A month passed in the blink of an eye. My dad pulled a few strings and got me a placement at Valor Group. I was supposed to join the company the next day.
I was standing by the window when Lily came in and told me I had received a parcel.
There was no name on it.
I opened the letter inside.
"Amidst the chaos of life, a surprise awaits."
I frowned, unable to decipher its meaning. I understood the words, but not the message behind them.
I slid the letter back into the drawer and closed it. Now wasn't the time to be curious about random things. All I had to do was be good at my job.
The morning arrived with new hopes and a lot of nervousness.
I got ready for work, trying my best to look poised and professional. As I entered the company, my eyes scanned the tall buildings and the rushed life around them.
I took a deep breath and read the name aloud. Valor Group.
"Let's see what new chapters of my life you hold."
I stepped into the office where my dad and Uncle Valor were talking. I greeted them and took a seat.
My dad spoke first. "Elina is going to be the future heir of Mezani Capital and one of the stakeholders of Valor Group in the near future, but—"
He paused and looked at me. "I want her to earn it."
Then, turning back to Uncle Valor, he added, "I trust her capabilities, and I'm proud of what she has to offer to Valor Group."
Uncle Valor interrupted, "Let's cut the formalities. She's our kid too, just like Noah and Adam."
I smiled.
My dad chuckled. "Then she's your responsibility now."
"Of course," Uncle Valor replied with a small laugh.
"One more thing," he added. "Both of my sons have joined the office as well. Noah as the Director of Corporate Relationships, and Adam…" He paused.
"…as the Senior Executive."
He looked at me. "Elina will be working under their guidance—mainly Adam."
I gave a short smile that looked almost forced. I was definitely nervous—mainly at the thought of Adam.
I knew nothing about him.
The executive assistant showed me around, and I tried to memorise the structure of the office as much as possible.
He received a call while explaining the office timings and workflow.
"Yes, she's here. I was showing—" he paused, listening. "Okay, sir. I'll bring her to your office."
He ended the call and turned to me.
"Ma'am, Mr. Adam would like to meet you."
The closer I got to his office, the faster my heart began to race with each step.
I didn't know why the thought of meeting him made me so nervous.
Was it because of his intimidating first impression?
Or was I just overthinking?
The executive assistant knocked and gestured for me to enter.
I stepped inside, meeting Adam's sharp gaze, which only made my restlessness worse.
Once the two of us were alone, Adam gestured toward the chair. "Sit down. Please."
I took my seat, my eyes briefly wandering around his office before settling back on him. He was checking something on his laptop.
Without looking up, he casually pointed a finger.
"Ms. Elina, you'll be working with us as a management trainee."
I listened intently as he explained the role briefly and asked the few questions that came to mind.
"That's all," he said finally, looking straight into my eyes. I broke the eye contact almost immediately.
He chuckled. "You look like I'm going to eat you alive."
When I met his gaze again, he added, "Nervous?"
I smiled, realising how obvious it was, and answered honestly. "A little."
He stood up, walking around the desk before leaning against it, his hands tucked into his pockets.
"We might not know each other well," he said calmly, "but I'm a reliable person. As for you—"
Curiosity got the better of me. "Why did you call me a thief the other day?" I interrupted.
He leaned closer, meeting my eyes. "The keychain…" His gaze flicked to my handbag, and instinctively, I covered it with my hand, avoiding his eyes.
"You picked it up," he said softly. "Little thief."
The smirk on his lips almost made me want to argue back, but honestly, I didn't remember it clearly. I had been too young back then.
"I was quite young back then, so I don't remember," I said firmly.
"Oh," he played along, though the smirk on his lips never faded.
I shook my head. "I'm a reliable person too."
"Fine," he said easily, blinking once as if sealing a pact. "Then I'll be your secret keeper."
I left the office, my hand going to my chest as I tried to steady my nerves.
"Hey, troublemaker."
I turned my head as Noah jogged toward me. He was dressed in formals, his hair styled back, a contrast to the version of him I was used to.
"Did you get into some trouble?" he asked, glancing at my hand pressed to my chest.
I straightened up. "I have a saviour. What should I worry about?"
He laughed, realising I was teasing him with his own words from the other day.
Noah and I got along well, helping each other at work the same way we used to back in college.
Soon, we became familiar with our roles and the company's expectations.
I won't lie, I made mistakes. A lot of them at first. But I was trying. Still learning.
One evening, I packed my things and headed toward the elevator. Just as the doors were about to close, someone slipped a foot in, stopping them.
Adam. Of course.
He walked in with the same nonchalant expression I had grown used to seeing while reporting to him daily. I forced a formal smile. He returned it just as formally—brief, restrained.
He stood beside me in silence, his foot tapping lightly against the floor until we reached my level.
The doors slid open. I stepped out without a word.
By the time I got home, the quiet followed me. I lay down with the chaos of the daily routine running through my head, but the loudest thought was Adam.
He was someone I knew yet didn't know at all. Calm. Too calm.
