The sound of the closing door echoed softly behind Selina as she returned to her desk. Her heart was still beating too fast, her palms cold even though the air around her was warm. The entire office seemed unusually quiet, yet she could still hear Andrew's voice replaying in her mind—the low tone, the nearness of it, and the way his fingers had almost brushed against her skin.
She sank into her chair, pretending to focus on the file in front of her, but her eyes refused to follow the lines of text. Instead, she stared blankly at the paper, her thoughts tangled between confusion and disbelief. Why did he do that? she asked herself. And why couldn't I move?
Every time she remembered the way Andrew had looked at her, her breath caught. There had been something in his eyes—not authority, not coldness—but a pull, a kind of warmth she couldn't understand. And when he told her to go back to her work, his voice had sounded almost… guilty.
Inside the glass office, Andrew sat behind his desk, staring out of the window. His tie was loose, and his hand rested against his chin as he replayed the same moment over and over again. He had almost kissed her. His employee.
He let out a rough sigh and leaned back in his chair. What's wrong with me?
Andrew Vele wasn't the kind of man who lost control. He was calm, collected, and precise about everything. But today, something in him cracked. Selina had looked so fragile—those eyes filled with sadness, that quiet "sorry" she had whispered earlier. He hadn't been able to stop himself from tracing her face, almost as if he needed to prove to himself that she was real.
He ran a hand through his hair. "This is bad," he muttered under his breath.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," he said quickly, straightening.
Gabrielle stepped inside with his usual grin. He was holding a cup of coffee and wearing that easy expression that always managed to get under Andrew's skin.
"You look like you've been fighting a war," he teased, setting the cup on Andrew's desk.
Andrew frowned. "What do you want, Gabrielle?"
"Nothing much. Just checking on my friend. But clearly, someone's distracted. Don't tell me a client made you lose focus like this."
Andrew shot him a glare, but Gabrielle just chuckled.
"Relax. You've been… different these days. A little quieter. Staring at your office door like you're waiting for someone to come in."
"I'm fine," Andrew replied shortly.
"Uh-huh. And I'm the president of the country," Gabrielle said, raising a brow. "You sure it's not about that new secretary of yours?"
Andrew's eyes darted to him for a split second before looking away. That was enough for Gabrielle to smirk.
"Ah, so it is her," he said softly. "Careful, Andrew. Feelings and offices don't mix well."
Andrew didn't reply. He only muttered, "You should get back to your department."
Gabrielle shook his head but smiled anyway. "Fine. But remember, sometimes the thing that scares you most is exactly what you need." He walked out, leaving Andrew alone with his thoughts again.
.......
Meanwhile, Selina's phone buzzed gently on her desk. She glanced at the screen — it was Elena.
"Hey," Selina answered, trying to sound normal.
"Girl, you sound tired," Elena said immediately. "You at the office?"
"Yeah, still at work."
"Then you need a break. Meet me at the café across the street in ten minutes. My boss has been driving me crazy too, and I need to complain to someone."
Selina hesitated. "I don't know if—"
"No excuses. Ten minutes," Elena interrupted playfully and hung up.
Selina sighed but smiled faintly. Maybe a break wasn't a bad idea.
...
The café was warm and quiet, filled with the smell of coffee and freshly baked pastries. Elena was already waiting by the window, waving at her.
"Finally," Elena said as Selina sat down. "You look like you haven't slept in days."
Selina gave a small laugh. "It's been… a long week."
"Let me guess—work stress?"
"You could say that," Selina replied carefully. She didn't want to mention Andrew, but her friend's curious eyes made it hard.
Elena leaned closer. "What happened?"
Selina hesitated, swirling her drink. "It's just… my boss. He's confusing. Sometimes he's cold, sometimes he's kind. I don't even know what he's thinking anymore."
Elena smirked. "Ah, the mysterious boss type. Be careful, those are dangerous."
Selina smiled faintly, shaking her head. "It's nothing like that."
"Hmm," Elena said teasingly. "Sure. But don't let anyone mess with your heart. You've been through enough."
Selina nodded quietly. She didn't realize how much she needed to hear that until now.
......
When she returned to the office, the atmosphere had shifted. Vanessa was standing near Andrew's office door, pretending to look at some papers but clearly watching her.
Selina gave a polite nod and walked past, setting the files on her desk. She could feel Vanessa's eyes on her, sharp and suspicious.
Vanessa's smile was sweet but didn't reach her eyes. "Long lunch break, wasn't it?"
"I had some documents to check outside," Selina replied softly.
Vanessa hummed, flipping through a folder. "I see. Well, make sure you stay focused, dear. Mr. Vele likes his staff efficient."
Selina didn't reply. She just lowered her head and went back to typing, though her hands trembled slightly.
Inside his office, Andrew was pacing again. He had just finished a meeting when his phone started ringing. He glanced at the screen — Dad.
For a moment, he considered not answering. But Mr. Vele didn't like being ignored.
"Hello, Father."
"Andrew," came the deep, commanding voice. "I've been thinking. It's been too long since I last visited your company."
Andrew frowned slightly. "You don't have to, Father. Everything's running smoothly."
"That's not the point," Mr. Vele interrupted. "It's time we discuss something important your future. You've done well with the business, but it's high time you give the family what it needs. An heir."
Andrew stiffened. "Father—"
"I'm coming by this week," Mr. Vele continued firmly. "And I expect your brother to talk some sense into you before then. You're not getting any younger, Andrew."
The line went dead before Andrew could respond.
He stood there, staring at his phone, his jaw tightening. The weight of his father's words pressed down on him like a chain. An heir. A family. Responsibilities he had no time or heart for.
His gaze drifted toward the glass wall separating his office from Selina's desk. She was there, typing quietly, her hair falling softly over her shoulders. For a moment, everything else disappeared , the expectations, the pressure, the fear.
Then he tore his eyes away and sank into his chair, rubbing his temples.
Everything was about to change.