Desired by All and He Threw Away 40

Taylor’s POV 

Something feels off the moment i walk into the meeting room. it feels subtle almost invisible to anyone else but the shift sits heavy in the air. 

Conversations lower as I pass.Laughter dims for half a second before picking up again too bright too rehearsed. The kind of silence that hides something underneath. 

at first i try to brush it off.Maybe its just the usual morning exhaustion or maybe Im reading too much into it.But then it starts happening in small deliberate ways. 

Vanessa “forgets” to include me on an email chain about the new outreach project when i ask about it later she tilts her head her eyes wide with feigned surprise. 

‘oh, did i miss you on that? my bad, Taylor,” she says smiling in that polished too its too perfect way that makes my stomach tighten. “dont worry i already reassigned those client calls to Jordan You looked swamped anyway.” 

Swamped. Right. 

Every “mistake” is framed as concern. Every oversight, a convenient coincidence. 

By Wednesday, I’m no longer part of the morning briefings. She hosts them instead–standing near the projector with her bright smile and crisp white blouse that probably costs more than my rent. 

She’s not in charge. shes an intern same as me.But she carries herself like she already belongs at the top like shes rehearsed for it her whole life. 

i watch her glide through conversations like she owns the air itself.her voice carries in just the right way–soft enough to sound kind sharp enough to be heard.And people listen. 

Especially when Aiden’s in the room. 

her laughter always hits a fraction louder when hes nearby her eyes finding him a little too easily.a light touch on his arm here a casual mention of some “mutual friend” there. he doesnt react much- just polite nods a faint smile- but that doesnt stop her. if anything,it encourages her. 

I can’t help but notice how the others watch them too. How they start whispering between tasks, their glances flicking between Aiden and Vanessa like they’re trying to solve some silent puzzle. 

By Friday, that puzzle has turned into a rumor. 

I hear it while refilling my coffee in the break room. Two colleagues by the machine, their voices low, their laughter edged with curiosity. 

“Apparently, Vanessa’s not just any intern,” one of them says, stirring her cup slowly. “Her family’s loaded. Like -old–money loaded. Word is she used her connections to land this position.” 

The other chuckles. “Figures.she acts like she owns the place.did you hear shes been into Aiden for years? Like, obsessed. Someone said she joined the program just to get close to him.” 

They laugh again. i freeze mid step my fingers tight around the mug. 

1/2 

Chapter 40 

+25 Bonus 

the sound of their voices blurs behind the rush of my pulse. i shouldnt care. gossip in offices is as common as air – it swirls fades then comes back in new shapes. 

But the thought that i might be standing in the shadow of someone whos playing a game i didnt even realize we were in- it stings deeper than i expect. 

i turn away before they see me pretending i forgot something at my desk.the coffee tastes bitter when i take a sip. 

Vanessa’s confidence has an edge now sharper than before She moves with the ease of someone untouchable.during lunch she sits across from Aiden laughing over something he said. 

her laugh sound grates even though i cant say why. It is not jealousy though well not exactly–its the way she performs it. Every smile, every look, choreographed to draw attention. 

She catches me watching once. Her lips curve, slow and knowing. Not a smile–a warning. 

The next week, the whispers shift. 

This time, I’m the subject. 

It starts small the side glances the awkward pauses when i walk by. People i have known for weeks suddenly 

find reasons to look busy when i enter the room. Then, one afternoon, Lara pulls me aside near the supply closet. 

“Hey,” she says quietly glancing around first. “i dont know if you have heard but… there is a rumor going around. About you.” 

my chest tightens. “what kind of rumor?” 

She hesitates chewing her lip before lowering her voice. “That you… slept with an older manager to get your job back.” 

For a second, everything in me stops moving. the air feels too thick. i blink hoping i misheard. 

“What?” the word comes out softer than i mean it to. 

Lara looks pained. “i dont believe it okay?But people are talking. You know how this place gets.” 

P 

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