This was an idea by the reader _SpillTheTia . Since you guys are still mourning Archer, I thought maybe I should make you cry just a little bit more :p

I haven't written in 2 months, please excuse my dry writing.

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Unrequited(adv.) -(of a feeling, especially love) not returned.

"...as long as nothing happens between them, the memory is cursed with what hasn't happened."
― Marguerite Duras

December 18th, 2021

She watched him from afar.

Her small frame veiled by the shadows, blending into invisibility, a small cup in her hand nursing long cold coffee she had absolutely no interest in. Instead, she looked at the man to whom her heart belonged to.

Archer Theodore Estevan.

In a crowd of people, he shone like a light. In the glisten of charms and gold, he was a man with his own ray that radiated brighter than any sun.

The scintillating beauty of it, captured her heart entirely since she was a freshman.

She took a gulp of the now cold coffee.

How long had it been? 5 years?

5 miserable years.

5 years since her stupid crush on a man who probably didn't even know she existed.

Such bright lights leave no place for darkness to thrive. She was a shadow and his existence was her bane.

A shaky breath, an exhale, a long pause. He talked on the phone, animatedly, a smile here and there. He was so beautiful, it hurt to look at him.

Sleeves rolled upwards, showing his veins, ink hair tousled back, he looked exhausted. Dark circles were displayed, he looked like a man of 40 rather than a man of 25.

Is he okay? She questioned herself, then again, brushed away the thought. He was an overworked workaholic, or so he tried to convince everyone. Deep down she knew he needed a break.

His work table had a framed photo of Maldives for fuck's sake.

She wasn't deceived by his flashy smiles or extravagant display of life. She knew he was searching for something, the craving of the said something showed in his hollow eyes everytime he smiled.

It was to camouflage in the world of viper-like chameleons.

Being his assistant, she knew that he had to take the responsibility of his big brother who was blind.

"Stop staring at me," His grumble resonated, his fingers quivering.

"You look tired, boss," She commented softly.

A sigh escaped him, "I do, don't I? Heard looking tired is the new trend. I'm simply trendy."

A chuckle escaped her, "Bossman, why don't you take a day off? I will take it from here."

"I have some stuff to settle down before.." He catches himself before running a hand through his unruly hair.

Before what?

That was the fifth time in two weeks he indicated that something was going to happen and she wasn't sure whether she should be happy or sad.

Her heart protested against the idea of not seeing him for a couple of days.

"Are you... finally going to Maldives, bossman?"

His eyes met hers, a look of shock plastered on his face.

Her brows furrowed.

"How did you know..."

She rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh, "Seriously? You have a photo of Maldives framed on your table."

He shakes his head, his eyes softening, "You always notice the smallest things, don't you?"

She squares her shoulders, a proud look coming over her, "Obviously. I am your assistant and have known you for 5 years."

"5 years?" He raised an eyebrow, "Jeez, it's been a while since senior year hasn't it?"

"I guess, but bossman," She sighed, "I think you should really take a break and go to Maldives. You look tired, maybe a vacation will help."

"Actually, now that you suggest it..." A thoughtful look crosses over his face, "I think I should tell you. I am going on a vacation."

She smiled, despite the painful clenching of her heart.

A vacation, meaning she won't be able to see him for a couple of weeks. Maybe he will bring someone with him. She had seen him with his girlfriends over the course of the last five years. Those were some of her most painful memories.

Despite her heartbreak, she remained silent, in the shadows, like a coward. A confession never came to her lips, never in her wildest dreams would she dare to tell him.

Barriers existed between them, he was elusive, hardcore and everything beautiful and mesmerizing. He was everything she wasn't.

She did not want to think what would happen if she ever confessed. He wouldn't laugh at her, her boss was a nice person. He was the most genuine person she had ever come across. Some men of his calibre liked to spend their endless money on luxury and women. He chose to spend them on his brother, charities and children that were born blind.

Maybe he would be disappointed. Disappointed in her unprofessionalism.

She didn't want to disappoint him.

He was an angel and she could only afford to look at him.

"You're spacing out again," He sighed, "Are you alright?"

Flustered, she nodded, blush dusting her cheeks.

Tell him! A voice tore through her brain

She bit her lips, closing her eyes.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" He crossed his arms, a knowing look passing over his face.

She stared up at him, "No boss. I'm just a bit distracted, that's all."

"That's all?" A jolt of electricity passed down her spine as he locked his eyes with her, something gleamed in his eyes, something she couldn't put a finger around.

"I have been seeing you," His voice no longer held the ease it did a minute ago. It was tense, rough; as if he was frustrated, "Watching you. For five years, isn't it? I know you enough to know when something is wrong." He took a step towards her, her eyes widening, "So tell me, what's wrong?"

