Chapter 7

‎"Drop me off before you reach the company building," she said coldly, her voice sharp as ice. Her eyes were fixed on her shoes, which were now smudged with dirt. The polished leather had once been a gleaming black, but now it bore the marks of the muddy streets, making her frown deepen. She ran her fingers nervously over the grime, as if hoping it would magically disappear.

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‎Edward glanced at her briefly, his lips curling into a slight, knowing smile. “Worried about your shoe?” he teased, raising an eyebrow.

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‎She shot him a look that could freeze water. "Thanks to you, I'm late for the interview," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she glared at him from the corner of her eye. "Now I have to clean my shoe before I head to the building." The words came out like a reprimand, her frustration clearly simmering beneath the surface.

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‎Her gaze remained fixed on him, but Edward could tell she was more annoyed with herself than with him. She was trying so hard to stay composed, but it was clear her nerves were getting the better of her. He couldn’t help but notice how the messy situation was only adding to her already-stressed aura.

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‎Seeing the familiar signs of her anger returning, Edward couldn't resist. He leaned back in his seat, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You look cute when you're angry," he said teasingly, the words leaving his lips with a playful edge.

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‎Her glare intensified, sharp enough to cut through the air. The silence in the car grew heavy, but her annoyance only seemed to amuse him more. "You're the worst," she muttered under her breath, but there was a hint of a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of her lips, betraying the fact that she wasn't entirely unaffected by his comment.

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‎Edward chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement, knowing full well that no matter how much she pretended to hate him, she can't escape from him.

‎As they approached the towering company building, a silence had settled between them, one that Edward could no longer stand. His voice cut through the quiet, teasing and light.

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‎"I hope you're prepared for the interview," he said, a hint of mischief dancing in his words. His eyes flicked to her briefly, a playful glint behind them.

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‎She didn’t falter, her expression stoic, her determination clear. She nodded, though it was more a subtle gesture of confidence than an affirmation of doubt.

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‎"I've done my homework," she replied with a calm assurance, her voice steady, almost cold. She was confident, but beneath that certainty, she knew that her skills and her determination would ultimately be what spoke for her in this moment. The hours she’d put in, the research, the preparation—she would prove herself worthy of the opportunity before her.

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‎Edward gave a brief nod, seemingly satisfied with her response, but his thoughts were already shifting as he drove closer to the destination. The company building loomed larger in front of them, its sleek glass windows reflecting the pale blue sky. He slowed the car, pulling up a few feet away from the entrance.

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‎"We're here," he said, bringing the vehicle to a stop with a soft hum. As the engine quieted, he reached into the glove compartment and retrieved a small bottle of water, handing it to her with a smooth motion. Then, as if he hadn’t fully thought through the action, he passed her a napkin as well.

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‎"To clean your shoes," he explained, his tone still teasing but with an underlying softness.

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‎Her lips curled slightly, the corners of her mouth betraying a hint of amusement despite herself. “Thanks for your generosity,” she said sarcastically, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. The smile on her lips, however, couldn’t hide the genuine appreciation that flickered in her eyes. Deep down, she was grateful for the gesture, even if she wasn’t about to admit it.

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‎Edward couldn’t help but notice the small smile that danced across her face, the way it made her lips curve in such an alluring way. His gaze lingered for a moment too long, caught on the soft pinkness of her lips, remembering their taste, the warmth that had once been there. His throat tightened, and he swallowed hard.

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