When Lia walked toward the door, Ryan's chest tightened unexpectedly.
Why did it bother him? Why did the thought of Adrian — quiet, polished, serious Adrian — sitting across from her at dinner feel so wrong?
He told himself it was nothing.
He told himself he wasn't the jealous type.
He told himself Lia was free to meet whoever she wanted.
But none of those thoughts stopped the restless knot forming inside him.
---
Outside the Room
They stepped out together into the hallway. The building was quieter now, most employees already gone for the evening. Their footsteps echoed against the marble floor.
> Lia (lightly):
"You're unusually quiet. Did the great Ryan Tang run out of jokes?"
> Ryan (forcing a smile):
"Never. I'm just… thinking."
> Lia (teasing):
"That's dangerous. Should I be worried?"
> Ryan (softly, almost to himself):
"Maybe I should be."
She tilted her head, not fully hearing him. He quickly covered it with a laugh.
> Ryan:
"Anyway, don't let Adrian bore you to death next week. If he does, just text me 'SOS' and I'll come rescue you."
> Lia (smiling as she walked ahead):
"Noted, hero."
---
Ryan stayed behind for a second, watching her figure disappear down the hallway.
He tried to shake it off.
But deep down, one truth pressed harder with every step she took away from him:
He didn't like the idea of Lia belonging anywhere else.
Not with Adrian.
Not with anyone.
And for the first time… he wasn't sure what that meant.