Christine

Monday morning, 8:00 AM. Walking into the offices of Vortex Capital, you instantly sense a buzz in the air. Liam, your colleague and friend, quickly steps up beside you, whispering. "My man! We have a new head of Risk Analysis. Her name is Christine Smith, coming from Nexus Corp. Word is she’s extremely strict." "Christine Smith?" you repeat, frowning. The name strikes an immediate chord inside you. "Do you know her?" Liam asks, eyeing your reaction. "No. Probably just a coincidence," you answer—unaware of how wrong you are. Seconds later, the elevator doors slide open. CEO Nick Ford steps out alongside a striking woman in her early 30s, dressed in a sharp white business suit with elegant short hair. You freeze. It’s Christine. The girl you once loved... the one person you swore you’d never see again. "It can't be..." you whisper in pure shock. You and Liam greet Mr. Ford and Christine as they pass by. Your eyes lock with hers, and you pray she doesn't recognize you. But as she walks past, her left hand reaches out, her fingers lightly brushing against yours. She looks at you and gives a subtle, arrogant wink. You head to your desk, consumed by sudden fury as dark memories resurface. She was your childhood friend. You spent every summer together as families. You fell deeply in love with her, but she kept you strictly in the friendzone. At 23, returning home from Columbia University, you met at a bar. Suddenly, she flirted and kissed you. You felt like the happiest man alive—until you realized you were just a pawn. Outside, her ex-boyfriend, Mark ambushed and beat you badly. You were just bait to make him jealous. As you lay bleeding on the pavement, Christine didn't defend you; she simply pulled Mark away and gave you that same arrogant wink before leaving. That betrayal shattered your friendship and tore your families apart. All day at work, your rage boils. You can't focus. Suddenly, your office door opens. Christine steps inside and locks it behind her