Elena woke to the soft chime of her phone.
For a second, she thought it was the alarm she'd already snoozed twice — until her mother's name flashed across the screen.
"Mom?" she croaked, still half-asleep.
"Oh, sweetheart!" Her mother's voice was bright, too alive for 7 a.m. "Did I wake you?"
"Kind of." Elena smiled despite herself. "You sound… excited."
"I am! Your father and I finally closed the deal — a big one. We're expanding Hamilton & Co. into Asia."
Elena sat up, the sleepiness fading. "Wait, seriously? That's huge!"
Her mother laughed, the sound warm and familiar. "It is! The Browns and The Otters loved the proposal. We'll branch out to Asia.
We'll be distributing their exclusive furniture line along with other usual businesses that we deal with, across Singapore, Japan, and Dubai.
Your father's thrilled.
I think this might be the breakthrough we needed. Our hard, relentless work paid off finally."
That's amazing, Mom." She meant it. This deal was exactly what her parents had been chasing for years — more exposure, more growth, a new chapter for Hamilton & Co.
Her mother sighed softly. "I only wish we could come home sooner. We'll try to be back by your birthday, but there's still so much to set up here."
"And Nick promised he'll come home for your birthday. You'll have company." She added.
"Yeah, that'll be nice."
"Alright, my love. Take care of yourself, okay? Don't skip meals, and… just be careful with people."
And there it is, her untrusting – judgy self.
"People?" Elena frowned.
Her mother chuckled. "You're too trusting, Elena. It's a beautiful quality — but not everyone deserves it."
The words lingered long after the call ended.
Do I really trust people too quickly?
And what people was she referring to?
—
As she set her phone down, a notification blinked from earlier.
A message from Nathan. Sent at 4:07 a.m.
> Duty calls. Didn't want to wake you. Eat something before class, sleepyhead.
A small smile tugged at her lips before she could stop it.
He was thoughtful in ways she didn't expect.
She typed, Thanks. Hope work goes well, but paused before hitting send.
Why did texting him always feel like stepping into a conversation she wasn't ready for?
She sent it anyway and sighed.
—
Adrian was already waiting by the main gate, leaning against his car like he had nowhere else to be.
"Good morning, sunshine," he greeted, holding out her coffee — black, no sugar, just the way she liked it.
"You remembered," she said, surprised.
"Of course. I only have one job now — making sure you don't forget to function."
She rolled her eyes. "You make it sound like I'm helpless."
He grinned. "You? Never. But if you ever plan to stop wearing those hoodies, I might actually recognize you from a distance."
"Funny," she said dryly.
"I'm serious," he teased. "It's like your personal invisibility cloak."
Elena couldn't help but laugh. "Keep pressing it, and maybe I'll get you one too."
"Please don't. I have a reputation to protect."
By the time they reached campus, the air between them felt easy again — back to familiar warmth, back to how it used to be.
Isla joined them at the library, their laughter filling the quiet corners between books and laptops.
—
They were halfway through the project draft when Elena's phone buzzed.
Nathan.
> Can I pick you up after class? Need to show you something.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard.
> I can't, I have a project due, she typed and hit send.
She watched the dots appear — and then another message popped up almost instantly.
> Then let me help you with the project. You help me with something I need your help with, deal?
She exhaled softly.
Polite. Perfectly phrased. Impossible to refuse.
What does he need my help with?
Her stomach fluttered, though she wasn't sure if it was excitement or unease.
—
When classes ended, Adrian slung his backpack over one shoulder.
"Ready?" he asked.
She hesitated. "Actually… Nathan's picking me up."
His expression flickered. "Oh?"
"He said he needs to show me something. It's probably work-related." She adds quickly to explain.
Adrian's smile was small, careful. "Work-related. Right." He tried for humor. "Is it a date then?"
"What? No, it's not like that."
He nodded, but the spark in his eyes had dimmed. "Relax, I'm joking. You're allowed to have a life outside our library bubble."
Just then, her phone buzzed again.
> Be there in five. Don't make me wait, sweetheart.
Sweetheart?
When did we get to pet name basis?
Adrian caught the slight shift in her face — the flicker of nervousness she tried to hide.
"You okay?" he asked.
She forced a quick nod. "Yeah. Just… I should pack up."
He watched her gather her things, the air between them heavy with things unsaid.
When she turned to leave, he called softly, "Elena?"
She looked back.
"Text me when you get home, okay?"
She sensed the worry in his voice.
