The next day, I met up with Elena for lunch. She chatted about the award, her eyes sparkling as she spoke.
"Victor got an award last night," she said, smiling like she was sharing a secret just for me. "They called his name, and the whole room applauded. I swear, I felt like my chest was going to burst."
I nodded, lifting my glass, keeping my face neutral. "That's huge. You must be proud."
"I am," she said quickly. "He works so hard, Alyssa. People don't see that side of him.
They just see the confidence, the suit, the charm. But he's so disciplined. So focused. He never settles for less than his best."
Every word digs in, twisting me with that familiar ache.
She went on, warm and glowing. "And he's kind, too. He remembers little things.
The way I drink my coffee, the songs I like. He checks on me even when he's drowning in work. I don't know what I did to deserve him."
I smiled when I was supposed to. Inside, something dark and hungry twisted.
That's why I want him.
Because she sees him as solid, safe—a prize earned by being good, by doing everything right. She gets the version of him that fits neatly into a future—morning routines, shared plans, a life that makes sense.
And me? I get the cracks. I get the tension under his calm voice, the way his jaw tightens when he's frustrated, the hunger he doesn't show her.
I get the side of him that's restless and rough, alive in a way she never will.
Elena laughed softly. "Sometimes I look at him and think, wow… that's my husband."
My fork paused midair.
My husband.
I nodded again, forcing my smile. "You're lucky."
"I really am," she said, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "I just want him to be happy. He deserves that."
Her touch burned me.
I want him to be happy too—and I hate myself for knowing exactly how to do that in ways she never will.
I hate that every compliment she gives him feeds the fire instead of putting it out.
Hate that the more she praises him, the more I feel like I know something she doesn't. Hate that I want what she has, even while resenting her for having it.
I finished my drink and set it down carefully. Runner-up. Again.
And the worst part? The more she loves him out loud, the more I convince myself that I need him—not because she has him, but because some broken part of me believes he's only real when he's with me.
**
Lunch ended quietly. Plates cleared, and Elena paid the bill, even though I reached for my wallet. She always does those little things, quick and gentle, like it's nothing.
We walked out together. The sun shone brightly across the busy roads.
Elena drove. She talked the whole way back to my apartment—about Lily's school, about a woman at work who keeps stealing her ideas, about how tired Victor has been lately. I listened. I nodded. I smiled when she looked at me.
"You've been quiet," she said, glancing over. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," I said. "Just tired."
"You should rest today," she said. "You work too hard."
I looked out the window and thought about Victor. Thought about the way his eyes always found me first. About how careful he is with his words around Elena. How he relaxes when she leaves the room.
Today was my day off.
I called in earlier and said I had bad cramps. It was obviously a lie and no one questioned it. I needed the day. Needed space in my head.
I'd been applying to Victor's company for months.
Fixed my resume three times. Sent follow-up emails. Tried to sound calm and professional. Still nothing. No reply. No interview. Not yet.
We pulled up to my building. It looked perfect from the outside. Tall, modern, glass and steel. The kind of place people point at and say you made it.
Elena parked and turned to me. "You really should eat better," she said. "You look pale."
"I will," I said.
She hugged me before I got out. "Call me if you need anything."
"I will."
I watched her drive away, then i turned and walked inside.
The lobby smelled clean. The doorman nodded. "Good afternoon, miss."
"Good afternoon."
I stepped into the elevator and rode up alone. When I unlocked my door, the apartment was quiet as usual. I dropped my bag and went straight to the bathroom.
I turned on the shower, but the shower wasn't running.
I waited a little, still nothing .i tried the sink and flushed the toilet but it was dry.
My chest tightened.
This was the fifth time in two months, and the only thing i get is a "sorry miss we'll get it fixed". I rolled my eyes and immediately picked up my phone.
I called the building office.
"Hello, this is Alyssa in 12B. There is no water again."
The woman sighed. "Yes, miss. We are aware. Big pipe problem."
"When will it be fixed?" I asked furiously.
"Our workers will come tomorrow. It will be fixed in three days."
"Three days," I repeated.
"Yes, miss. Sorry for the inconvenience."
I hung up angrily. I pay too much money for this inconvenience,I want what I pay for.
My phone rang almost immediately. It was Mom.
"Elena told me you looked tired at the gala night, Are you okay?"
"Yes I am fine mom, Elena should let me tell you this things myself" I almost yelled.
"Give your sister a break, she just.." I didn't let her finish..
