Chapter Seven

Monday came faster and the interview went smooth. Suspiciously smooth. She was barely asked any tough questions, and the contract was waiting for her like it had been printed before she arrived.

There was even talk of accommodation and it all felt too good to be true. Still, like Lina said, maybe it was finally her turn to be happy and her dream really had come true.

Stepping out of the building, she strode out gently then out of nowhere, a sleek black car rolled up in front of her and parked. Before she could react, the window rolled down, and her stomach dropped.

Jairo.

“Hey,” he greeted, grinning.

His presence was so unexpected. He leaned over and opened the passenger door, making Kara stared at it. He wasn't asking. He was telling her to come in.

She stood still for a few seconds unsure. Maybe out of courtesy, her legs moved before her brain could protest.

“Hey.” She returned, sliding into the passenger seat. Jairo didn’t reply and just stared at her.

His eyes drank in every detail of her face. She was so close now, and the weight in his chest felt unbearable. She didn’t know it, but just being near her made it hard for him to breathe. Only he knew how much he held himself and not pull her to him.

Kara shifted in her seat, uncomfortable under the heat of his gaze. When she turned to look at him, she caught the expected intense adoration and aching in his eyes. She quickly looked away, sighing to break the silence.

That finally pulled him out of his trance.

“How was the interview?” he asked, starting the engine.

“It went well. I got the job.” she replied, keeping her eyes on the windshield. He nodded slightly. They drove in silence for a moment, but when he took a right turn, Kara frowned.

“It’s left to get to my place.” she said, turning to him. He didn’t slow down.

“We’re not going to your place. I want to show you something.” his tone was calm.

Kara sat still, her suspicion creeping in. “Is this about Emilia?”

He glanced at her surprised,then gave a short nod, feeling a rush of warmth inside. She was catching on fast. Showing up unplanned was already stirring something in her. He was glad that his plan was working. Donald was just overthinking things.

Kara, on the other hand, let out a sharp breath, heavy with disappointment.

“Please… pull over.” Her voice was quiet, gripping her bag tightly. Jairo snapped his head to her.

She closed her eyes and exhaled, trying to keep it together.

“Please,” she said again, firmer this time.

He didn’t argue. He eased the car to the side of the road and stopped. He doesn't want to upset her.

“What’s wrong?” His voice was soft that it made something twisted in her chest.

She turned to him.

“I’m not her,” she said, each word heavy. “I can’t pretend to be someone I’m not. I don’t want to mess with your feelings or let you believe something that isn’t true. I hate how this feels, like I’m… using you. You showing up like this… it’s confusing. Honestly, it scares me. And as much as I wanted this job, if it’s only because you think I’m someone else, I-I can’t do it.”

Her voice wavered at the end, emotion slipping through the cracks.

Jairo didn’t speak right away. The fact that she didn’t even feel safe around him hurts. He forced a small smile.

“I’ll take you home then.”

Kara swallowed hard, guilt punching her in the stomach. He was being so… gentle. The rest of the ride passed in an uncomfortable silence.

When they reached her place, she reached for the door handle… but paused.

She turned to him again.

“Do you… want to come in for a bit?” she asked hesitantly. “My roommate’s at work. She won’t be back until evening.”

It was a peace offering.