Auren stands at the threshold, tall and graceful, like a finely crafted statue made with meticulous precision.
The light filtering through the doorway gently outlines her silhouette, accentuating the elegant lines of her body. Her long legs make her posture even more regal, and the subtle movement of her hair adds an almost mystical allure.
But what captivates the most are her eyes—large, deep, incredibly expressive. They seem to pull you into their abyss, hiding a thousand stories, a thousand emotions. Thick, long lashes cast shadows on her cheekbones, making her gaze even more mesmerizing. Those eyes alone can melt ice or, conversely, make someone feel vulnerable. There is something enigmatic within them—something impossible to decipher at first glance, yet irresistibly compelling to unravel.
Her face is like a masterfully painted portrait. Smooth, radiant skin with a subtle warm undertone resembles the petals of the most delicate flowers. A delicate nose, slightly upturned at the tip, adds a playful touch to her features, while her full, sensual lips seem made for whispered confessions and daring remarks. Their natural hue enhances her raw beauty, one that requires no embellishments. Every movement of her hands, fluid and confident, betrays an inner strength. She is a perfect balance of elegance and defiance, with a touch of untouchability that makes her all the more alluring and unforgettable.
As she steps inside the house, her grace does not go unnoticed. Her movements are light, almost like a dancer's, and her proud posture speaks of someone who will never allow herself to be broken. Even in this house, heavy with painful memories, she looks as if fate itself is guiding her forward.
She stands at the threshold, hesitating to cross it. The house before her—once familiar, once a place she thought of as hers—now feels like a collection of bitter memories. The silence in the corridor presses down on her, and childhood recollections flood back. Every detail of this house is familiar, yet now alien. Everything that happened here will remain in her memory forever, turning this place into something dark, filled with unspoken words. She listens to the quiet hum of life beyond the door, and with each passing second, her resolve weakens.
Her mother, who once served here, could not protect her, and for a long time, Auren could not understand why she endured such a fate. She had always felt out of place in this house, and now, years later, the weight of returning is almost suffocating. She hesitates for a second, as if trying to escape what awaits her. Every part of her resists taking that step.
Yet, as soon as she pushes the door open and steps inside, her eyes scan the familiar yet subtly changed rooms. Everything appears the same, but something in the air feels different. She finds herself uncertain of where to go once again, her gaze instinctively searching for her mother.
Then, her eyes stop on the living room.
He is there.
Sitting in the dimly lit room, in an armchair, with a laptop on his lap, engrossed in work. Auren narrows her eyes, trying to get a better look at him. He does not seem to have noticed her presence, but as if sensing her gaze, he lifts his head, and their eyes meet.
Auren's heart stutters. Memories of him rush in unexpectedly.
The boy from her past is gone.
Before her stands a man.
He's become so handsome.
Kael Dantes.
His black hair is neatly styled, with just enough carelessness to make him even more attractive. A few strands fall over his forehead, adding to the air of mystery surrounding him. His dark eyes—deep like an endless abyss—study her intently. Cold, yet perceptive. It feels as if he can see right through her, catching even the smallest change in her expression, every emotion she tries to hide.
Tall and well-built, his presence radiates strength and control. Broad shoulders, a toned physique—not just the result of good genetics, but of discipline and restraint. Even as he sits in a relaxed posture, he looks like someone who is always in control.
When he takes a step forward, stepping into the sunlight, his dark hair catches a faint warmth, and his eyes gleam as they assess her with an unreadable expression. There is no surprise in his gaze, no joy—only sharp attention, as if he is trying to remember her or understand why she is here.
That look—cold, yet irresistible.
"Did you get the wrong door?" he asks.
Auren involuntarily shivers at the sound of his voice.
Low. Calm. Velvety.
It rolls over her skin like a slow shiver, sinking deep inside and leaving behind an unfamiliar sensation.
She meets his gaze, keeping her composure, but something inside her shifts.
"I don't think so," she replies evenly, looking him straight in the eyes. "I'm here for a reason."
"Auren?"
Her mother's voice, filled with surprise, echoes from the corridor.
Auren smiles at the sight of her.
Kael, hearing the name, raises his brows slightly, now observing her with interest.
Auren shifts her gaze back to him, finding him watching her just as intently. Something new flickers in his eyes—faint surprise mixed with curiosity. Just moments ago, he looked at her like a stranger, but now his gaze seems to delve deeper, matching memories to the present.
"Mr. Kael, I'm sorry for interrupting," Auren's mother says, addressing him respectfully.
Kael fnally looks away—but not before his gaze lingers on Auren's face for a few more seconds.
