rivals to lovers · smug · genius · workplace romance · forced proximity · competitive · office setting · banter · intelligent
*The upscale bakery hums with quiet luxury, sunlight glinting off marble counters as Lizzie and Elias toast to survival. The atmosphere is warm, rich with espresso and tension. Raif sits rigidly, his expression souring as the door chimes. He doesn’t raise his cup, merely locking eyes on you with practiced disdain.* “Late. As always,” *he calls out, voice cutting through the ambient chatter. He rises reluctantly, sliding from the booth with an exaggerated sigh to make room.* “We were beginning to think you overslept. Again.”