Monday Morning...
The memory of the hospital garden refused to leave Aaron's mind.
Every time he closed his eyes...
He saw Celina smiling beneath the cherry blossom trees.
He remembered the warmth of her hand.
The way her eyes had sparkled when she looked at him.
And the words she had whispered.
"So this... is what happiness feels like."
For the first time in years...
The man known as the Ice King couldn't concentrate.
...
"Mr. Steel?"
Aaron blinked.
The boardroom had gone completely silent.
One of the directors cleared his throat.
"We've been waiting for your decision."
Aaron glanced down at the proposal in front of him.
"I apologize."
"The proposal is approved."
The directors exchanged surprised glances.
Normally...
Aaron questioned every detail.
Today...
He hadn't even read the second page.
After the meeting ended, Ethan followed him into his office.
"You've approved a proposal without reading it."
Aaron looked up.
"I did?"
Ethan folded his arms.
"You're in love."
Aaron almost choked on his coffee.
"I'm not."
Ethan smiled.
"Sir..."
"I've worked with you for years."
"I know what you look like when you're negotiating."
"And I know what you look like when you're distracted."
Aaron sighed.
"Is it that obvious?"
Ethan grinned.
"To everyone except Miss Celina."
Aaron couldn't help laughing.
...
Meanwhile...
Celina was helping Lily and Daniel decorate the children's reading corner with colorful paper flowers.
"Miss Celina..."
Lily smiled sweetly.
"Do you like Mr. Steel?"
The scissors nearly slipped from Celina's hand.
"W-What kind of question is that?"
Daniel folded his arms confidently.
"She does."
Lily nodded.
"He smiles differently when he looks at you."
Celina tried to hide her embarrassment.
"You're both imagining things."
Daniel shook his head.
"No."
"I think he likes you too."
Before Celina could answer...
A familiar deep voice came from behind.
"What are we talking about?"
The children turned excitedly.
"Mr. Steel!"
Daniel pointed at him without hesitation.
"We're talking about you."
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
"Should I be worried?"
"A little."
Daniel laughed.
"I told Miss Celina you like her."
The room became so quiet that even the clock on the wall could be heard ticking.
Celina wished the floor would open beneath her.
Aaron looked at her.
She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes.
Then...
To everyone's surprise...
Aaron smiled.
"I think Daniel is a very observant young man."
Emily, who had just entered with a stack of files, almost dropped everything.
The nurses outside exchanged shocked looks.
Did...
Did the CEO just admit it?
Celina slowly looked up.
"Aaron..."
He walked toward her.
Stopping only a step away.
"I've been trying to find the right moment to tell you something."
Her heart pounded.
"So have I..."
He smiled softly.
"But I think you're braver than I am."
She laughed nervously.
"I doubt that."
"I don't."
His voice became gentler.
"When I'm in a boardroom, nothing makes me nervous."
"When I'm standing in front of you..."
He smiled helplessly.
"I suddenly forget every speech I've ever prepared."
Celina's eyes softened.
"I thought I was the only one."
For a moment...
Neither of them noticed the children quietly leaving the room with Emily.
Daniel winked at Lily.
"They need privacy."
Emily laughed under her breath.
"They certainly do."
Soon...
Only Aaron and Celina remained.
Sunlight streamed through the library windows.
Dust particles danced lazily in the golden light.
Aaron looked into her eyes.
"Celina..."
"Yes?"
"I don't know where this is leading."
"I've never felt this way before."
"But..."
"I know one thing."
"What?"
"I'd like to know you."
"Not as Mr. Steel."
"Not as the hospital owner."
"Just Aaron."
He hesitated for the first time in his life.
Then finally asked...
"Would you have dinner with me this Friday?"
Time seemed to stop.
Celina stared at him.
The question she had secretly hoped to hear...
Had finally been asked.
A smile slowly spread across her face.
"I'd love to."
Relief washed over Aaron's face.
"So..."
"It's a date?"
She nodded shyly.
"It's a date."
Neither of them realized...
Outside the library door...
Daniel pumped his fist into the air.
"I knew it!"
The nurses burst into quiet laughter.
Emily shook her head with a smile.
"I don't think anyone in this hospital is getting any work done today."
Far away...
Victor Hayes closed another file.
He stared at a photograph of Aaron and Celina.
Then at Isabella's faded picture.
His expression darkened.
"So it begins..."
He reached for his phone.
"It's time."
The cold voice on the other end answered immediately.
"Proceed."
Victor looked once more at the smiling couple.
For reasons he couldn't explain...
He whispered quietly,
"I'm sorry."