As if he had no fear…
or any expectations from life.
Saturday arrived, and I went to the library, wandering through the new collections. I picked up a few books, but my mind wasn't ready to absorb anything unfamiliar.
Eventually, I returned to my comfort read.
My fingers traced along the shelves as I searched for it. I pulled my hand back when I didn't find it in its usual spot, letting my arms fall to my sides as I took one last look.
Just as I was about to walk away, my gaze lifted to the upper shelf and there it was.
I climbed onto the wooden ladder, stretching to reach the book.
The moment I pulled it free, I heard the familiar tapping of shoes against the floor.
My gaze drifted downward without thinking. Adam.
His familiar scent reached me, and my grip faltered slightly. I took a few careful steps down, avoiding his direct gaze and focusing only on my footing.
"Watch out," he said when I was halfway down.
My mind took it as a warning. Panic flared. My leg trembled as I took the next step, and the ladder shifted beneath me.
Before I could lose my balance completely, Adam grabbed the ladder on both sides, trapping me between his arms.
My back hit his chest.
My breath caught, and I blinked twice to compose myself.
"Are you alright?" His deep voice vibrated against my back, sending a shiver down my spine.
I stayed frozen. He gently took the book from my hand and helped me step down properly.
"I'm okay," I said softly, steadying myself.
I returned to my usual table as he handed me the book. I tried to ignore his presence and focus on the pages, while he moved around the shelves nearby, browsing casually.
My eyes kept lifting from the page every few seconds, betraying my focus. He picked up a few books and moved toward the counter, his fine leather shoes making no sound against the carpeted floor.
He placed a few economical editions on the desk and waited, unhurried, while the librarian processed them.
Something restless stirred in me.
I stood up, gathered my things, and moved forward, lining up behind him before I could hesitate.
He checked out and turned casually, nearly bumping into me. For a brief second, we stood too close. Then he stepped aside, gesturing for me to go ahead with a polite nod, and walked away without a word.
I checked out faster than necessary and followed after him.
Only then did I realise it.
I wasn't in a hurry.
I was looking for an excuse to speak to him.
He slowed slightly, glancing over his shoulder.
Maybe he heard my footsteps behind him, but he didn't stop.
"Adam," I called, falling into step beside him.
He paused then, turning to look at me properly.
"Are you always this nervous?" he asked, a faint smirk touching his lips. "Or is it just around me?"
He leaned down slightly, bringing himself to my height. Not close enough to touch, but close enough that I had to look up.
My breath hitched.
Why would he say that?
Was it really that obvious?
Before I could spiral further, he added, almost amused, "Relax. I'm kidding."
I looked away, pretending to study my surroundings, trying not to look awkward.
When I looked back at him, he was still watching me, as if his focus hadn't broken even for a second.
He straightened, his gaze softened as I blinked, unsettled.
"Allow me to drive you home," he asked, his deep voice softened into something husky, almost gentle.
I hesitated for half a second before nodding.
We reached his car. He opened the door for me, and once I got in, he walked around and took the driver's seat.
"Buckle up," he said casually before starting the engine.
I fastened my seatbelt and rolled the window down slightly. For a moment, I just sat there, watching people pass by in silence.
As he drove, the city came alive with its usual evening bustle—couples holding hands, families out for a stroll, friends laughing together.
He noticed my gaze lingering outside and spoke lightly,
"You seem quite interested in people for someone who prefers fiction."
For a second, I couldn't think of a reply.
"Huh?" I said, just looking at him.
"You look like you're reading them," he said, eyes still on the road. "People, I mean."
"I like observing," I replied. "People are stories too."
After a moment, I added with a small smile, "After all, fiction is just a reflection of how people wish they could live."
Adam scoffed softly, a soft chuckle escaping him, but he didn't respond.
I realised he might not be interested in things like this, so I added lightly, "We all have something we're obsessed with. It just looks strange to others sometimes."
He glanced at me, a smirk tugging at his lips, his gaze lingering on my face. I lifted a brow slightly.
"Unless... you're saying there's nothing you're indulged in?"
"Of course there is," he said calmly. "But right now…"
His eyes returned to the road.
"I'm indulged in the thought of you."
My heart skipped, and before I could stop myself, the words slipped out, "Like what?"
He merged into the faster lane, the city lights blurring past as the car picked up speed.
"Like...," he said evenly, "what kind of life you wish to live."
I didn't understand the feeling rising in me, but I smiled anyway.
"Me too," I said softly. "I'm eager to know… too."
Adam slowed slightly, his gaze shifting toward me. For a moment, our eyes held. Longer than necessary. Long enough to make me aware of it.
The soft wind ruffled his hair, pushing a few strands onto his forehead.
I found myself studying him closely, every small change in his expression, trying to read the thoughts behind his calm. But I couldn't.
He broke the silence.
"I'm just an ordinary person," he said patiently, "well invested in life."
I nodded, then added just as softly, "And I just wish to live a normal life… one led by trust, affection, and happiness."