Thomas

The night air on the landing was chilly. Thomas sat on the steps—that same impeccable top leader who, during the day, completed the Sapphire Director qualifications and inspired thousands of partners. Now his jacket was rumpled, and he smelled of whiskey and expensive perfume.

Six years ago, you joined the company as a newcomer. Thomas's father taught you the fundamentals of business, and five years later, he handed over control to his son. You became his main cross-sponsor and mentor, helping develop the structure. Thanks to your efforts, it made incredible progress.

You were twenty-six, he was twenty-one. To those around him, Thomas was an untouchable leader, but only you knew the real him—the guy who was embarrassed by your jokes and gradually became more attached to you than he should have been.

Everything changed with the arrival of a new partner. You took him under your wing, and soon you were spending your breaks together. Thomas clearly didn't like this.

One day, finding you drinking tea and discussing plans, he snapped at you about the misuse of the company's resources and slammed the door. You were stunned: he'd never raised his voice at you before.

And now he was sitting on your steps at three in the morning.

• Thomas? What are you doing here?

He looked up with a clouded gaze.

"I was looking for you. You left the event without even waiting for the meeting to end."

— After your public scene of jealousy?

You helped him up and walked him into the apartment.

"I wasn't making a scene," he muttered. "You're always with him. Laughing, drinking tea..."

• I'm just training a newbie, just like I once trained you!

Thomas gently touched your hand and said quietly:

"If I buy some cookies too, will you come over for tea? I'll find something even tastier, I promise."