David's POV
Andrea's voice sliced through the hallway, and Mara froze beside me. I didn't even get to finish my apology before she pulled her arm away and walked back into her department without looking back.
I swallowed hard.
Andrea stood a few steps away, arms folded, eyes narrowed like she had caught me committing a crime.
"David." Her tone was soft, but the frown didn't match it. "We need to talk."
I exhaled, knowing there was no escaping her. "Let's go to my office."
She followed behind me, heels tapping sharply on the floor. The moment we stepped inside, she closed the door and turned to me, tension radiating off her.
"What were you doing with Mara?" she demanded.
I dropped my keys on the desk. "Andrea…"
"You were holding her." Her voice rose. "What was the discussion about? Why is she trying to be close to you again?"
"She's not." My voice came out quieter than I intended. "That's not what it looked like."
She moved closer, her perfume surrounding me. "Trust me, I know that girl better than you do. She's always desperate for attention, unstable, manipulative."
My jaw tightened, but I kept quiet.
She stepped around my chair and set a lunch bag on the desk. "Anyway, I brought you food. You barely eat when you're working."
"Thanks," I muttered.
"And!" She brightened suddenly. "I picked your outfit for the company anniversary. You'll look perfect. I already told the designer to bring it by the weekend. I can't wait to see you in it, we're going to look so good together."
She placed a hand on my chest, eyes shining with excitement.
I forced a polite nod. "Right."
Her phone buzzed. She glanced down. "It's my mom. I have to go."
Before I could step back or speak, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my lips.
"Bye, baby," she whispered.
I didn't kiss her back.
When the door finally closed, I sat heavily in my chair.
Silence wrapped around me, heavy and suffocating.
And immediately, my mind drifted to Mara.
Her eyes avoiding mine.
Her skin cold under my fingers when I tried to pull her back.
Her refusing to talk things out with me.
I dragged a hand down my face. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get her out of my head.
A sudden vibration on my desk snapped me out of it.
A call.
I sat upright instantly and answered. "Father… it's been a while."
It was Mara's dad.
Just hearing his voice settled something in me, until he told me he had been hospitalized.
I didn't waste a second. I grabbed my keys and left.
At the hospital, I hurried into the ward.
Mara's father was sitting up, smiling faintly when he saw me.
I let out a breath of relief. "You scared me. How are you doing now?"
"I feel much better," he said. "My test results are out. In a few days, I'll be discharged. I didn't want to bother you."
"You're not bothering me." I moved closer, sitting at the edge of the bed. "You know you can call me anytime."
He gave a tired smile. "You've always been good to me, David. Better than I probably deserved."
I shook my head. "Don't say that."
There was a stretch of silence before I asked, "Does she know you're here?"
His smile faded. He looked away, eyes fixed on the window. "No."
My chest tightened. "Do you want her to know? I can tell her—"
"Not a word to her," he cut in quickly. "I don't want to be a burden to her. Besides, it's nothing serious. A few days and I'll be discharged"
There was nothing I could say.
After half an hour, I stood to leave. As I stepped outside the ward, Clara appeared in the corridor, scrolling through her phone.
She looked up suddenly, startled. "Oh. David."
"Clara."
"Um… it's been a while. Are you sick or something?" she asked, dragging her words a little.
"I…" I stammered. I couldn't tell her Mara's father was hospitalized, she'd inform Mara immediately. "Yes, but I'll be fine."
silence hung between us.
"I have to go," I said.
"Right." She nodded and kept walking.
I stepped out of the hospital into the evening light. The air was cooler, softer. I walked slowly toward my car, passing familiar streets.
The Dutch's café—where Mara and I had our first little date.
Her laughing with her head thrown back at the rooftop lounge.
Her dragging me through a mall to try perfumes, holding my hand like she'd never let go.
God, I missed her so much.
A weight pressed against my chest.
All those moments… gone.
Then my mind shifted, to Elias kissing her.
The way she didn't push him off until she heard someone entering.
My fists clenched hard.
Does he also have feelings for her?
I exhaled sharply, trying to clear my head.
I reached my car and grabbed the door handle when someone across the street caught my eye.
At the outdoor restaurant—
Camille.
Andrea's mother.
But she wasn't alone.
She sat with a man I didn't recognize—leaning close, smiling in a way that wasn't meant for friendship.
I narrowed my eyes, watching silently from my spot.
Now that… that is interesting.