PART 19:

He could see the doubt in their eyes. By the end of week two, he’d had five interviews and zero offers. They’re calling Titan Tech, he told Selina over coffee on a Tuesday afternoon. Emma was at school, and they’d started meeting during the day when Adrian wasn’t job hunting. I can tell.

The interviews go fine until they check my references, then suddenly they’re not interested anymore. They’re blacklisting you. Can’t prove it. The reference is neutral on paper, but somehow every company I interview with decides to go another direction right after they make the call. Selina’s jaw tightened. That’s illegal. Probably. But good luck proving it.

And even if I could, I can’t afford a lawyer to fight them. I can. No. Adrian set his cup down. We’ve talked about this. I’m not using your money to fight my battles. It’s not just your battle anymore. They pushed you out because of me. They pushed me out because I was convenient to get rid of. I was a maintenance guy dating the CEO.

That’s threatening to people who need the world to stay in neat little boxes. He ran a hand through his hair. If we make this a legal fight, it becomes about us again. About the relationship. About you using your power to protect me. That’s exactly the narrative they want. So, what do we do? I keep looking.

Something will break eventually. But another week passed, then another, and nothing broke. Adrian’s savings dwindled. He started skipping meals to make sure Emma had enough. Mrs. Castellanos noticed and started bringing over even more food than usual, refusing his protests. You helped me when my Miguel died, she said firmly, referring to her late husband.

You fixed my sink and my door, and you never asked for money. Let me help you now. Adrian accepted the food because pride was a luxury he couldn’t afford anymore. Emma noticed things were different. She didn’t ask directly. She was too smart for that. But she started being extra helpful around the apartment, volunteering to turn off lights and taking shorter showers without being asked.

It broke Adrian’s heart in ways he couldn’t articulate. One night in early December, Selina came over for dinner. They’d been doing this twice a week now. Her showing up with ingredients, the three of them cooking together, pretending for a few hours that everything was normal. Emma had started setting a place for Selina automatically, no longer asking if she was coming, just assuming.

After Emma went to bed, Adrian and Selina sat at the kitchen table nursing beers neither of them really wanted. I got another rejection today, Adrian said. Place in Riverside, facilities manager position. Would have been perfect. I’m sorry. Yeah, me, too. He picked at the label on his bottle. Severance runs out in 3 weeks.

After that, I’m going to have to make some decisions. What kind of decisions? The kind where I figure out how to keep Emma housed and fed. Might have to move somewhere cheaper. Might have to take work that’s not in my field. Might have to He stopped, couldn’t finish the sentence. Selina reached across the table and took his hand.

You could move in with me. Adrian looked up sharply. What? Move in with me. You and Emma. I have a four-bedroom penthouse that I’m barely using. Emma could have her own room, her own bathroom. You wouldn’t have to worry about rent. You could take your time finding the right job instead of just any job. Selina.

Before you say no, just listen. This isn’t charity. This isn’t me trying to rescue you. This is me being practical. I care about you. I care about Emma. I have resources that are going to waste while you’re struggling. It makes sense. It makes me look like exactly what everyone already thinks I am.

A guy who landed a rich woman and moved in to mooch off her. Who cares what they think? I care. Emma will care when she’s old enough to understand. And you’ll care eventually, even if you don’t think so now. Adrian pulled his hand back gently. I appreciate the offer. I really do. But I can’t. Selina’s expression hardened.

You’re being stubborn. I’m being me. You’re being stupid. There’s a difference. Maybe. But it’s my kind of stupid, and I’m sticking with it. They sat in tense silence for a moment. Then Selina sighed, long and tired. What if I quit? She said. What? What if I resign from Titan Tech? Walk away from the whole thing.

Then it’s not about you dating your boss. It’s just two people trying to build a life together. Adrian stared at her. You can’t quit. That company is your whole life. No, it’s not. It was. But not anymore. She met his eyes. You and Emma are my life now. Or they could be if you’d let them be. Selina, you’ve spent 10 years building that company. You can’t just walk away.

Why not? You did. I got forced out. That’s different. Is it? You left because staying would have destroyed us. I’m leaving for the same reason. She leaned forward. That board meeting a few weeks ago, they didn’t just suggest I end things with you. They made it clear that if I didn’t, they’d vote me out.

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