Love, Between the Lines

The first encounter

Emma[Fl]

[ping] Ryan, we need to talk.

Ryan[Ml]

[typing] Wow, not even a “hello”? Straight to business, huh?

Emma[Fl]

Deadlines don’t wait for kindness. Where’s the first draft?

Ryan[Ml]

😏 Relax, Ms. Perfectionist. It’s coming.

Emma[Fl]

"Coming"? Your submission was due two days ago!

Ryan[Ml]

Genius can’t be rushed. Besides, Sophie distracted me.

Emma[Fl]

Sophie? As in Sophie Calloway ? Your ex?

Ryan[Ml]

Yup. She’s got this new book launch. Said she’s “raising the bar.” Whatever that means.

Emma[Fl]

🙄 While she’s busy raising the bar, can you focus on writing so we can keep our jobs?

Ryan[Ml]

Someone’s stressed. Don’t worry, Emma. You’ll thank me when the draft blows your mind.

Emma[Fl]

I’ll thank you when it’s on my desk. Now stop texting and WRITE.

Ryan[Ml]

[typing] Okay, okay. But since I’m being rushed, can I expect a coffee delivery in return? Black, no sugar. You know, to fuel the genius.

Emma[Fl]

Ryan.

Ryan[Ml]

Yes?

Emma[Fl]

Submit. The. Draft.

Ryan[Ml]

😃 See? You do care.

Emma[Fl]

If caring gets me your manuscript, sure. Now log off and do your job!

This is my first time writing a novel. I hope you guys will love it.

Meddling Lila

Lila

[ping] Emma, did Ryan turn in his draft yet? Or is he still “fueling his genius”?

Emma[Fl]

Don’t start, Lila. He sent some chapters this morning. I’m scared to open them.

Lila

Ooooh! Was it terrible, or is he low-key amazing?

Emma[Fl]

Knowing Ryan, probably both. His ego practically jumped out of the email.

Lila

Admit it. You secretly enjoy sparring with him.

Emma[Fl]

Sparring? No. Tolerating? Barely.

Lila

😂 Sure, boss. BTW, Sophie’s trending again. She’s dropping hints her book is a masterpiece.

Emma[Fl]

Fantastic. The drama I didn’t ask for.

Lila

😃 Don’t worry. At least Ryan’s charming enough to distract you.

Emma[Fl]

He’s distracting, all right. Like a mosquito.

Lila

Mosquitoes don’t make you blush. 😉

Emma[Fl]

Lila!

Lila

Okay, okay, but real talk… do you think Sophie’s trying to outshine Ryan on purpose?

Emma[Fl]

Of course. It’s Sophie. She’s always been competitive with him.

Lila

Sounds like fun. A love triangle brewing?

Emma[Fl]

Not even remotely. Ryan and I are strictly professional.

Lila

Strictly professional? Then why does his name come up in every other sentence?

Emma[Fl]

Because he’s my job! Now get back to work.

Lila

Sure, boss. But I’m keeping tabs on this soap opera. 😉

This is my first time writing a novel. I hope you guys will love it.

The Rival Appears

[ping]

Sophie

Ryan, darling, still writing those… quirky stories?

Ryan[Ml]

Sophie. Still gracing me with your unsolicited opinions, I see.

Sophie

Someone has to keep you grounded. How’s the new book coming along? Or are you too busy flirting with your editor?

Ryan[Ml]

Ah, Sophie. Jealousy looks good on you.

Sophie

Jealous? Of what? An editor with a stickler for rules? Please. I’m here to raise the stakes.

Ryan[Ml]

Stakes? You mean sales?

Sophie

Both. Let’s see who delivers the next bestseller. Spoiler: It won’t be you.

Ryan[Ml]

Careful, Sophie. Confidence can be dangerous.

Sophie

So can overconfidence. 😏 Bye, Ryan. Say hi to Emma for me.

Ryan[Ml]

Don’t worry. She’ll be too busy editing my masterpiece to notice you.

Author's Note Hi, lovely readers! Thank you for joining Emma and Ryan’s chaotic, banter-filled journey in Love, Between the Lines. This story is packed with humor, rivalry, and just the right amount of romance to keep you hooked. I hope you enjoy every twist, turn, and witty exchange as much as I enjoyed writing them. Your support means the world—happy reading! 💕

Ryan[Ml]

To be continue...

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