The snowstorm hit hard overnight.
By morning, the roads were closed, the cabin was buried halfway in powder, and the nearest town was unreachable until the plows made their rounds.
Nancy stood by the window, wrapped in a knitted throw, watching the snow fall like glitter from the heavens.
Adrian came up behind her, holding two steaming mugs of coffee. "Looks like we're snowed in."
She didn't look away. "Perfect. Trapped in paradise with a billionaire who drives me insane."
He smirked. "Flattery this early? I'm touched."
They sipped their coffee in silence. The air was thick—not with cold, but with something else. Something unspoken. Every glance felt heavier. Every brush of skin more electric.
Adrian broke the silence. "We still need a few more photos for the online campaign. The PR team sent a list."
Nancy groaned. "Let me guess. Kissing by the fire? Dancing in the kitchen? Star-gazing while wrapped in one blanket?"
He pulled out his phone. "You're forgetting the pillow fight."
That one actually got a laugh out of her. "If you think I'm going to let you hit me with a down feather pillow, you're out of your mind."
He leaned closer. "You scared you'll lose?"
Her eyes narrowed. "You're on."
---
Fifteen Minutes Later
Feathers. Everywhere.
Nancy stood victoriously on the couch, hair wild, holding what was left of a shredded pillow.
Adrian, lying in defeat on the rug, looked up at her with a mix of admiration and surrender. "Okay… you win."
Nancy grinned. "Was there ever any doubt?"
He sat up slowly, brushing feathers from his hair. "I underestimated the fury of your flannel-fueled wrath."
She laughed. "I've been holding in corporate rage for years."
Adrian stood. They were close now—closer than either realized. Her breath caught. His hand reached out instinctively, brushing a rogue feather from her cheek.
She didn't move.
He didn't speak.
The world stilled.
And then it happened.
He kissed her.
It wasn't planned. It wasn't posed. It wasn't part of the contract.
It was soft. Slow. Real.
Nancy's fingers curled into his sweater. Her heart pounded in her ears. And for one dangerous, electric moment, she kissed him back.
When they finally pulled apart, the silence was deafening.
Adrian whispered, "That wasn't for the cameras."
"I know," she said breathlessly.
They stared at each other.
Nancy stepped back. "We should… uh, get those photos done."
"Right."
He nodded. But neither moved.
---
Camille's Viewpoint
She watched the scene unfold through her drone footage.
Paused. Rewound. Zoomed in.
She frowned.
"This changes everything."