"Bossman, I promise it's nothing," She was astounded how she was still able to keep her voice even, inside, she was panicking.

Another step, then another, "Tell me."

An electricity pulsated so intensely between them, for a moment she thought she was having another of those dreams centering around the man that was in front of her.

Her breaths quickened, soul crying from the craving it had for him.

She wanted him. She wanted him etched on her skin and her soul like a stone carving.

If only she could reach out and touch him. Just a touch, just one touch would suffice.

But she was greedy and he was a star that was out of her reach.

Her back came in contact with the cold surface of the wall as he leaned over her. She felt breathless, lightheaded. Her fingers hidden behind her back to hide their trembling.

She wanted to scream, to cry. Her stomach churned, her heart thumped so deafeningly loud that she thought it would burst out of her chest.

"This is your last chance," He whispered, "Tell me."

She stared into his smoky grey eyes. They were a whirlpool of sadness, a depth she could happily drown in. Her lips parted as she let out a breath she was holding, his scent ruling her senses.

Tell him! Tell him that you love him! Her own voice screamed at her, her fingers fisting her skirt.

But what if he....

A shaky breath escaped her as she casted her eyes downwards, "N-Nothing."

A sigh escaped him as he looked at her. He tilted her chin, her eyes meeting his. Those greys shone with sadness and maybe a bit of disappointment?

She didn't want to disappoint him, ever.

"Bossman?"

"If you want to tell someone something," His whisper fanned over her lips, "Don't hold yourself back. Who knows, maybe you will never get the opportunity to tell? That'd be a pain, wouldn't it?"

She nodded mindlessly.

"An opportunity lost could cause a lifetime of misery, amber."

That goddamned nickname he insisted on calling her since day 1 because of her eye colour! She sulked inwardly. She hated her eyes.

He let go of her chin, a sullen smile crossing his lips- a smile that cut through her bleeding heart.

"Go home."

"Boss-"

"I don't know what came over me, I am sorry. Go home and enjoy the Christmas vacation. I need to get some work done, I'll call you if you're needed."

And just like that, the magic was broken. He turned his back to her, returning to whatever he was doing. She touched her chin where his fingers had been a moment ago.

He touched me! Archer touched me! I looked him into the eyes!

She could die from happiness.

Her eyes flickered to him, an unfamiliar feeling of something came over her but she pushed it aside. For some reason, she let her eyes linger on him a bit longer than usual, her heart twisting.

Monday, She thought, Definitely on Monday.

_______________

Monday was a gloomy day, just two days after Christmas. She had spent her entire vacation pondering on how to tell him, rehearsing having breakdowns. She thought it was a bad idea but not telling him would kill her from inside.

She brought out the prettiest red dress she had. She had only worn it once at an office party. That was the first time Archer told her she was beautiful.

She smiles giddily, he always told everyone that they were beautiful. She had been no exception.

Except, she noticed his eyes lingering on her for a bit too long.

She applied a red lipstick, combed her jet black hair back, securing it in a neat ponytail. She looked decent.

She was beautiful, she thought she was not.

Christmas was two days ago. Being his personal assistant, she had the privilege to work with him whenever he was working. Last Christmas, he spent time behind the desk with her running around for his precious files.

It had been a while since he had brought a girlfriend on Christmas. His last girlfriend was in January? She couldn't remember.

Grabbing her coat and umbrella, she walked outside. It was a beautiful but snowy day. People walked around, children ran across the sidewalks, shops decorated in Christmas decorations. A smile crossed her face as she spotted a flower shop. Archer liked roses.

She bought a bouquet of red roses, their petals displaying the colour of blood. They smelt sweet.

I am going to do this, She encouraged herself, I can't believe I am actually telling him.

She bit her lips.

I'll hand over my resignation if he rejects me.

Her stomach churned, a crippling sadness taking over her.

"An opportunity lost could cause a lifetime of misery, amber."

She shook her head, trying to brush off the what if's roaming around her head. It had been long enough already, her encounter with Archer gave her the encouragement she needed.

She vowed to not have cold feet.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated, jolting her from her trance. She let out a sigh, fishing it out. Her brows furrowed when she saw an unknown number.

"Hello?"

"Are you Mr. Estevan's PA?"

"Yes, yes I am," She pursed her lips, "Who is this?"

"I am contacting you from the central hospital in Maryland. I am sorry to inform you, but Archer Estevan passed away during a critical surgery."

The bouquet hit the ground, the red petals of the roses a stark contrast to the white snow. A bicycle passed by, it's tires running over the roses as it flattened on the snow, colouring it blood red.

Amber is her nickname, not a real one.

Also if you're wondering Monday was 9 days after the first scene. 27th December, 2021.

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Take love ❤️

If you like this book, you can also check out my ongoing book if you're interested! You can find it on my profile!