"The water at my apartment stopped running as always, I feel frustrated" I complained.
Mom sighed softly. "Oh, baby. But Elena says your apartment is so nice. It has big rooms, and its also close to work"
"I know," I replied.
"Big buildings have problems sometimes," she continued. Talk to your sister, she had issues like this when she was younger."
"I'll be fine," I said as I ended the call. "Talk to your sister",I mimicked angrily as I fell flat on the bed.
Later that day, I met up with Cynthia for coffee near my office, I told her about the constant problems with my apartment.
"But your building is one of the best,Elena always talks about how lucky you are."
I stared into my cup. "Lucky."
"She helps you with the bills sometimes, you know sometimes I wish I had a big sister like that ". she said.
I whispered, "yea yea, I know."
I felt small saying it out loud, i felt like a child.
***
Later that evening, Elena called me.
"Mom told me about the water. Oh no, that's awful. Come over for dinner. Bring clothes if you want to shower."
I hesitated for a second. Then I accepted, "who wouldn't though?".
Their house was perfect.
Big gates, clean walls, warm lights. Everything always works.
..
I immediately picked up a few things and went to Elena's mansion.
Lily ran to me as soon as I walked in. "Aunt Alyssa!"
Elena hugged me tightly. "You poor thing. No water again?"
"None," I admitted.
Victor sat in the living room with his papers spread across the table. He looked up and nodded. "Hi, Alyssa."
"Hi," I replied, keeping my tone even.
His eyes lingered on me just a second too long before returning his gaze to the papers.
I sat on the couch across him gently observing him, staring at those features that made me go insane, his dark green eyes, black hair and sharp cheek bone.
Elena was in the kitchen setting dinner, and Victor didn't look up ,not once..
After some time dinner was served Steak, salad, and wine.
Elena talked about Lily's school play. Victor listened, asking questions and smiling at the right moments.
I cleared my throat to get their attention. I started complaining about the water again, about how angry I was, and about how i wanted to move out.
Elena put her fork down. "But your apartment is so comfortable. The balcony, the gym, and it's so close to your work. Where will you find better?"
"I don't care," I muttered. "I can't live without water."
Victor took a slow sip of wine. "It's frustrating," he said carefully. "But moving is expensive."
"I know," I replied. "But this keeps happening."
Elena reached for my hand. "I pay extra sometimes to help you stay there," she said gently. "Because I want you to be comfortable."
I looked at her. "I know. And I'm grateful."
She hesitated, then said softly, "Why don't you stay with us for a little while?"
The room went quiet.
Victor looked up quickly. "Elena…"
"Just until the water is fixed," she said calmly.
He exhaled slowly. "The house is already full."
"She's my sister," Elena said, her voice steady. "Family helps family."
Victor glanced at me for a moment, his face tight, concerned.
"I don't want to be a problem," I said softly.
"You wouldn't be," Elena assured me. "We have space. And you won't be alone."
Victor stood up immediately. "We could pay for a hotel. That might be easier."
Elena shook her head. "Hotels are cold. There's no place like home."
Silence stretched between us for a while.
Finally, Victor said, "If it's short-term."
"Of course," Elena said, smiling at me. "Just until Alysa water get fixed."
"Okay," he replied.
Lily clapped her hands. "Aunt Alyssa stays!"
Victor forced a smile. "I have an early meeting," he said, gathering his papers. "I'll be upstairs."
He left quickly.
Elena laughed softly. "He worries too much."
Later that night, I went back to my apartment. Still no water. I happily packed up my things, imagining myself living in the same house with Victor, and giggling to the thought of all we could explore.
When I returned to Victor's mansion that evening, the house glowed warm in the dark. I sat in the car for a moment, looking at myself in the mirror. Brown wavy hair, beautiful dark eyes, full lips—I felt perfect.
As I stepped inside, Elena met me at the door. "We'll get you settled tomorrow," she said. "You can take the guest room."
Victor stood at the top of the stairs, watching silently.
"Good night," Elena said to him.
"Good night," he replied.
His eyes met mine again, longer this time. Something there—worry, warning, hunger. All mixed together.
I turned away first.
In the guest room, the bed was soft. The room smelled clean. I lay awake, listening to the house breathe. Doors closing. Lights turning off. Silence settling.
This water problem opened a door.
Tomorrow, he will see me in the kitchen. In the hallway. In the quiet spaces Elena never notices.
He thinks this is temporary. But I have come to stay, and i am not leaving.