The Monday after the picnic, the office buzzed with renewed energy. Colleagues chatted about the barbecue, the races, and the laughter they shared. Elena walked in with a smile, carrying her files, feeling lighter than she had in weeks.
Adrian Chen, still in his disguise as her assistant, greeted her with a polite nod. "Good morning, Miss Li. Here are today's schedules."
She blinked, surprised by his tone. He wasn't hovering, wasn't fussing over her tea or her bag. He simply handed her the neatly arranged documents and stepped back.
"Thank you," she said, a little uncertain.
Adrian smiled faintly. "If you need anything, I'll be nearby."
Throughout the day, Adrian kept his distance. He delivered files, answered questions, and handled tasks with quiet efficiency, but he no longer hovered at her desk or anticipated her every move. Elena noticed the change.
At lunch, she found herself glancing around, half expecting him to appear with a tray or a drink. But Adrian stayed at his own table, chatting casually with other colleagues.
She frowned slightly, confused. He's different today. Less… attentive.
Marcus Wu, meanwhile, was relieved. He whispered to Adrian in the hallway, "Sir, this is good. If you keep spoiling her, she'll get suspicious or scared. Now you look like a normal assistant."
Adrian nodded calmly. "I know. She needs space. If I'm too close, she'll feel pressured."
Marcus sighed, clutching his chest dramatically. "Finally, some sanity. But I still can't believe you cooked barbecue for interns. Do you know how many times you practiced grilling in secret? A dozen! I watched you muttering about sauce ratios at midnight like a chef in training. And now you're pretending it was nothing."
Adrian chuckled softly. "It was worth it. They enjoyed it."
Marcus groaned. "You're going to kill me with stress."
Later that afternoon, Elena struggled with a report. She hesitated, then walked over to Adrian's desk. "Could you help me with this section? I'm not sure how to format the expense breakdown."
Adrian looked up, his expression calm. "Of course." He explained the layout clearly, then handed the report back. "Try it this way."
Elena smiled. "Thank you. That helps."
Adrian nodded politely. "Anytime."
She walked back to her desk, feeling oddly unsettled. He's helpful, but… distant. Why does that bother me?
By evening, the office quieted. Elena gathered her things, expecting Adrian to walk her out as he had before. But he simply waved. "Good night, Miss Li. Get home safely."
She paused, surprised. "You're not leaving yet?"
He shook his head. "I have a few more files to finish."
She nodded slowly, then left, her thoughts swirling. He's changed. He's careful now. Maybe… he doesn't want me to feel uncomfortable.
Marcus approached Adrian once Elena was gone. "Sir, she noticed. She looked confused."
Adrian leaned back in his chair, his voice steady. "That's fine. Confusion is better than fear. If I'm too attentive, she'll think something's wrong. If I'm careful, she'll feel safe."
Marcus groaned. "Safe for her, maybe. For me, it's still a nightmare. Every time you adjust your disguise, I feel like I'm juggling knives."
Adrian chuckled softly. "You're doing well, Marcus. Keep it up."
That night, Elena sat at home, sipping tea. She thought about the picnic, the barbecue, the laughter they shared. She remembered Adrian brushing clay from her cheek, catching her when she stumbled, cooking food that tasted far too good for an "assistant."
And then she thought about today—his polite distance, his careful restraint.
That night, Elena walked home along the quiet road, her bag heavy on her shoulder. The streetlights flickered, and the evening breeze brushed against her face. She sighed, thinking about the day, about Adrian's sudden restraint.
A sleek car slowed beside her. The window rolled down, and Adrian's voice called gently, "Miss Li. It's late. Let me take you home."
She blinked, startled. "You again?"
He smiled faintly. "I finished my work. I saw you walking alone. It's safer if I drive you."
She hesitated, then nodded. "Alright."
He stepped out, opened the door for her, and helped her inside. The car smelled faintly of leather and cedar, comfortable and warm. As they drove, Elena glanced at him. "You've been different today. Less… attentive."
Adrian kept his eyes on the road, his tone calm. "I don't want you to feel pressured. Assistants should help, not overwhelm."
Her lips curved into a small smile. "You're strange."
He chuckled softly. "Maybe. But I'll keep being strange if it means you feel safe."
The car glided through the quiet streets, carrying them toward her home. For Elena, it was just a ride. For Adrian, it was another step in keeping his promise. And for Marcus, somewhere in the background, it was another day of sheer terror.