Aurora's footsteps echoed softly as she walked down the office corridor. She clutched an empty folder that was no longer needed, but it served as her excuse to appear busy. Her heart was racing, not because of work pressure but because of the scene she had just witnessed.
Rafael and Valery.Those two names swirled in her mind like an unstoppable whirlpool. Aurora knew Valery was part of Rafael's past, someone who had once filled the space in his heart before her. But earlier, they didn't look like a former couple still harboring wounds. There was no warmth or tension like the first meeting she had witnessed before.Aurora took a deep breath, trying to push the thoughts away, as her feet turned at the end of the corridor toward her office. But her steps halted suddenly when she saw a man leaning against the wall at the corner of the turn.Kevin.The man crossed his arms and smiled broadly, as if he had been waiting for her on purpose."Ah, finally I can greeAfter nearly an hour, Kevin closed his equipment and said, "Done. We can go back to the car and rest for a bit before heading to the second location."Aurora nodded slightly. "Alright. Thanks for explaining everything."Kevin looked at her with a brief smile. "No problem. You worked hard today too, even though you just intended to accompany me."Aurora gave a small smile, then walked back toward the car with Kevin.After placing the measuring tools back into the trunk, Kevin glanced at his watch and then turned to Aurora, who was busy checking her notes."Shall we head to the second location now?" Aurora asked, looking at him calmly.Kevin gave a short nod. "Yes, but... how about we have lunch first? It'd be good before we hit the road again."Aurora immediately shook her head. "No need, I already ate this morning."Kevin smiled, half convinced. "Are you sure? What time did you have breakfast?"Aurora g
The morning meeting was held in the main conference room on the seventh floor. Executives from Rafael's company and Elmore Group sat around the large table, discussing the agenda for their joint project, which was currently in the site survey stage.Aurora walked in quietly, carrying a tray of drinks. Her polite smile swept across the room as she placed cups of coffee and tea in front of the meeting participants. As she reached Kevin, Valery glanced sharply at her and suddenly spoke up loudly."Hmm... Aurora, I heard you were in the same major as Kevin back in college, right?" Valery asked casually, though her tone carried an underlying intent.Aurora paused, not expecting to be brought up in the middle of a meeting. All eyes turned to her, even Rafael looked up."Yes... we were in the same major," Aurora replied cautiously, trying to maintain a polite smile.Valery smirked slightly. "Wow, then you two must be a perfect match to do the si
Aurora smiled as Kevin handed her phone back."Thank you, Kevin. I didn't even realize I left my phone in your car." Aurora said as she took the device from his hand.Kevin leaned against the car door and looked at Aurora gently."You've got too much on your mind, Aurora. To the point that you forgot something as important as your phone. Is everything okay?"Aurora took a deep breath, trying to hide the turmoil behind her calm face."Yes, just a little tired."Kevin nodded slowly, but he didn't look convinced. His eyes studied Aurora's expression carefully, as if trying to read deeper than the words she was saying."In that case, let me drive you to the office. It's nearly lunchtime anyway. I could use a bit of fresh air too, it's good for the mind," he offered lightly.But Aurora quickly shook her head with a faint smile."Thank you, Kevin. But I can take a taxi. Besides, you've already gone out of your way for me.""It's no trouble, Aurora. I'm happy to help.""Even so, I feel more
That morning at Elmore's office, the meeting room began to empty after the marketing division's weekly meeting ended. A few staff members exited one by one, carrying folders and notes, chatting lightly about the next campaign plan. At the end of the table, Kevin was still seated, eyes fixed on his still-on laptop. He appeared deeply focused, checking something seriously.Not long after, Valery stood from her chair and approached Kevin. Her steps were slow, but her gaze was full of curiosity."You looked very busy last night, Kevin," Valery said casually, though her tone carried a certain implication. "Did you have fun with Aurora?"Kevin paused his activity for a moment, slowly closed his laptop, and looked at Valery with a cold stare."I don't feel the need to discuss my personal matters at the office."Valery leaned against the table casually, looking at Kevin with a tilted smile."You know, I could help you get Aurora if you want. Besides... we both know I
Aurora snuggled closer to Rafael, grabbing his hand and swinging it playfully. "But this time, I really mean it. I don't want you to be mad."Rafael still tried to maintain his sulky expression, but it was clear the corners of his lips began to move, suppressing a smile that was about to appear."Have you eaten?" Aurora asked gently, trying to shift the mood."No," Rafael replied shortly. "Because I was busy looking for you and couldn't focus on work since I kept thinking about someone who didn't come home."Aurora let out a small laugh, then pulled Rafael to sit in a chair. She walked to the kitchen and grabbed the chocolate milk she had bought earlier, then handed it to him with a smile."I know you don't really like sweet milk, but this one's good. And... I also bought a keychain," she said while taking out the white cat keychain and handing it to him.Rafael chuckled. "What is this? A grumpy cat?""Just like you when you're mad," Aurora teased.Ra
Kevin's car moved slowly along the increasingly quiet city streets. Inside the car, silence hung in the air. Aurora just stared out the window, her mind still tangled with many thoughts. About her father. About the dinner earlier. And especially about Rafael.Kevin glanced at her briefly. "Are you sure you want to get off here?" he asked as the car approached a quiet nearby bus stop.Aurora quickly nodded. "Yes, right here. Thank you for the ride."Kevin slowly braked and stopped the car at the side of the road. But before Aurora could open the door, Kevin spoke again, "I can take you all the way home, Aurora. It's no trouble."Aurora turned to him with a small smile, though there was hidden nervousness in her gaze. "No need, Kevin. I have to stop by the convenience store first. There are a few things I need to buy."Kevin raised an eyebrow. "At this hour? The convenience store?"Aurora nodded quickly. "Yes... I need some stuff, and I