Chapter 34- Unfolding Layers

The office was quieter than usual the next morning. The energy from the charity event had fizzled out, leaving behind the usual mess of paperwork, receipts, and unanswered emails. Lily walked in early, a fresh cup of coffee in hand, her heels echoing faintly on the polished floor. The walls, lined with soft sunlight, made everything feel a little too calm.

She wasn’t sure if the awkward silence from the night before was still lingering in her own mind or if the air itself felt heavier. William had walked her to the car. He hadn’t said much. He rarely did. But something in his silence stayed with her all night, like a note that never faded.

Ross was already in, seated on the corner of her desk, typing something quickly into his phone. He looked up as she entered and grinned.

"Early bird?"

"Trying to stay ahead of the inbox monster," she replied.

He held out a second coffee. "Double shot. I guessed right."

She blinked, surprised. "You did. That’s almost scary."

"Lucky guess," he said with a wink, sliding off her desk and heading toward his own. "Big day today. Lots of follow-ups. Clara wants every donor personally thanked, which I’m sure is code for 'make it charming.'"

"You’re good at that," Lily said, smiling as she sipped the warm bitterness.

From his cabin, William watched. Not openly, not deliberately, but with the same quiet focus he always had. He saw the coffee exchange. The smile. The comfort.

His jaw didn’t clench. He didn’t frown. But the way his pen moved over the paper grew more precise, deliberate.

By midday, the hum of keyboards filled the floor. Clara had made a dramatic appearance only to vanish again into the conference room with a stack of files and a fruit salad. Lily kept her head down, typing emails and returning calls, while Ross stopped by every now and then to drop a witty comment or help her sort the digital thank-you notes.

William didn’t interact much. Once, he walked by her desk to hand her a signed document. Their fingers brushed briefly. Her eyes met his, and she opened her mouth to speak, but he was already gone.

She frowned slightly. Something about him felt distant today — even more than usual.

"You have to go to the legal department," Clara announced later, poking her head out. "They messed up the vendor agreement form. Again. Take someone with you, just in case they need clarification."

Lily stood, already gathering her folders. "I can go."

Ross appeared by her side. "I’ll come."

Before she could respond, William emerged from his cabin. "I was heading there anyway."

Ross arched a brow. "Okay sir!"

William didn’t look at him. "I'll drive."

Lily hesitated, caught in the space between their gazes.

"Alright," she said finally, offering Ross a soft smile. "Maybe next time."

Ross nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Sure. Rain check."

The drive was quiet.

William focused on the road, one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting loosely on his thigh. Lily sat with the folder on her lap, her thoughts flipping like pages in the wind.

"You don’t usually offer to drive," she said softly.

"I needed the air."

She nodded. "Me too."

They stopped at a red light. Outside, schoolchildren crossed the street with colorful backpacks and half-tied shoes.

"The auction went well," she offered again.

"You made it work."

She smiled a little. "We all did. You too."

He didn’t answer right away.

"Ross seems to enjoy being part of it."

She glanced at him, surprised by the mention. "He’s been helpful. And funny."

William made a low sound — not quite agreement, not quite disapproval.

"He likes working with you," he said.

She turned toward the window, trying to read his tone. "Is that a problem?"

"No."

But the silence that followed suggested otherwise.

At the legal department, they handed over the forms, explained the corrections, and waited while the changes were processed. It took longer than expected, and the receptionist offered them tea, which Lily accepted.

William stayed standing, pacing slowly near the windows.

"Are you always like this?" she asked.

He looked at her. "Like what?"

"Quiet. Hard to read."

His gaze held hers for a moment too long. "Do you want to read me?"

She laughed, caught off guard. "I mean... sometimes. You’re not exactly open."

He looked away. "Maybe that's intentional."

Her smile faded slightly, but she nodded.

On the way back, the car was quieter than before. The kind of quiet that held unspoken thoughts, words wrapped in hesitation. Lily looked over at him.

"Ross thinks you're interesting," she said, half-teasing.

William didn’t glance at her. "Does he?"

"He said you're intense. Like... mysterious."

He gave a soft snort. "I’m not sure that’s a compliment."

She grinned. "He meant it as one."

William pulled into the parking lot of the office but didn’t get out right away. The engine clicked softly as it cooled. Lily opened her door, but his voice stopped her.

"I don’t like unnecessary distractions."

She turned to him. "What does that mean?"

He met her eyes. "Nothing."

But the way he said it made her wonder if it meant everything.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Meetings, reports, a surprise call from a journalist, and then, finally, evening came. The sun dipped below the skyline, painting the walls with orange light.

Ross appeared beside her desk again. "Clara’s gone. You want to get dinner?"

Lily hesitated. "I'm a little tired. Rain check?"

"Second one today," he teased, but didn’t push. "Okay. Rest up."

She packed up slowly, her eyes drifting toward William's cabin. The blinds were half-drawn. A soft light spilled out, but his silhouette was still.

She thought about their drive. About his words. About the way he always looked like he was hiding something just under the surface.

She shook her head. "Stop overthinking," she whispered to herself.

But it was too late.

Because something had already started.

Not loud. Not obvious.

But real.

And very, very quiet.