Texting The Wrong Number

Chapter 8: Realization and Panic

By midweek, Emma and Liam had fallen into an easy routine at work. They were each other’s sounding boards, bouncing ideas off one another,and even sharing the occasional lunch break.Working with him felt almost effortless—likethey’d known each other far longer than just a few days.

Emma wasn’t sure when her small crush on him had crept in, but now it was undeniably there. She found herself looking forward to the moments when he’d lean over her desk, close enough that she could smell his cologne, or when he’d send hera quick, funny text from across the room.

But as much as she enjoyed Liam’s presence, her bond with Captain Marvel continued to tug at her heart. He was her daily dose of humor and
support, the one who knew her quirks without ever having seen her face. It was as if she was living two separate lives, each one fulfilling in its own way.

One morning, as she was getting ready for work, her phone buzzed with a text from Captain Marvel.

∆ Captain Marvel: Morning, Pepper. Just had the most amazing bagel. Have you ever tried the caféon Pine? Life-changing. Seriously.

Emma laughed as she replied.

∆ Pepper: Oh, I know that place! Their bagels are my go-to. You’ve got good taste, Captain Marvel.

∆ Captain Marvel: Always here to impress. So, how’s work with the consultant? Still interesting?

∆ Pepper: Still interesting. He’s actually really greatto work with. It’s funny—he has the same kind of humor as you, which is a huge compliment.

There was a pause, and she wondered if she’d been too forward. It was strange, hinting at similarities between her texting buddy and her
real-life coworker. But before she could overthink it, his response popped up.

∆ Captain Marvel: Well, I’ll try not to be too jealous of Mr. Consultant. But if he steals my “official Pepper side kick” title, we’ll have a problem.
Emma smiled, but she couldn’t shake a feeling in her gut—like she was playing a game with stakes higher than she’d realized. She had Liam in her day-to-day life, this charming, witty guy she worked with and was undeniably attracted to. And then there was Captain Marvel, her secret texting partner who’d become something more than a friend, even if she couldn’t fully define it.

That day at work, she kept sneaking glances at Liam, looking for something that could bridge her two worlds. But her curiosity took a turn when,during a lunch break, Liam left his phone on the table as he went to grab coffee. A notification flashed on the screen.

Emma’s heart stopped.

There, plain as day, was the name “Pepper” in his recent messages.

She stared at the phone, her mind reeling, piecing together the impossible realization. Liam was Captain Marvel. It was as if everything she knew had just shifted.
The person she’d been texting all this time, the guy she’d confided in and shared her weirdest quirks with, was sitting just a few feet away, oblivious to her discovery.

When Liam returned with his coffee, Emma plastered on a neutral smile, hoping he couldn’t see the turmoil brewing inside her. She felt like
she was walking on a tight rope, each step loaded with the risk of spilling her secret. But how was she supposed to act normal when her texting confidant was right in front of her, laughing,sipping coffee, and completely unaware of what she now knew?

As they wrapped up lunch, Emma felt a strange mix of excitement, panic, and—she hated to admit it—a little embarrassment. Here was the guy she’d told her most personal thoughts to, a stranger-turned-friend, and now they were… coworkers?

The entire situation felt surreal.

That evening, after work, Emma found herself staring at her phone, debating whether to text him.
Part of her wanted to keep the secret, to stay hidden behind the comfort of “Pepper and CaptainMarvel.” But another part of her, a braver part,wanted to come clean. After all, now that she knew the truth, how could she keep pretending?