Karen Janet had always prided herself on her ability to stay composed. In her years as a lawyer, she had faced down cutthroat litigators, unruly clients, and impossible deadlines without so much as breaking a sweat. Yet, as she sat at her desk outside Clifford Sterling's office, she felt an all-too-familiar ache in her chest—the ache of unreciprocated love.
It wasn't supposed to be this way. Karen had joined Sterling Enterprises with no illusions about her role. After burning out at her prestigious law firm, she'd taken the PA position as a reprieve, something simpler while she decided her next step. Clifford's reputation as a demanding perfectionist had initially made her wary, but within weeks of working for him, she'd found herself drawn to his sharp intellect, occasional dry humor, and the rare glimpses of vulnerability he tried so hard to mask.
At first, Karen dismissed her feelings as nothing more than admiration. Clifford was, after all, a man who commanded respect. He led with precision, handled crises with enviable poise, and never once treated her as a subordinate. But as the months turned into years, admiration gave way to something deeper—a quiet, unspoken longing.
Karen glanced at the clock. It was nearly 8:00 PM, and Clifford was still in his office, poring over documents that could easily wait until morning. She knew better than to suggest he go home—Clifford Sterling didn't rest until everything was perfect. Instead, she brewed a fresh cup of coffee and carried it to him.
"You know, the world won't end if you take a break," she said, setting the mug on his desk.
Clifford looked up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "If only that were true."
Karen leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms. "You're going to burn yourself out, Clifford. Even CEOs need sleep."
"I'll sleep when I'm dead," he quipped, though the dark circles under his eyes betrayed his exhaustion.
Karen rolled her eyes but didn't press further. This was their dynamic—her gentle prodding met with his stubborn deflections. It was comfortable and familiar, yet it always left her wanting more.
Karen's mind drifted to the moment she'd realized her feelings for Clifford were more than just a passing crush. It had been two years ago, during a particularly tense board meeting. A rival company had leaked sensitive information about one of Sterling Enterprises' projects, threatening to derail months of work. The board members were in a frenzy, throwing blame and panicked suggestions at one another.
Clifford, however, had remained calm. He'd stood at the head of the table, his voice steady as he outlined a plan to mitigate the damage. When one of the directors accused him of being too young and inexperienced to handle such a crisis, Clifford didn't flinch. Instead, he addressed the room with a quiet authority that left no room for doubt.
After the meeting, Karen had found him in his office, his hands trembling as he poured himself a drink. She'd offered a few words of reassurance, and for the first time, Clifford had opened up to her—just a little. He'd admitted how much pressure he felt to live up to his father's legacy, how he feared failure more than anything else.
That moment had stayed with her. It was the first time she'd seen the man behind the polished façade, and it had made her fall for him even harder.
The sound of Clifford clearing his throat snapped Karen back to the present. He was standing now, his jacket draped over one arm and his briefcase in hand.
"Heading out?" she asked, masking her surprise.
"Believe it or not, I'm taking your advice for once," he said with a faint smirk.
Karen's heart skipped a beat. "Well, miracles do happen."
As Clifford walked past her, he paused, his expression softening. "Thanks for always looking out for me, Karen. I don't say it enough, but I really do appreciate everything you do."
Karen's breath caught, but she managed a smile. "It's my job."
He hesitated for a moment as if he wanted to say something more, but then he nodded and walked away.
Once the office was empty, Karen allowed herself a moment to let her guard down. She sat at her desk, her head in her hands, and let out a shaky breath. Clifford's words had been kind, but they were a stark reminder of the chasm between them. To him, she was indispensable—a trusted ally, a confidante, even a friend. But she would never be more than that.
It wasn't that Clifford was oblivious to her feelings. Karen was certain he knew, even if he never acknowledged it. He was too perceptive, too attuned to the emotions of those around him. But Clifford Sterling was a man who valued boundaries, and he would never cross them—not with her.
Karen thought about Shelly Winslow, the woman who had managed to captivate Clifford in a way no one else had. At first, Karen had resented Shelly, viewing her as yet another obstacle in her already impossible situation. But over time, she'd come to respect Shelly's intelligence and independence. Shelly had a way of challenging Clifford, forcing him to confront parts of himself he preferred to keep hidden.
And yet, Karen couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if she were in Shelly's place. If Clifford looked at her with the same intensity, if he fought for her the way he fought for Shelly.
By the time Karen got home that night, she was emotionally drained. She kicked off her heels, poured herself a glass of wine, and sank into the couch.
Her apartment was a stark contrast to the opulence of Sterling Enterprises. It was modest, with mismatched furniture and walls lined with bookshelves. On one shelf sat a row of law textbooks, their spines worn from years of use. On another sat a collection of fantasy novels, a reminder of the escape she'd once sought in their pages.
Karen sipped her wine, her thoughts drifting back to Clifford. She knew she needed to let go of her feelings for him. Pining for a man who would never see her as more than a trusted employee was a recipe for heartache. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop herself from hoping.
Hope, she realized, was both her greatest strength and her greatest weakness. It was what had driven her to leave her high-paying job as a lawyer and start fresh. It was what had kept her going through sleepless nights and impossible deadlines. And it was what kept her tethered to Clifford, even when she knew she should let him go.
As she sat there, staring out the window at the city lights, Karen made herself a silent promise. She would find a way to move forward, even if it meant leaving Sterling Enterprises. She couldn't keep living like this—half in love, half in denial.
For now, though, she would allow herself this moment. One more night to dream of what could never be before she faced the reality of what was.