Days passed.
But the tension didn't.
If anything—
It only grew stronger.
Adrian could no longer ignore it.
The way his eyes searched for her.
The way silence felt heavier when she wasn't around.
The way distance… didn't work.
"…This is inefficient," he muttered.
Which is why—
That evening—
He made a decision.
"Lina."
She turned.
"…Sir?"
"Stay for a moment."
Her heart skipped.
"…Okay."
The office was quiet.
Empty.
Just the two of them.
Adrian stepped closer.
For once—
He didn't look distant.
He looked… uncertain.
"…There's something I need to say."
Lina's chest tightened.
She didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Just waited.
"I—"
Ring.
His phone.
The sound cut through the moment like a blade.
Adrian frowned.
Ignored it.
"I need to—"
Ring.
Again.
More urgent.
Lina hesitated.
"…You should answer it."
He didn't want to.
But something about the persistence—
Felt wrong.
He answered.
"…What is it?"
A pause.
Then—
His expression changed.
Sharply.
"I'll be there."
The call ended.
Lina's heart dropped.
"…What happened?"
Adrian looked at her.
"…Go home."
"Sir—"
"That's an order."
His tone left no room for argument.
And just like that—
The moment was gone.