She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I will. And I'll be fine Dree, don't worry"
—
Elena spotted the familiar car before she saw him.
The black convertible gleamed under the afternoon sun, parked just outside the campus gates — sleek, loud, impossible to ignore.
So were the looks.
A few students turned their heads, whispering as she walked past. Someone even nudged their friend, smirking.
Her face warmed immediately.
Nathan leaned casually against the driver's door, sunglasses in place, phone in hand — the picture of easy confidence. When his eyes met hers, his smile stretched slow and knowing.
"Right on time," he said, sliding his phone into his pocket. "I like that about you."
"I was busy with the project ," she replied quietly, glancing around at the stares.
He opened the passenger door for her with a little bow. "Then I'm honored you made it in your busy schedule."
Chivalry isn't dead yet.
She tried to laugh, though her cheeks still burned as she slid into the seat. The soft leather, the faint smell of his cologne — everything felt too sharp, too close.
"People are staring," she muttered.
"They're jealous," he said easily, putting the car in gear. "Ignore them."
She turned her face to the window, hoping the wind could cool her embarrassment.
After a few minutes, she asked, "Where are we going?"
He smirked without looking away from the road. "It's a surprise."
Her stomach fluttered. "That's not an answer."
"It's the only one you're getting, princess."
The nickname made her heart skip. She turned back to the passing view — quiet streets turning into upscale roads lined with tall buildings.
Finally, the car slowed before a tall glass tower. The sign outside read: The Sterling Heights.
She frowned slightly. "The Sterling Heights?" She read aloud. "What are we doing here?"
Her heart pounded loudly.
Why has he taken her here?
"You'll see," he said, stepping out and circling to open her door. "Come on."
Her heart raced as she got out.
Why here? Her mind screamed.
As if reading her thoughts, Nathan chuckled. "Relax, princess. I just want to show you something."
He guided her through the marble lobby — modern, quiet, with soft jazz playing somewhere in the background.
When they stepped into the elevator, he pressed the button for the Penthouse.
The doors slid shut.
The small space seemed to shrink as the elevator began to rise. She could feel the warmth of him beside her, his scent threading the air — clean and expensive, a little too close.
Her fingers brushed her bag strap, holding on tighter.
When the elevator stopped with a soft chime, Nathan turned toward her and held out his hand.
She hesitated nervously.
He raised a brow, the corner of his mouth tugging upward. "Don't make me stand here like an idiot."
Before she could decide, he took her hand himself, fingers slipping through hers, warm and sure.
Her heart stumbled.
He brought her knuckles up and pressed a small kiss to the back of her hand — soft, deliberate, leaving her breath caught halfway.
"Better," he murmured, then led her out.
They stopped before a large wooden door with a gold nameplate that read:
THE BROWN.
He took out a keycard, swiped it, and the lock clicked.
Still holding her hand, he pushed the door open and guided her inside.
The penthouse was vast. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out across the city, bouncing off marble floors and pale-gray furniture. A glass staircase curved upward like a sculpture. Everything smelled faintly of new wood and luxury — sleek, quiet, expensive.
Nathan walked beside her, describing details as if rehearsed. "Bought it as an investment," he said casually. "But I'll be living here while I'm in the UK."
Elena turned slowly, taking it all in. The place felt unreal — like something out of a magazine spread.
Magnificent!
He stopped before another door and pushed it open. "My room."
She hesitated, feeling uncomfortable to go into his room.
Nathan's room!
"Come on," he said lightly. "Take a look. Tell me what you think."
She stepped inside, the air cooler here. The room was elegant and masculine — dark wood, muted lighting, silver fixtures that gleamed.
"It's… beautiful," she admitted. "Matches your aura."
"My aura?"
"Quiet. Compelling. Authoritative. Gorgeous." Her thoughts came out loud.
You could have kept it to yourself, couldn't you? She scolded herself.
His soft laugh came behind her. "I'll take that as a compliment."
She crossed to the wide window that opened onto a balcony. From there, the city stretched endlessly, lights flickering like a thousand distant stars.
For a moment, she simply stared — lost in the glow.
Behind her, the air shifted. Nathan's voice was closer now, low and even.
"You see? It's different up here. Feels like the city's at your feet."
Elena didn't answer. Still bedazzled by the picturesque view outside.
This is all so perfect.
She was lost in view until she felt two hands touching by her waist, closing in.
Nathan rested his chin on her shoulder, holding her waist from behind.
She jumped, startled by his advances.
He pressed his hands, as if he was reassuring her, comforting her.