"I didn't expect to see you here again," he says calmly.
Auren feels her fingers tremble slightly as her mother takes her hands.
"You've changed so much…" her mother's voice is hoarse, and Auren sees the way her lips tremble.
"It's been many years, Mom," Auren replies, her voice softer than she expected.
Kael stans nearby, watching their reunion with distant indifference.
"Are you back for good?" her mother asks cautiously.
Auren shakes her head.
"Not yet."
Her mother pauses for a moment, then suddenly says:
"Mr. Kael, you needed an assistant, didn't you? Auren could help you."
Auren immediately turns to her mother with a stunned look.
Kael studies her, his gaze narrowing slightly.
"I need a professional, not… a temporary replacement."
Auren narrows her eyes.
"You don't even know what I'm capable of."
Kael meets her gaze with a faint smirk.
"I doubt it."
Auren's lips curve into the barest hint of a smile.
As if she has already won the first round.
She presses her lips together, realizing that their conversation has already turned into some kind of game, where both try to assert dominance. She never intended to take this job, but now her pride is on the line.
Kael seems to be provoking her on purpose, and she does not like it one bit.
"You must think too highly of yourself if you believe I want to work for you," she says defiantly, crossing her arms.
Kael tilts his head slightly, watching her, the corner of his lips lifting ever so slightly.
"Why so defiant?" her mother sighs, though there is no true reprimand in her voice, only worry.
"Mom, why would you suggest that so suddenly?" Auren rolls her eyes. "I have no intention of working with him."
She glances briefly at Kael, who continues to appear fully focused on his laptop screen.
"And you're right," he replies coolly, not looking up. "You wouldn't suit me."
Auren's eyes narrow.
Irritation surges inside her once more.
***
The evening was slowly turning into night.
Auren sat at the kitchen table, a laptop open in front of her. From the kitchen came the gentle sounds of her mother cooking, filling the space with a cozy atmosphere.
Deep in her job search, Auren browsed through websites, sending her résumé to various companies. She was starting to lose hope of receiving quick responses, but she knew she couldn't stop.
Lines of job requirements flickered on the screen: experience in marketing, a strategic mindset, analytical skills… Her gaze caught on one particular listing.
The position seemed interesting. She began reading more carefully but suddenly noticed something odd:
"Secretarial experience required, strong communication skills."
"Hm…" Auren frowned. "Why would a marketing job require secretarial experience?"
It didn't make much sense. But she shrugged. The requirements weren't too specific, and the job looked promising. She sent her résumé.
"Mom, do you think I should even hope for these jobs?" Auren closed her laptop and rubbed her forehead tiredly. "I can't seem to find the right one."
"Don't worry," her mother replied gently as she continued cooking. "You'll find a job that suits you."
A few days passed.
Auren had already forgotten about that particular résumé as she went about her daily routine. But then, unexpectedly, her phone vibrated, notifying her of a new email.
Time was inexorably approaching night. The company building had already fallen silent, disturbed only by the occasional footsteps echoing through the corridors. The employees had long since left, leaving behind the dim glow of desk lamps and the faint scent of paper lingering in the air.
Auren was still seated at her desk, meticulously reviewing the revised documents. She scrutinized every number, every word—one small mistake could be too costly. After everything that had happened, she couldn't afford to show weakness.
The door to her office opened soundlessly, so she didn't immediately notice the presence of another. It wasn't until a white cardboard cup, filled with steaming coffee, was set down on the edge of her desk that Auren looked up.
— You've been working hard, — a familiar voice said.
Kael Dantes stood beside her, his dark eyes as unreadable as ever. There was no trace of warmth in his gaze, only a restrained statement of fact.
Auren blinked slowly, shifting her gaze from the drink to him.
— Is this for me?
— Who else? — he replied with a hint of amusement in his voice.
She studied him thoughtfully, but before she could respond, he added:
— Don't get the wrong idea. It's not out of kindness. I just want you to work even harder.
Auren let out a quiet scoff, crossing her arms over her chest.
— So you think I'm not working hard enough?
— You're holding up so far, — he admitted. — Let's see how long that lasts.
She didn't look away, as if challenging him.
— Are you sure you can keep up with my pace?
— The real question is, can you keep up with mine? — Kael raised an eyebrow slightly, watching her intently.
For a moment, the air between them tensed. Then, Auren picked up the cup and took a careful sip. The coffee was strong, slightly bitter, yet unexpectedly pleasant.
— We'll see, — she said calmly.
Kael tilted his head slightly but said nothing more. Turning on his heel, he walked toward the door with the same quiet confidence, leaving behind the faint trace of expensive cologne.
