Later that night Alexander drove Emily home again.
The car stopped outside her apartment building.
Emily sat quietly for a moment.
Then she spoke softly.
"You didn't have to fight the board for me."
Alexander answered calmly.
"Yes, I did."
Emily looked at him.
"You keep protecting me."
Alexander shrugged slightly.
"You're important to this company."
Emily laughed.
"You already used that excuse."
Alexander smirked.
"Then maybe I need a new one."
Emily looked into his eyes.
"And what would that be?"
Alexander didn't answer immediately.
For a moment the silence between them felt heavy.
Then he said quietly,
"Because I care about you."
Emily's breath caught.
Neither of them moved.
The world outside the car felt distant.
For a brief moment—
It almost felt like love.
But neither of them was ready to say that word yet.
Because once they did…
Nothing between them would ever be fake again.