**Playing with Fire**
I couldnt help but laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. You actually said that to her face? In front of everyone?
Oliver drummed his fingers nervously on the table. What else was I supposed to do? Im married. She wouldnt take the hintcompletely brazen about it. The whole departments noticed by now.
Mate, youre too soft, my friend teased. Most blokes wouldve taken the chance. But no, youve got to play the saint.
We just have different ideas about loyalty, Oliver shot back, though weariness flickered in his eyes. At first, I ignored the hintsdidnt want to be rude. But she kept pushing.
And thats exactly where you went wrong, I pointed out, raising an eyebrow. Your silence gave her hope.
What does she even see in me? Plenty of single blokes around!
For women like her, a wedding ring isnt a barrierits a challenge, I said dryly. Proof youre worth having.
Hannah burst into their office like a sudden gust of wind. She wasnt conventionally beautifulsharp features, a low, husky voicebut when she smiled, everything else faded. HR later admitted theyd been ready to reject her, until that smile changed their minds.
At first, Oliver genuinely liked her. Her energy and wit were a breath of fresh air in the dull office routine. He helped her settle in, shared advicenothing more. A family man at heart, he saw her as a bright colleague, almost a younger sister.
Then the boundaries blurred. The jokes turned suggestive, her touches lingered too long. Oliver, an introvert unused to such boldness, froze. His usual instincts failed him. He started avoiding her, skipping lunches. But retreat only spurred her on.
***
Oliver, mid-thirties, looked like a man who kept his life meticulously ordered. Tall but slightly stooped, as if trying to seem smaller. Dark hair, neatly trimmed, with early greying at the templesheredity and stress. Calm eyes, but with a constant tiredness beneath, not from work but from some inner strain. He wore thin-framed glasses, which hed remove and rub the bridge of his nose when tense. His clothes were practicalplain shirts, trousers. No flash.
He hated crowds, office gossip, flirtationall of it drained him. His world was quiet, structured, focused. Conflict terrified him; hed rather retreat than fight.
Yet beneath it all was an unshakable devotion to his family. Emily and the kids werent just part of his lifethey *were* his life. His loyalty wasnt virtue; it was as natural as breathing.
Hannah fixated on him from day one. The fact he didnt react to her usual tricks made him a prize. For her, seducing a married man wasnt just about attentionit was validation. If a good man fell for her, she was worth something. And experience told her no perfect family man was truly happy.
Within weeks, she gushed to a friend about Oliver. Again? A married one? her friend sighed. Two kids, too.
Details, Hannah scoffed. Hes trapped in some gilded cage. His wifeEmilyshe doesnt *get* him. She just keeps house. His souls screaming for more.
How would you know? Have you even met her?
I dont need to. Look at himso buttoned-up, so *controlled*. Thats not natural. Theres pain underneath. I want to help him.
Hannah, listen to yourself. This isnt some romance novel. You dont want to *help* himyou want him because hes off-limits.
You dont understand. Were *meant* to be. And that perfect family? Ill prove its all a lie.
***
The business trip to Manchester was Olivers nightmare. Guess who volunteered to join? With clients, Hannah was professional, and he nearly relaxeduntil the knock came late that night.
My rooms freezing, she said, wrapped in a robe that left little to the imagination.
His stomach dropped. Panic tightened his throat. He thought of Emilys steady, trusting eyes.
Wait here, he managed, turning away. Ill grab you a spare blanket.
She pouted but took it.
Youve locked yourself in a cage and thrown away the key, she muttered. Pity. Theres so much more to you.
He shut the door, pressing his forehead against it, pulse hammering. Relief mixed with an odd, heavy pityfor her, for himself, for the whole mess.
Back at work, she seemed to lose interest. He started to breathe againuntil she asked for a lift home. He refused.
Do I disgust you?
Youre striking, he said carefully. But I love my wife. I have a family
Is that the only reason? Her eyes glittered dangerously.
No He stumbled, but she was already gone. He instantly regretted his hesitation.
That night, a sharp nudge woke him. Emilys furious whisper cut through the dark.
Oliver, have you lost your mind? What is *this*?
He sat up, heart pounding. On his phoneHannah, in lace, posing provocatively.
Em, its not what you think! Voice cracking, he confessed everything.
Emily exhaled, anger and tenderness warring in her tone. You daft sod. Fine. I believe you. But if she tries again, Ill storm that office and give them a show theyll never forget.
The next day, he called Hannah into a meeting room. She strode in, triumphant.
Youve crossed a line, he said, forcing steadiness.
Oh, relax, she purred, reaching for his face.
He jerked back. What are you saying?
That your perfect life is a myth. Picture-perfect wife, little princess daughter, heir of a son
We *are* happy.
Wake up, Oliver! She slammed a sheet onto the table. Paternity probability: 0%. Handy having connections, isnt it?
The room iced over. He met her gloating stare, the last shreds of sympathy vanishing.
I tolerated your advances. But my children? Thats where it ends. Liam isnt mine by blood. Thats between me and Emily. His parentsEmilys sister and her husbanddied. Hes *ours* now. Happy?
Her smirk faltered. I didnt know
I dont care how you got this. Resign by tonight, or I go to the police. And if you *ever* come near my kids His quiet voice turned lethal. You wont need them.
She was gone by afternoon. Oliver came home early, finding eight-year-old Lily doing homework and six-year-old Liam with his puzzles. He hugged them tight, breathing in the scent of their hair.
That evening, he sat across from Emily. We have to tell him. He deserves the truth from us.
She wiped her eyesnot from sadness, but relief. Im scared.
Me too. But well do it together.
A week later, after cake, Oliver crouched to Liams level. We need to talk about how much we love you. Family isnt just bloodits choice. Your first mum and dad were Aunt Claire and Uncle Jack. Theyre gone now, but were your parents in every way that matters.
Liam thought, then hugged them. Can I have more cake?
The weight lifted. In the crumbs and quiet chatter, there was no room for Hannah or her games. Everything was as it should be.
