BETHANY'S POV

"I have no intention of getting involved with him romantically."

"Does he know that?" Susan queried
"We were intimate once, and it wasn't particularly memorable," I confessed.

"In that case, it's definitely best to avoid repeating that experience," Susan advised, chuckling.

"Even if he were to return to the city, which I highly doubt, we're not compatible. We have different personalities. He's a nice person, but we're not suited for each other."

"Perhaps it's necessary to use this opportunity to close that chapter, to convey to him that the relationship was never substantial."

"From the start, there was never a genuine relationship," I responded.

"Once again, does he know that? I suspect he might seek something more. Harry is only here for a few days, and he's chosen to spend one of those nights with you. It suggests he desires something more".

"Maybe. He may desire it, but that doesn't mean he'll get it. Perhaps I shouldn't have accepted the invitation to meet. It was just for drinks; I didn't perceive any harm in it. He mentioned he had a meeting in the city and wanted to catch up afterward. He presented it as a casual encounter."

"Ah, so that's how he lured you in with a false sense of security. Sneaky," Susan remarked, nodding.

"Regardless, it's inconsequential. I can have one drink with him, engage in conversation, and then politely express that it was nice catching up but unnecessary to continue further."

Susan laughed. "Yeah, like you would actually say that."

"Okay, maybe not that straightforward." I admitted.

Susan understood my soft side in opposition to and being stern with people. The likelihood of me being so direct with Harry or anyone else was exceedingly low.

"Although it would be amusing if you did, if it comes to that. Perhaps he simply wants to meet you for a friendly drink. Maybe he even wishes to end things with you and prefers to do it face-to-face."

"You are taking this too far. It was just meant to be a casual meeting," I said.

"It's an integral part of my profession, and I excel at it. If you were not looking for a thorough analysis or any other approach, you wouldn't have sought my advice."

"Perhaps. I had some spare time and thought I'd check up on you. Are you prepared to depart from here?"

"Yes, and no. However, the inclination leans more towards yes."

"Does it still feel strange?" I inquired.

"I spent like a goddamn four years in this place. For a while, the thought of leaving never crossed my mind. I was content here. I could still find contentment if..."

"If you hadn't developed feelings for the CEO of the company. If you hadn't discovered that leaving while you had the chance would be much better for your career. I comprehend these factors, bitch."

"Undoubtedly, things have changed now, but in an exceedingly positive manner," Susan remarked with a smile.

"You appear content, settled, and happy."

"Yes, more than I could have ever imagined. I never expected to fall in love with my boss, or for our feelings to develop the way they did." Susan admitted.

"It's certainly an extraordinary story." I nodded and smiled.

Mark and Susan had become a couple when she assisted him in navigating a supposed paternity lawsuit. To improve his public image, they initially pretended to date, which eventually led to them officially starting a relationship. And from there, love blossomed.

"Have you forgiven Mark's father for initiating the whole drama?"

"To some extent. I'm gradually getting over it. He explained everything to me. His intentions were good. He meant well."

"It's still hard to believe that he was the one behind that," I said.

"Exactly! I love my parents and how involved they are in my life, but the Reinhardt family wins the trophy on this one."

"Do you think it's too much? Are you concerned about it becoming overwhelming?"

"No, at least not at the moment. I think Mark's decision to cut off contact with his father once he found out everything. He's just trying to give him that distance until we decide to get married."

"Oh, is that something you see happening soon?" I asked, my eyes filled with curiosity.

"I do not know. I would assume so, eventually. But not right now. I'm trying not to dwell on it. I'm starting my company, and Mark and I have only been dating for less than a year. There's no need to rush anything."

"As long as the two of you are happy, that's all that matters."

"Speaking of happiness, imagine how much happier you would be if you were dating Jeffrey." Susan smiled.

"Really? Are we going back to that topic?"

"We never left it." She clapped back.

"It's totally unnecessary. I'm not sure what you saw or what you wanted to see, but there's nothing between Jeff and me. There never has been, and there never will be." I emphasized.

"If that's what you need to believe to make yourself feel better about not pursuing it, then so be it. I genuinely believe there's something there, and you should explore it."

"Pursuing? No one pursues Jeffrey Reinhardt." I said, looking straight into her eyes.

"I find it interesting that you use his full name. What's the reason behind that?"

"It's his name, that's all. Nothing too special.”

"Did Jeffrey come out as a wealthy, famous, and charismatic person when you first met him?"

I reminisced about the time we spent together. It was pleasant, effortless, and even wonderful.
He made me feel at ease about an endeavor I was initially hesitant about. He mentored me and helped me transition as smoothly as possible.
During all the time I spent with him, I forgot about his family or his wealth.

"Not at all. He only did that to make me feel comfortable. But it doesn't change who he is."

"He's a man with emotions, thoughts, and desires, just like anyone else. You should focus more on who he is as a person rather than what he represents, okay?"

"Is that how you approached your relationship with Mark?"

"It differed from Mark and me. We didn't start dating because of a mutual attraction. We got together to save his reputation and his company. It allowed me to see him as a man, as an individual, and to get to know him on a deeper level."

"It was easy to fall in love with Jeff when our guards were down. I do not know if we would have ended up together if we had continued the usual hit-and-run encounters. I'd like to think so, but who knows?"

"If you gave Jeffrey a chance, you might see him in the same light."

"As a man I love?" I playfully teased her.

"Eventually, maybe. I meant it in the sense of recognizing him as a person, with no further implications. Give him and your emotions a chance, even if you're reluctant to admit it."

"Thanks for the advice. Speaking of time, I need to get going or I'll be late for my date with Harry."

"Was that the purpose of your visit?" She questioned.

"No, I really wanted to check up on you, and it seems like you're doing well. I didn't expect the interrogation, but thank you, I suppose. Good luck with your move, and we should definitely meet up for drinks soon to celebrate," I said as I made my way towards the door.

"Sounds like a plan. Don't forget to fill me in on how your evening with Harry goes," she remarked.

"I will," I replied, making my way out of her office.

Yet, despite my efforts, I couldn't help but acknowledge that my thoughts were more occupied by Jeff than Harry.