Elena's POV
The smell of the hidden garden restaurant stayed with us as we stepped back onto the quiet street. It was a sweet memory held close against the busy sounds of the city returning. But the calm we had found together stayed strong inside me. Justin's hand held mine, not just holding on, but sharing his strength. I gave his fingers a gentle squeeze, and he squeezed back. We didn't need to say anything.
Walking back into the main lobby of JUSH Industries felt different than before. When we had left, people were looking at us with curiosity, wondering about the boss and me holding hands. Now, their looks had changed. They saw the way we moved together, like one person. They saw the new quiet confidence in my steps and the protective way Justin stayed close to my side. We weren't just a secret anymore. We were a team. Maybe they thought we had broken up cause they had not seen us together for a long time. A lot of rumors went round during that time.
