Seven months after the first contract was signed, Kian handed Seya a sleek portfolio containing the final, complete designs for her boutique. They stood in the same campus spot where they had first reviewed the initial sketches.
Seya flipped through the pages, her expression shifting from scrutiny to pure, unadulterated delight. The plans were elegant, innovative, and perfectly captured the modern yet timeless aesthetic she had envisioned.
"Kian, this is... exceptional," she said, her voice genuine with praise. "You've exceeded every expectation. The bonus will be transferred today."
A profound wave of relief and pride washed over him. The project that had been both a lifeline and a burden was complete, and it was a resounding success.
As Seya walked away, portfolio in hand, she was mentally composing a text to her contractor. Distracted, she turned a corner and nearly collided with someone.
"Whoa! Easy there," a familiar voice said, steadying her by the elbows.
She looked up into the warm, smiling eyes of Hazon. "We have to stop meeting like this," he joked, his hands lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
This time, the surprise was laced with a different kind of electricity. She laughed, a real, unguarded sound. "It seems to be our specialty."
They fell into step together, heading toward the gates. The conversation about her finished project and his latest criminology case flowed effortlessly. As they parted at the gate, there was a new, unspoken understanding in their gaze. A professional chapter had closed for Kian, but for Seya and Hazon, a new, more personal one was just beginning to unfold. ⚖