Lina sat across from Adrian in his office, her hands folded neatly on her lap.
"I like you," she said again, softly, "but things can't just change overnight."
Adrian nodded slowly.
"I understand," he replied. "We take it at your pace. Always."
A small smile tugged at Lina's lips.
"You don't have to coddle me," she teased lightly.
"I wouldn't dare," Adrian said, voice calm, but his eyes sparkled.
For the first time, she felt it wasn't just words. He truly meant it.
And she—finally—believed in him.