Elena's POV
The knock came exactly when I expected it.
Firm. Controlled. Careful.
I didn't answer right away.
I stood by the window, the tablet resting against my palm, my eyes fixed on the city below. The glass reflected my silhouette back at me. Composed. Unbothered. Untouched by yesterday. That was the image I allowed the office to see.
Still, the sound of her knock settled deeper than it should have.
Once.
No hesitation. No apology hidden in it. Just professionalism sharpened by nerves.
I turned slowly, set the tablet down, and adjusted the papers on my desk even though they were already perfectly aligned. A habit. A delay. A reminder that I was still in control of this room. Of myself.
"Come in," I said.
The door opened quietly.
Ayla stepped inside, the file held close to her chest, posture straight, chin lifted. She looked exactly as she always did at work. Polished. Capable. Focused.
And yet, not at all the same.
