After the meeting wrapped up, the room slowly emptied. People stood, stretched, and reached out to shake hands. Smiles were exchanged, along with appreciative words.
"She's a great asset," one of the men said to him, nodding at her.
Elena looked down, brushing it off like it meant nothing. Like compliments had never meant much to her.
But then kalix responded, voice calm and steady, "I know."
She glanced up at him—just for a second—and something in her eyes softened. As if, for once, someone believed in her before she could doubt herself.
They stepped outside. Most of the crowd dispersed, lost in their own directions. But he lingered, walking up to the glass display at the café's counter.
She stood a few steps behind, quiet. Her eyes kept drifting to the same cakes again—the small strawberry one, the one with the little chocolate hearts on top. She wouldn't ask. She never would. But he had seen her do this during the break, during the start, and even after the meeting.
He said nothing. Just pointed at a few, ordered a mix of cakes—some random, some very specific.
"The little one at home loves sweets," he said casually, as they walked to the car.
She simply nodded, not wanting to overthink.
Inside the car, he reached over and handed her a small paper bag.
"These are for you."
She looked at him, slightly confused. Then opened the bag slowly.
And there it was.
The cake she had been eyeing all evening. The exact one. Her fingers stopped. Her eyes widened for just a heartbeat—caught off guard, like a secret had slipped out of her without her knowing.
She turned to look at him, but he was already adjusting his seatbelt, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips.
Like he saw her—even the parts she tried so hard to hide.
He started the car without another word, and they drove off into the quiet street... while she stared at the cake in her lap, feeling seen for the first time in years.