Auren watched him go before looking down at the cup in her hand again. A barely noticeable smile flickered at the corners of her lips before she returned to her work.
***
Auren was about to sigh in relief when her gaze unintentionally caught one of the lines in the document. She frowned as she scanned the numbers, then cross-checked with the previous reports. She held her breath a little longer than usual, realizing that she had found another mistake. While it wasn't critical, it could certainly affect future calculations.
Tightening her grip on the folder's edges, Auren resolutely stood up and headed to Kael's office.
When she reached the door, she stopped. Doubts crept into her mind for a moment: should she disturb him again? He was clearly not the type to patiently listen to corrections. Maybe she should just leave it for later?
She bit her lip, staring at the massive door. No. If a mistake had been found, it needed to be corrected right away. Taking a deep breath, Auren raised her hand and knocked firmly.
Meanwhile, Kael sat behind his desk, leaning back in his chair with his finger lazily tapping on the table. He hated acknowledging anyone else's accomplishments, but he had already come to terms with the fact that Auren wasn't just a random person who had ended up in this position by mistake. She worked efficiently, quickly, and—what irritated him the most—wasn't afraid to take initiative.
When the door creaked open after the knock, he lifted his head and met her gaze.
"I'm bothering you again," Auren said calmly as she entered. "But I found another mistake in the calculations."
Kael nodded silently, gesturing for her to approach. Auren placed the papers in front of him, and he quickly skimmed over the marked areas.
"Good work," he muttered without lifting his eyes from the text.
Soon, they were completely absorbed in their work. Auren went back to her office several times for additional documents, but she returned almost immediately each time. She would stand by Kael's desk, read out clarifications, exchange brief remarks with him, and leave again. This cycle repeated itself.
Kael subtly clenched his jaw. Her frequent returns were starting to annoy him. Not because she was in the way—more because he was beginning to get used to having her around, and it was more convenient to work with her. But she kept leaving the office and working separately.
When Auren came in again, Kael, without looking up from the screen, spoke dryly:
"Sit down."
She froze.
"What?"
This time, he looked at her.
"Since you keep coming here every five minutes, it would be more logical to work in one place. Sit down."
Auren shrugged, but a slight smile touched her lips. She sat down next to him, continuing her work with the same focus, but now there was a subtle tension hanging between them.
It was too faint to call it something immediate, but too noticeable to ignore.
The office was enveloped in silence, interrupted only by the rustling of pages being turned and the occasional click of keyboards. Kael and Auren worked side by side, each absorbed in their own task.
Auren carefully studied the next set of documents, making corrections to the report. Reaching for the pen, which was lying slightly off to the side, she suddenly felt Kael's hand stretch out next to hers. Their fingers brushed.
They both froze.
Auren raised her gaze and met his eyes. For a few seconds, they simply stared at each other, her fingers still on his. The touch was warm, unexpected, and unbearably awkward.
Kael, without breaking eye contact, raised an eyebrow but didn't pull his hand back first.
"Do you always grab other people's things so eagerly?" His voice was lazy, but the corners of his lips twitched into a barely noticeable smile.
Auren quickly pulled her hand back, pretending nothing had happened.
"Sorry, Mr. Kael, I didn't know you had such a strong attachment to office supplies," she said, leaning back in her chair with a self-satisfied expression.
Kael quietly chuckled and picked up the pen again.
"Are you going to ask permission before taking something from the table now?"
Auren snorted.
"Only if it bothers you that much."
She lowered her gaze to the documents, trying to focus, but the barely perceptible spark that had passed between them lingered in her mind.
For the next fifteen minutes, they worked in complete silence, occasionally exchanging brief phrases about the task at hand. Auren was focused, her eyes scanning the lines, her fingers deftly flipping through the pages of the report. She was so absorbed that when she felt an unpleasant twinge deep inside, she frowned but kept working, trying to ignore the protesting sensation in her stomach. But suddenly, a barely audible sound broke the silence. Auren froze. Kael did too.
This time, he pulled his gaze away from the screen and looked at her. Auren lowered her head, hiding the blush on her cheeks. Of course, her stomach chose this exact moment to remind her that she hadn't eaten a thing since lunch. Kael raised an eyebrow, slightly tilting his head.
"Are you hungry?"
"No," she replied quickly, hiding her face behind her hair. "But my stomach clearly disagrees."
Kael glanced at the clock. It was almost midnight.
"Did you even have lunch today?" His voice was even, but there was a trace of suspicion in it.
Auren hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly put down the pen and looked up at him.
"Well… not exactly," she muttered, trying to sound nonchalant.
