**Secret Encounters**
After the divorce, Daniel found himself lost. He told colleagues and friends he was searching for somethinganythingto fill the emptiness. Eight years of marriage had ended in bitterness, though he hadnt wanted it that way. His ex-wifes temper had been unbearable. At least there were no children; she had refused to even consider it.
At thirty-six, Daniel was in his primebroad-shouldered, athletic, with sharp features and a gaze that hinted at hidden depths. He had his share of flings, even with younger women, but marriage was the furthest thing from his mind. He avoided office romances, dismissing them as cliché, especially since most of his female colleagues were already married.
*Ive got more sense than to get tangled up in that mess,* hed say over pints at the pub with his mates.
*Famous last words,* theyd laugh. *Love has a way of sneaking up on you.*
Daniel had always been too sure of himself. But fate had other plans. Hed never forget the summer day she walked into the office. The night before, his friend Mark had warned him:
*New hire starting tomorrow. Maxs wifefrom the other department.*
Daniel vaguely knew Maxa bland, forgettable man.
*Probably just as dull as he is,* hed thought dismissively, paying no mind to the news.
Then he saw her.
Emily.
One glance, and he was speechless. Stunning, sharp-witted, everything he hadnt realized he wanted. Within a week, his mornings revolved around waiting for her arrival. Evenings were spent alone, thinking of nothing but her.
*Shes perfect,* he told himself. *And if Im right for her, shell see it too. Its just a matter of time.*
Another week passed. Emilys smiles grew warmer, their shared jokes more frequent. But she talked too much about Max. It grated on him.
*Is she warning me off? Or does she actually love that dull sod?*
He held back, unsure. Yet their work kept them closeporing over documents, elbows brushing, heads nearly touching. Then one afternoon, alone in the office, he caught the warmth of her breath. Before he could stop himself, he kissed her.
She pulled back, pressing a hand to her lips.
*Daniel dont.*
But she didnt leave. That was all the encouragement he needed.
*Sorry,* he lied, grinning.
They carried on as if nothing had happened. No one suspected a thingwhy would they? Emily was married. Daniel had never been the office gossip type.
Soon, weekday mornings became theirs. Shed arrive at his flat before sunrise, an hour or two stolen before work. Then, one Saturday, his phone rang.
*Can I come over?*
She was there within half an hour. In bed, he asked,
*Howd you manage it?*
*Max visits his parents on weekends. I hate the countryside.*
*Stay,* he urged. *For good.*
*I cant.*
*Why not?*
*Because I cant.*
He swallowed his frustration. She needed time. But what if Max grew suspicious? The thought of losing her was unbearable.
Months passed in stolen moments. Then one evening, Daniel snapped.
*Emily, leave him. Marry me. Im tired of hiding.*
*I cant.*
*Why?*
*Because I have a son. Hes elevenindependent, but still mine. Max would never let him go.*
The revelation stunned him, but he pressed on.
*Id adopt him. I dont care.*
*Its not that simple.*
After that, their meetings grew sparse. The thrill faded, replaced by exhaustion. Waking at dawn, the secrecyit wore him down. Finally, he ended it.
*I cant do this anymore. Either choose me, or were done.*
She chose silence.
Emily walked away, and though Daniel moved on, he knewlove like that only came once. Between passion and peace, he chose the quieter life.
It was easier that way.