She could see his face from the corner of her eyes, looking straight into the view.
Her heart raced and she shivered by his closeness.
"You smell like something I could get addicted to." He murmured so close to her ear.
She knew she should step away, but her body refused to move.
They stand there, silently watching the outside room. The quiet felt unnerving but some part of her enjoyed the closeness and the warmth he was offering.
He stepped back slightly, then gently turned her to face him.
When she didn't look up, he tilted her chin up with a finger.
She closed her eyes, too scared to look at him.
"If you kept your eyes closed like this, I might kiss you!" He said, his voice was low and rough with emotion.
She fluttered her eyes open instantly. He was so close to her. Her heart skipped a beat.
Breathe, Elena. Her mind told her as she didn't realise she wasn't breathing.
She melted under the heat of his gaze.
His eyes burned into hers, and she felt herself unravel.
"Elena," he whispered, his words rasped, thick with longing. "How long will you take to decide what you want?"
How long for what? He couldn't think when they were like this. Her mind refused to work.
He waited for an answer but it didn't come.
He could see her eyes dilating. His thumb brushed her lips, waiting for an answer a hint of what she wants.
The moment felt still, just them. No thoughts, no worries, just need.
She closed her eyes again.
Only thought flashes her mind ;
If she stepped away now, she'd still be safe, still herself. But some quiet part of her didn't want safe anymore.
He spoke again with need in his voice, "I have been dying to kiss your sweet lips." He said, his fingers brushing her jaw.
***
She couldn't think of what and how to reply to him.
He could see her eyes dilating. His thumb brushed her lips.
The moment felt still, just them. No thoughts, no worries, just need.
She closed her eyes again.
He drew her in gently, hands resting at her waist.
His lips brushed over hers – just a whisper of contact.
She felt the jolt of electricity his touch sent down her spine.
She shivered.
A groan slipped from his lips as he pressed his lips against hers. Such a sexy voice, her brain appreciated.
She placed her hands on the back of his neck for support. He then, parted his lips, his tongue touched her lower lip asking for entrance. As a reaction, she parted her lips a little. A noise left her lips as his tongue entered her mouth, exploring her.
She followed his lead, their mouths moving in perfect, slow rhythm. Her hands trembling, her body trembling under his touch.
It wasn't fear anymore. It was something messier — need, maybe, or the ache of wanting to be seen. She shivered.
The moment felt like an eternity when finally he pulled away a little, only to hug her.
She could hear his heart beating fast. It soothed her own heartbeat.
He broke the silence, "God, I could kiss you the whole night, my sweet."
He hugged her, feeling her body, her curves and maybe skipping of her heart beats too.
She rested in his arms, the warmth calming her nerves down. Her hands still around on the back of his neck.
She felt his body tightened. Something firm pressed against her, making her breath hitch.
She knew what it was.
Rings of alarm sounds went off in her ears.
She instantly pulled back. He groaned but let her go out of his arms.
Her eyes moved to the place where she could see the bulge was sticking out. Her eyes grew wide in shock.
He laughed at her innocence, "Now that you've seen what effect your body has on me, let's go in the hall before it's too late."
Her face was the deepest shade of red and she hurried outside to the main hall.
***
Rings of alarm sounds went off in her ears.
She instantly pulled back.
Her breath hitched — not from his touch, but from what she'd just allowed herself to feel.
Her face was the deepest shade of red, and she hurried out to the main hall.
The room felt cooler, quieter. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady her heartbeat.
A few moments later, Nathan walked in — calm, collected, as if nothing had happened.
What just happened between us a moment ago…
She brushed fingers on her lips. But quickly shoves them away.
He's right here you idiot!
He slid his hands into his pockets and stopped a few feet away.
"So," he said lightly, his voice smooth again, with mirth in his voice, "shall we get to the purpose of this meeting?"
Elena blinked, still trying to calm the heat on her cheeks. "Purpose?"
"I have a gala coming up," he said, tone casual but eyes steady on her. "And I need a partner to go with me."
Her breath caught. "A… partner?"
"Yes." His lips curved in a faint smile. "I'll help you finish your project on time, and you can return the favor by coming with me. Deal?"
She hesitated, eyes wide, still blushing, still unsure what to say.
A gala. With him.?
Another promise she didn't know how to read.
"Don't stand too shocked my dear, can't I ask you on a date?"
Her throat went dry. "A date?" she managed to whisper.
Nathan's smile deepened, slow and confident. "Call it whatever makes you say yes."
And just like that, Elena felt the ground shift beneath her — again.