~LAYLA~
The rest of the day passed in a haze of clicking keyboards, half-read emails, and my brain replaying every moment of lunch with Axel.
By the time the clock hit five-thirty, I'd read the same paragraph of a report so many times I could probably recite it in my sleep.
Helena popped her head into my office, adjusting her glasses as she stepped inside.
"Mrs. O'Brien? I just want to let you know that Mr. O'Brien has already left for the day. He asked me to arrange a car to take you home."
She was being professional, but the words still stung a little. I didn't know why I was surprised.
Axel didn't owe me explanations for his comings and goings, but after the way lunch had ended, the idea of him leaving without so much as a word made my chest tighten.
I kept my face neutral, even though I felt a bit disappointed inside. "Alright. Thanks."
