Love Lost to an Intern

I chose our private dining room for the conversation. The space had always been our sanctuary, the place where we discussed our most important decisions away from the prying eyes of the corporation. Tonight, however, it felt different—the soft lighting couldn't disguise the tension that hung between us like an invisible curtain.

I placed the roasted duck in front of Drew, watching as he took a bite without really tasting it. His mind was elsewhere, just as it had been for weeks now.

"The lens is quite impressive," I said casually, setting down my wine glass with deliberate precision. "Leica S3 with the limited-edition macro. It's quite the statement piece."

Drew's fork paused halfway to his mouth. I noticed the slight tightening around his eyes—that telltale sign I'd learned to recognize over the years.

"You saw the post," he said, his voice carefully neutral.

"Hard to miss." I kept my tone light, conversational. "Three hundred thousand dollars is rather generous for an intern's 'employee appreciation' gift."

Drew set his fork down, his jaw relaxing into what I recognized as his defensive posture. "It wasn't a gift, Gabby. It was an investment."

"In what, exactly?"

"In her potential." His voice took on that earnest quality I'd once found charming. "You should hear her story. Her family struggled financially her entire life. This camera is her dream—the one thing that could change everything for her."

I studied his face as he spoke, noting how his eyes lit up when defending her. The way his hands moved expressively, his usual corporate reserve melting away.

"And that's your responsibility now?" I asked softly. "Providing dream cameras to employees with difficult backgrounds?"

"This isn't about charity," Drew insisted, his voice rising slightly. "Yasmin has exceptional talent. That lens will allow her to develop her skills, which benefits the company."

"I see." I took another sip of wine, letting the silence stretch between us. "And the company budget for developing employee skills now includes $300,000 photography equipment?"

Drew's shoulders tensed. "I made an executive decision. As CEO—"

"As my husband," I interrupted gently, "I'd expect transparency."

His eyes met mine for the first time since I'd mentioned the lens. "There's nothing to hide, Gabriela."

But his fingers were tapping against the table now, a nervous habit he'd never quite conquered when uncomfortable.

---

The next morning, I called an impromptu meeting with the executive team.

"I'd like to announce a company-wide employee appreciation program," I said, watching their faces carefully. "Reynolds Corporation values every member of our team."

Elena Martinez, our HR director, looked surprised. We hadn't discussed this.

"Employee morale is essential to our success," I continued smoothly. "Therefore, I'm arranging luxury spa weekend packages for all staff members."

I slid folders across the table containing brochures for the exclusive Mountain Springs Resort—packages that normally cost thousands per person.

"This is... unexpected," Elena said carefully.

"I believe in rewarding hard work," I replied with a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "And ensuring everyone feels valued."

My gaze drifted to Drew, who sat silent at the opposite end of the table. His expression was unreadable, but I caught the slight flare of his nostrils—another subtle sign of irritation.

"Gabriela," he said finally, "while this is appreciated, the timing seems—"

"Perfect," I finished for him. "The spa weekend will take place next month. I've already made the arrangements."

---

The Mountain Springs Resort lived up to its reputation. Staff members lounged by the infinity pool, enjoyed massages in private cabanas, and dined on gourmet cuisine. I made sure to circulate among them, asking about their experiences and listening to their responses.

"Mrs. Reynolds, this is incredible," said James from accounting, his eyes wide with appreciation.

"Please, call me Gabriela," I insisted, noticing how his wife beamed beside him. "How are you enjoying the facilities?"

"Beyond our wildest dreams," she replied. "We've never experienced anything like this."

I nodded, smiling as I moved through the crowd. But my attention was elsewhere—on the hushed conversations, the sidelong glances, the way certain groups fell silent when I approached.

Near the hot tub, I overheard two marketing executives speaking in low voices.

"...never seen him so protective of anyone," one said.

"The way he jumped in during the Chen meeting," the other replied. "And now that camera..."

They fell silent when they noticed me nearby, but their eyes held the knowledge of office speculation—the kind that spreads like wildfire when emotions run high.

I sipped my champagne, watching the sunset paint the mountains gold. The employees were happy with their unexpected gift, but the real message hadn't been lost on them.

Neither had it been lost on Drew, who watched me from across the terrace, his expression darkening as he realized exactly what I'd done.