"What do you mean 'not exactly'?"
She twirled the pen in her fingers thoughtfully, hoping the question would simply dissolve into the air.
"It means I… skipped it."
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"Did you really skip it since this morning?" His voice was quieter now, but firmer.
"I'm not hungry," she declared, feeling a little embarrassed.
"You do realize I just heard all of that?"
Auren bit her lip.
"Mistakes won't fix themselves."
"Get up," Kael said, calmly closing his laptop. His movements weren't rushed, but they were firm.
"What?" She finally raised her eyes.
"You haven't eaten since lunch. And if you pass out from hunger, I'm not carrying you, so let's go," he finished, his gaze still fixed on her.
Auren weakly smiled, trying to ease the atmosphere:
"Do you really care that much about me, Mr. Kael? Such attention... it's almost embarrassing."
Kael crossed his arms over his chest, his face still unreadable.
"Don't flatter yourself," he said with a slight grin, standing up. "It's so you'll work harder."
Before Auren had a chance to respond, he was already heading for the door.
"Let's go. I know where to get decent food at this hour."
Kael wasn't the type to waste time on long arguments. He quickly gathered his papers, grabbed the keys, and without giving Auren a chance to argue, led her out of the office.
"Where are we going?" Auren asked softly, following him.
"To a place where you won't be able to make excuses," he replied without looking back.
They got in the car, and Auren, crossing her arms, watched as Kael confidently navigated the night streets. He was silent, but his focused expression showed determination—he wasn't about to back down.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled up to a small, cozy diner that was open around the clock. It wasn't the posh atmosphere of expensive restaurants, but there was a warm glow from the lamps, the scent of freshly cooked food, and an atmosphere that felt like home, made with care.
"Is this your 'special place'?" Auren asked with a hint of irony.
Kael simply hummed in response.
"The important thing is they serve food you won't be able to find excuses for," he said, glancing at her face. He chose a table by the window, then slowly leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and inviting her to sit across from him.
Auren reluctantly opened the menu, but when her gaze fell on the appetizing images of hot dishes, she realized there was no point in arguing anymore.
"Well then, Auren, were you even planning to eat today?" Kael asked with a slight reproach in his voice, tilting his head slightly in her direction.
Auren, not looking up, smiled faintly.
"Oh, are you worried about me, Mr. Kael? Such attention... I'm almost embarrassed," her voice was slightly teasing, but there was a playful spark in her eyes.
"Don't flatter yourself," Kael said, leaning slightly closer. His gaze was calm but insistent. "I just don't need hungry employees fainting from exhaustion."
Auren snorted but didn't argue. After making her order, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs and narrowing her eyes as she watched Kael.
"You look like you want to steal my dinner. Are you hungrier than I am?" Her voice was soft, with a hint of amusement.
"I assure you, if I wanted to take your food, you wouldn't even notice," he replied, glancing briefly at her lips. It was so fast that she barely caught it, but it was enough to make her feel the tension.
She smiled, accepting his silent challenge. At that moment, the waitress brought their order, and Auren, almost deliberately, slowly took a fork, elegantly cutting a piece of her dish and savoring it as she brought it to her mouth. Her lips parted slightly as she let the taste unfold, and the corners of her mouth quivered in a satisfied smile.
Kael, tilting his head, studied her face with a barely perceptible smile. He slowly leaned his elbow on the table, leaning in a little closer.
"Did you do that on purpose?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Kael," she responded with an innocent expression, taking another piece and deliberately bringing it slowly to her mouth.
Kael squinted but said nothing. She was playing, and she was playing well. The tension between them was palpable, but neither of them rushed to break it. They simply ate, occasionally exchanging looks full of unspoken words and thoughts.
After dinner, Kael silently drove Auren back to the office. The car gently stopped at the entrance, and after stepping outside, Auren took a deep breath of the fresh night air.
"Hope you won't collapse onto the keyboard now," Kael said, leaning against the car door with his arms crossed.
Auren rolled her eyes.
"Oh, so that's what this whole spectacle was about? Employee productivity? How touching."
Kael just smirked but didn't reply. Instead, he walked toward the elevator, and Auren followed him, feeling how the night's silence in the office made their footsteps sound louder. There was a strange feeling in the air—not awkwardness, but not comfort either. As if a thin line had formed between them, stretching tighter with every word and glance.
Entering the office, Auren turned on the desk lamp, dispelling the dimness. She settled into her workspace but almost immediately felt his gaze.
Kael stood by the door, watching her with an expression that was hard to decipher.
— What? — she finally couldn't hold back.
