The meeting was supposed to be about business.
Steve and Dave had spent weeks preparing for it. Numbers were ready. Contracts were on the table. The future of their business was sitting inside one folder.
But nobody expected Steve to get that close to Dave.
And nobody expected Amber to walk through that office door at the exact wrong moment.
Because when Amber saw them together, her entire expression changed.
She stopped walking.
Her eyes widened.
For a few seconds, she couldn’t even breathe.
It felt like the ground had disappeared beneath her feet.
The office is quiet and professional. A large glass window overlooks the city. Business files are spread across the conference table.
Dave sits on one side, reviewing documents.
The door opens.
Steve walks inside with a folder in her hand.
Dave, sorry I’m a little late. Traffic was crazy.
Dave looks up and smiles politely.
It’s all good. I was just going through the numbers.
Steve places the folder on the table and takes the chair across from him.
I went over everything last night. If we move forward with this deal, we could seriously expand the business.
That’s exactly what I was thinking.
Steve points toward several documents.
Look at this section. If we invest here first, we can reduce the risk.
Dave leans forward to study the paperwork.
You’re right. But there’s one problem.
What problem?
Dave taps the document.
The timeline.
Steve moves her chair closer.
How about this?
Dave studies it.
That could work.
I knew you’d see it.
The conversation becomes more intense. They are no longer sitting far apart. Steve moves her chair closer again so she can point at the numbers.
Steve lowers her voice.
Dave, there’s something else we need to talk about.
Dave looks directly at her.
What is it?
I don’t know if I should say this during a business meeting.
Then say it.
Steve slowly stands. Dave stands too. They are now extremely close.
Sometimes business isn’t the only thing people see when they look at two people working together.
What are you trying to say?
Steve takes one small step closer.
I’m saying people might misunderstand us.
Then maybe we should keep things professional.
Maybe.
The tension suddenly fills the room.
Outside the office, Amber walks down the hallway carrying a folder. She looks calm.
She approaches Dave’s office.
She reaches for the door handle.
The door opens.
Amber steps inside.
Then she freezes.
Her eyes immediately lock onto Steve and Dave. They are standing extremely close to each other.
Amber’s folder slowly drops from her hand.
Papers scatter across the floor.
Amber?
Amber, what are you doing here?
Amber doesn’t answer. She just stares.
Amber’s breathing becomes heavier. Her eyes move from Steve to Dave, then back to Steve.
What’s going on?
Dave immediately takes a step back.
Nothing is going on.
Amber gives a nervous laugh.
Nothing? Because it doesn’t look like nothing.
Amber, you walked in at the wrong moment. We were talking about the business.
Business?
She points toward the two of them.
Because it doesn’t look like nothing.
Amber bends down and picks up one of the papers. She looks at it, then at Steve.
You came here for a business meeting?
Yes.
And that’s all?
Steve pauses.
Amber notices the hesitation.
Why did you hesitate?
Steve looks at Dave. Dave looks back at her.
Nobody speaks.
I can’t believe this.
Dave walks toward her.
Amber, listen to me.
No. I think I’ve heard enough.
Amber, there’s something you don’t know.
What?
Steve glances at Dave. Dave’s face becomes serious.
Steve, don’t.
Don’t what?
Steve remains silent.
What are you two hiding from me?
This isn’t the time.
Then when is the time?
Steve finally looks up.
The meeting wasn’t the only reason I came here today.
Amber’s face goes completely blank.
Amber takes another step forward.
Steve… why?
Steve slowly reaches inside her folder.
She pulls out a sealed envelope.
Dave immediately reacts.
Where did you get that?
Amber looks at him.
So you DO know what this is.
Dave says nothing.
Steve holds the envelope tightly.
Amber, before you open that, you need to understand something.
What?
Steve’s eyes fill with fear.
Once you see what’s inside… there’s no going back.
Amber slowly reaches for the envelope. Her fingers touch the seal.
Dave suddenly steps forward.
Amber, STOP!
Amber freezes.
The office falls completely silent.