Everything seemed perfect. The Aurum & Co gallery was thriving. The new exhibition was garnering rave reviews from critics, and the public flocked to the openings like they were the light of day. Emily worked with full commitment, and her bond with Sebastian, though not publicly discussed, grew deeper - almost inseparable. But it is in moments of supposed harmony that the first cracks tend to come.

The arrival of Jonathan Gray disrupted the usual rhythm.

The influential art dealer, with an impeccable reputation and the same smirk that for centuries spoils kings and makes debutantes fall in love, entered their world easily - as if he had always been a part of it. The gallery caught his eye, and Sebastian, though cautious, did not discourage cooperation. All for profit, he said. For growth. For the sake of the collection.

But Jonathan looked at Emily for too long. Too closely. He came around more often than his role as consultant demanded: bringing coffee, complimenting her, asking her questions about her view of the curatorial and exhibition process. And each time there was something subtle in his tone. A suggestion. A possibility. A hint.

At first Emily took it with a slight irony, but she quickly realized: her reaction was important. Too important.

One day, after a successful opening of an exhibition of modern American realists, the guests were beginning to leave. The gallery had gradually emptied, and the evening light from the tall windows was streaking the walls in long streaks.

- You have a real gift, Emily," Jonathan said quietly as he came closer. - These works sound different under your hand. The gallery comes alive when you are in it.

He handed her a glass of coffee and leaned in slightly, as if there was no space between them.

- I'd like to work more closely with you. As a partner, perhaps. Or...something more flexible.

Emily felt herself clench inside. She pulled back a little, maintaining a polite smile, but her fingers gripped the glass tightly. At that moment, she heard footsteps. Firm, precise ones. Sebastian.

He stopped a few paces away, his gaze sharp as a blade.

- Jonathan," he said calmly, but his voice was cold, "you're not here to distract my employee from her work.

Gray grinned.

- The work is done, the exhibition speaks for itself. Doesn't it?

Sebastian stepped closer, stepping between them.

- I prefer boundaries to be respected. Especially in my house.

An awkward silence hung in the air. Jonathan nodded, still with a slight chuckle, and walked away without looking back.

Emily stood there, not knowing what to say. Sebastian didn't look at her. Only at the door where Jonathan had gone.

- I could have handled it myself," she said quietly.

- He was out of line," Sebastian replied. - I saw it.

- Or do you just not know how to trust?

He turned around sharply. Something fierce flashed in his eyes, but he didn't say a word. He walked away, leaving her alone with a bitter aftertaste.

That evening was the first time they'd gone out alone.

And from that day on, the small cracks began to widen, letting the cold in where before there had been only warmth.