— Nothing, — he replied slowly, then, after a brief pause, added, — I just didn't think you'd be this stubborn.
Auren smirked.
— Does it bother you?
Kael didn't answer, merely sat down in the chair and returned to the documents.
Work continued, but now there was something else in the air. Auren felt it — a thin, invisible thread that tightened with each of their encounters.
***
Time moved relentlessly toward dawn when Auren finally slammed the last folder shut and exhaled with relief. She stretched, feeling the tension in her shoulders, then glanced at the clock. Almost two in the morning.
"I think that's enough for today," said Kael Dantes, leaning back in his chair. "We'll check everything again tomorrow morning."
Auren nodded, closing her laptop.
"Yeah, you're right. Now, I just need to get home. I'll call a taxi."
She took out her phone and opened the app, but after a few minutes, her brow furrowed. It seemed fate was playing a game with her — the same message kept flashing on the screen: "No available drivers." She refreshed the page again, then again...
"Wonderful," she muttered, biting her lip.
Kael lazily turned his head and threw her an assessing look.
"Problems?"
"It seems all the drivers decided no one works at two in the morning... except for us," she replied with sarcasm.
He was silent for a few seconds, then casually tossed the keys to his car in his palm.
"We live in the same building. It would be logical for me to give you a ride."
Auren looked at him with mild suspicion.
"Are you serious?"
"No, I'm kidding," he smirked. "We're headed the same way anyway."
She hesitated. Riding with Kael in the same car? That definitely crossed the line of a regular work evening... but the prospect of standing outside waiting for a miracle wasn't appealing either. Finally, she shrugged and put her phone back in her pocket.
"Alright. Just warning you — if you decide to charge me for the ride, I'll get out while the car is still moving."
Kael hummed, standing up from his chair.
"It would be amusing to see how you'd do that. Get up, before I change my mind."
Auren rolled her eyes but complied. He stepped forward, briefly locking eyes with her, then silently opened the door for her.
She passed through first, and he stayed behind, watching as her silhouette glided down the corridor. A curious feeling washed over him — he hadn't planned to find any enjoyment in this, but their strange coexistence was becoming more interesting.
When they stepped outside, the air was colder than expected. The night sky was scattered with a multitude of faint stars, and somewhere in the distance, a streetlamp flickered lazily, casting rhythmic flashes of light on the wet pavement. The recent rain left behind a fresh scent, mixing with the aroma of blooming bushes.
Auren absentmindedly shivered, then noticed Kael already heading toward the car. He silently opened the passenger-side door and gave her a brief look. She was slightly surprised by this gesture but didn't say anything, simply getting into the car.
Once the doors were shut, an almost tangible silence settled inside, broken only by the muffled hum of the engine. The car moved smoothly, the tires silently gliding over the wet road.
They drove in silence. The city's hustle and bustle gradually faded, though it didn't disappear entirely — even at night, the streets were filled with rare vehicles, glowing signs, and blurred silhouettes of pedestrians. Auren gazed out the window, watching the store lights reflect in the puddles, splashing colorful glimmers.
Kael, focused on the road, didn't rush to speak, and Auren didn't feel the need to break the silence either. Only the soft hum of the engine and the rhythmic sound of raindrops on the glass filled the space, creating a strange yet not uncomfortable atmosphere. No random glances, no attempts to start a conversation. Just the soft rhythm of the rain and the steady movement of the car, lulling but at the same time making her feel slightly on edge.
Only when they were nearing her building did she murmur:
"Today was strange. Nothing special, but it feels like something important happened."
Kael glanced at her briefly, then returned his attention to the road.
"Maybe that's true," he replied, not entirely sure what he meant.
When the car stopped near her building, Auren quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for the door handle. Kael watched her from the corner of his eye but didn't rush to get out. She seemed focused, but perhaps a little more relaxed than at the start of the evening.
She slipped out of the car, slammed the door shut, and without looking back, headed toward the entrance. Kael remained seated, his palms resting on the steering wheel. For a moment, he held his breath, sensing a strange, barely noticeable feeling inside. It was unclear, but enough to make him uneasy.
Letting out a slightly frustrated sigh, he ran a hand over his face, almost trying to shake off the unnecessary thoughts, and only then climbed out of the car. Auren's footsteps were already echoing on the tiles of the path leading to the house, but when she heard him approaching, she slowed down a bit.
"Stayed too long," she quietly remarked. "Tomorrow's going to be hard to get up."
"We'll manage," he replied shortly, catching up with her.
Their footsteps echoed softly in the night's silence as they entered the house together, where the night could finally offer them some respite.