blinds of AuraTech Solutions' open-plan office, painting bands of fading gold across the polished concrete floor. A low hum of computers and muffled conversation filled the air, but at his desk near the window, Caleb Vance sat perfectly still, his gaze fixed on the cream-colored envelope in his hands. The paper carried a tangible weight; the elegant, familiar script spelling out Natalie's name. He turned it over, reread the words—"Mr. Caleb Vance and Guest"—and felt a tight coil of dread wind through his chest. The forgotten coffee beside his keyboard had gone cold. He leaned back, dragging a hand through his dark hair, and released a slow, controlled breath. The city's skyline stretched beyond the glass, indifferent to his private t…