Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
Tania
The sun streams through the large windows of Levi’s penthouse, painting the sleek surfaces with a warm glow. I’ve been pacing for what feels like hours, pretending to work on my laptop while Levi remains in his office for a conference call. The muffled sound of his voice filters through the slightly ajar door, calm and commanding as always.
I shouldn’t be straining to hear him, but I can’t help myself.
Last night’s argument left me raw. Levi’s words, his anger, his vulnerability—it’s all been playing on a loop in my mind, disrupting the walls I’ve worked so hard to build. Walls I swore I wouldn’t let him breach again. But he’s making it harder with every passing moment, every stolen glance, every whispered word that feels more real than this arrangement ever should.
I’m snapped out of my thoughts by the scrape of his chair against the floor. His voice grows louder, more distinct, and I tell myself to walk away. To respect his space, his privacy.
But my feet stay rooted to the spot.
“I know it’s unconventional,” Levi says, his tone steady. “But the board needs to see stability. They need to see that I’m invested in more than just the numbers.”
There’s a pause, a low hum of agreement from someone on the other end of the line. Then Levi continues, his words clear and deliberate.
“That’s why Tania is perfect for this. She’s poised, intelligent, and exactly the kind of partner I need to make this merger happen.”
My stomach clenches, my breath catching in my throat.
Perfect for this. A partner. For the merger.
I know this arrangement is just business, but hearing him say it—reducing me to a cog in his carefully constructed plan—it stings in a way I didn’t expect.
“She knows the role,” Levi adds. “And she’s playing it flawlessly.”
Something twists in my chest, and I force myself to step back, away from the door. My vision blurs as I retreat to the living room, the sound of his voice still echoing in my ears.
Flawlessly.
I don’t know what I expected. This was always supposed to be fake. But the way he’s been looking at me, the way he’s been acting—like I’m more than just a piece of his strategy—it’s made me wonder. Made me hope.
And that’s the part that hurts the most. Because I let myself believe, even for a moment, that this might be real.
I sit on the couch, staring blankly at the skyline, my chest heavy with the weight of my own foolishness. I knew better. I knew Levi Nichols didn’t change overnight. He’s still the same man who prioritizes his empire above everything else.
So why does it feel like I’m the one who broke my own heart?
“Tania?”
His voice startles me, and I look up to see him standing in the doorway, his expression cautious. He takes a step toward me, his eyes searching mine.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice soft.
I laugh bitterly, shaking my head. “Don’t pretend to care, Levi.”
He frowns, coming closer. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I heard you,” I snap, my voice sharper than I intended. “Your little speech about how perfect I am for this merger. How I’m playing the role flawlessly. Is that what you see when you look at me? A role?”
He freezes, his green eyes widening slightly. “Tania, that’s not?—”
“Save it,” I cut in, my voice trembling. “I get it now. All of this—the looks, the words, the... moments—it’s all just part of the performance, isn’t it?”
“No,” he says firmly, his voice rising slightly. “It’s not like that.”
“Then what is it like, Levi?” I demand, my chest aching. “Because from where I’m standing, it feels like I’m just another strategy to you.”
His jaw tightens, and he takes another step closer, his tone softer now. “You’re not. You’re so much more than that.”
“Then why did you say it?” I whisper, my voice breaking. “Why did you make me feel like this could be real when it never was?”
He reaches for me, his hand brushing mine, but I pull back, shaking my head. “Don’t.”
“Tania,” he says, his voice pleading. “You have to let me explain.”
“I can’t,” I say, tears stinging my eyes. “Because every time I start to think there’s something more here, you remind me why I can’t trust you.”
“That’s not fair,” he says, his tone raw. “You put those walls up, Tania. Not me. And I’ve been trying?—”
“To what? Break them down?” I interrupt, my voice cracking. “You don’t get to do that, Levi. You don’t get to make me feel this way and then use me to sell your merger.”
“I’m not using you,” he says, his voice trembling now. “You’re more to me than this deal. More than I can put into words.”
“Then why does it feel like I’m the only one risking anything?” I whisper, tears spilling over.
He looks at me, his expression pained, but he doesn’t say anything. The silence between us is heavy, and I can feel the distance growing, even though we’re only a few feet apart.
“I need space,” I say finally, my voice barely audible. “Please, Levi. Just... let me breathe.”
He hesitates, his hand twitching slightly as if he wants to reach for me again. But then he nods, his shoulders slumping as he steps back. “Okay,” he says quietly. “But I’m not giving up, Tania. Not on you.”
The sincerity in his voice makes my chest ache, but I can’t let it sway me. I turn away, wrapping my arms around myself as I stare out at the skyline. His footsteps fade as he leaves the room, and when the door clicks shut behind him, the tears come in full force.
This was supposed to be simple. Professional. Safe.
But nothing about Levi Nichols has ever been safe.