Beneath the Tension By Sheetal Nair

Beneath the Tension

When Aria Morgan, a mischievous and fearless college student with dreams of making it big in the world of marketing, lands an unexpected internship at one of the top corporate firms in the city, she’s determined to prove herself. But her confidence shatters the moment she meets her boss—liam Blackwood—a cold, arrogant CEO with piercing gray eyes and a reputation for being ruthless in the boardroom. The catch? He’s also her best friend’s overprotective older brother, the same guy she’s clashed with at countless family gatherings.Ethan remembers Aria as the stubborn, sharp-tongued girl who never backed down from a challenge. Now, she’s grown into a bold, witty woman who refuses to be intimidated by his authority. Their work relationship quickly turns into a fiery battleground of clashing egos, heated arguments, and undeniable tension simmering just beneath the surface.But when a business trip forces them into close quarters, the thin line between hate and desire blurs. A late-night confrontation filled with sharp words and smoldering glances spirals into a steamy encounter neither of them can forget. As secrets unravel, stolen moments grow harder to resist, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic threatens to ignite something much deeper—something dangerously close to love."Is that what you think this is, Aria? A game?" Ethan's voice was a low, gravelly growl, his tall frame pinning her against the sleek glass wall of his office, city lights casting shadows across his sharp jawline.Aria's breath hitched, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. She tilted her chin defiantly, her pulse betraying her cool facade."If it is, you're losing."His eyes darkened, gray flickering with something dangerous-something primal. He leaned in, his mouth inches from hers, his breath hot against her skin."Oh, sweetheart, I never lose."Her laugh was shaky, filled with defiance and something else-something warmer."Keep telling yourself that."And then his lips crashed onto hers-hard.

Mar 19, 2025 | 52 min read

The Mediterranean night was choked with smoke and sirens as Aria and Ethan raced toward Monaco's harbor, the scent of saltwater and burning diesel sharp in the air. Sophie's name blared across news alerts - *Presumed Dead in Yacht Explosion* - but Aria refused to believe it. "She's alive," she insisted, her voice raw. "Alex wants us broken, not martyred."

Ethan's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his jaw set. "If he hurt her, I'll kill him."

---

They found Sophie hours later, bruised and shivering in a fisherman's shack, her crimson dress torn, eyes blazing with fury. "Alex tried to drown me," she spat, clutching Aria's hand like a lifeline. "He's heading to the airport. Stop him - *please*."

---

The confrontation unfolded on the tarmac, rain lashing the private jet as Alex ascended its stairs, a briefcase of forged documents in hand. Ethan blocked his path, Aria at his side, the storm mirroring their rage.

"You've lost," Alex sneered. "The world thinks Sophie's dead, and you're both wanted for fraud."

Aria stepped forward, her phone broadcasting live to every major network. "Not anymore."

The screen lit up with evidence: wire transfers, blackmail threats, and Alex's voice admitting to the yacht bombing. Sophie's tearful testimony followed, her face bruised but unbroken. "His empire is built on lies. It ends tonight."

Alex lunged, but Ethan tackled him to the ground, fists flying. "You don't touch what's mine."

---

**One Month Later**

The headlines screamed redemption: *Blackwood Cleared of Fraud! Kensington Arrested!* Ethan stood in the ashes of his office, the CEO title stripped but his soul lighter. Sophie lingered in the doorway, a silent peace offering in her eyes.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"So am I," Ethan replied.

---

Aria waited at the airport, a single suitcase at her feet. Ethan found her there, his father's ring - *their* ring - now nestled in his palm.

"Stay," he said, the word a plea.

She kissed him, soft and final. "I need to find who I am without the chaos."

He pressed the ring into her hand. "When you're ready."

---

Comments