When the Tables Turn

Jalissa's life had finally settled into something she never thought possible—peace and happiness. It wasn't without its twists, but this chapter was hers to savor.

The warm summer breeze drifted through the open window of Jalissa's apartment as Gina held out her hand, her smile wide and triumphant. On her finger sparkled a modest but stunning engagement ring.

"I told him yes!" Gina exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.

Jalissa squealed, pulling her best friend into a tight hug. "Oh my gosh, Gina! I'm so happy for you!"

The two collapsed onto the couch, giggling like schoolgirls. "We're thinking a fall wedding," Gina said, her eyes glowing. "Small, intimate, maybe a vineyard or a garden."

Jalissa grinned. "I'll be there with bells on—maid of honor bells."

Gina winked. "You better be."

Across town, Ethan sat alone in a corner booth at a quiet café. The break with Kate had been inevitable—they'd both realized their relationship wasn't built on anything substantial. But they'd parted on good terms, agreeing to remain business partners and focus on their growing company.

As he scrolled through social media, his thumb paused over a photo of Jalissa. It was from her company's recent quarterly meeting—her standing confidently beside Victor and the rest of the leadership team. She looked radiant, her success shining as brightly as the smile on her face.

Ethan exhaled, setting his phone down. He was genuinely happy for her. She deserved every bit of the life she'd built.

Back at Owens Tech, Jalissa's days were as busy as ever, but her relationship with Victor made the chaos bearable—and even exciting. Though they kept their romance private, the moments they shared behind closed doors were enough to keep her smiling throughout the day.

One afternoon, as Jalissa organized files in the copier room, Victor slipped in quietly behind her.

"Need help with those?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

Jalissa turned, startled, but her surprise melted into a smile when she saw him. "Victor, you can't keep sneaking up on me like this."

He stepped closer, his eyes twinkling. "I can't help myself."

Before she could protest, he leaned down and kissed her softly, his hands resting on her waist. The door was still partially open, and Jalissa pulled back quickly, glancing nervously at the hallway.

"Someone could see," she whispered, though the smile on her face betrayed her amusement.

"Then I guess I better make it quick," he said with a smirk, stealing another kiss before stepping back and straightening his tie.

At a weekly staff meeting, Victor had everyone's attention as he reviewed the company's latest achievements. A stunning bouquet of peonies, lilies, and roses sat on Jalissa's desk, drawing compliments from coworkers.

"These flowers are gorgeous," one of her colleagues said, admiring them. "Who's the lucky admirer?"

Victor, ever the actor, raised an eyebrow and feigned surprise. "Yes, Jalissa. Who sent those? They must have great taste."

Jalissa shot him a look, her cheeks warm. "Oh, just someone who appreciates hard work."

Victor chuckled softly, returning his attention to the presentation as if he had no idea who the sender could be.

Their relationship wasn't without its challenges, but they made it work. Victor respected Jalissa's boundaries and never let their romance interfere with her professional growth. She continued to thrive at Owens Tech, earning accolades and respect from the board and her peers.

One evening, after the office had cleared out, Victor called Jalissa into his office under the guise of discussing a proposal.

As she entered, he locked the door behind her, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Victor," she said, arching an eyebrow, "you know this is a workplace, right?"

He leaned against his desk, arms crossed. "I'm the boss. I think I can bend the rules just this once."

Before she could respond, he pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply. When they finally pulled apart, Jalissa laughed softly. "You're impossible."

"And you love it," he replied, his voice low and full of affection.

She did.

On weekends, their relationship took on a more relaxed rhythm. They cooked dinner together, binge-watched crime dramas, and occasionally escaped to Victor's secluded cabin in the mountains.

"You know," he said one evening as they sat on the couch, her feet resting in his lap, "I think we make a pretty good team."

She smiled, her heart full. "I think so too."

By the end of the year, Jalissa had fully stepped into her new life. She was thriving professionally, supporting Gina as she planned her wedding, and growing in her relationship with Victor.

One afternoon, as she sat in her executive office, her nameplate catching the sunlight, she took a moment to reflect on everything she'd overcome. The challenges, heartbreaks, and triumphs had all led her here, to a place of strength and self-worth.

As she gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows, the door behind her opened, and Victor entered quietly.

"Admiring the view?" he asked, his voice soft.

She turned to him, smiling. "Just thinking about how far I've come."

Victor walked over, wrapping his arms around her from behind. Together, they looked out at the city skyline, the future stretching out before them.

"I'm proud of you," he whispered.

Jalissa leaned back against him, her heart full. "Thank you, Victor."

And as they stood there, wrapped in each other's warmth, Jalissa knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.