two

The day of filming ends in a whirlwind of action. The last scenes are wrapped, and I feel the fatigue setting in as the crew begins to put away the equipment. The voices gradually fade away, and the set slowly empties.

I approach my manager, who is deep in conversation with a member of the technical team. While waiting for him to finish, I think back to the watch, the one I carefully chose for Koen. The stress skyrockets just at the thought of giving him this gift. After all, it's not just a watch. It's a symbol, a message.

My manager finally finishes his conversation and turns to me. "So, Maelia, did everything go well?"

-Yes, it was a good day, I answer with a slight smile. Then, I decide to tell him about the watch. "Could you do me a favor? I left the watch I bought for Koen in my room. Could you pick it up for me?"

He looks at me curiously, but without asking questions, as usual. "Sure. I'll get it and drop you off wherever you want."

I thank him, and as he slips away to pick up the gift, I try to calm my nerves. The moment is approaching, and I can't stop imagining how Koen will react. Is it too much? Not enough? Too personal, perhaps?

I shake my head to chase away these doubts. I want this gift to please him, for him to understand what it means to me. He deserves it.

A few minutes later, my manager returns, holding the small velvet box containing the watch. "There, mission accomplished," he says, handing me the precious object.

I take a deep breath as I pick it up, my fingers lightly squeezing the box.

-Thanks... Can you drop me off in front of Koen's company?

-No problem. Get in, I'll take you there.

The drive to Koen's company is silent. My mind is elsewhere, rehearsing over and over what I'm going to tell him. When we arrive, I feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness invade me.

-Are you ready?, my manager asks me quietly aware of the stakes of this moment.

I nod, even though my heart is beating a little too fast. "Yes, ready."

He gives me an encouraging smile as I get out of the car. I clutch the watch in my hand, staring at it for a moment, before looking up at the imposing building of Koen's company. It's time. I put a sunglasses.

Then I push open the large glass doors of the imposing building where Koen runs his company. Inside, everything is modern, almost intimidating. The lobby is spacious, bathed in natural light, and the smell of fresh coffee hangs in the air. People in suits rush by, each absorbed in their tasks, giving the place an air of impeccable professionalism.

I take a deep breath and head to the reception, my heart still beating fast. Behind the counter, a young woman in uniform smiles at me politely, her hair neatly styled in a bun.

-Hello, how may I help you?, she asks in a soft, professional voice.

I approach, hesitant. "Hello, I don't have an appointment, but I would like to see Mr. Koen, the president. He knows me."

The hostess looks at me with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

-Could I have your name, please?

-Huyn, I say softly.

Her expression changes immediately. Her eyes widen slightly and she flashes a warm smile. "Oh, of course, Huyn. Mr. Koen may be waiting for you. You can take the elevator, it's the top floor."

Surprised by his reaction, I return his smile before heading towards the elevator. The metal doors open with a soft ding, and I go up alone. The journey seems to last forever, each floor bringing me a little closer to Koen. The small box containing the watch is still firmly held in my hand. Excitement is mounting, but so is nervousness.

When the elevator doors finally open, I take another deep breath and step out into the hallway. That's when everything changes. I suddenly feel pressure against my body, and a hot liquid spills onto my top. Someone has just bumped into me violently.

I jump, almost dropping the box, and turn to see a terrified man, his eyes wide open in panic, a cup of coffee spilled in his hand.

-Oh my God, I'm so sorry!, he stammers, visibly mortified. "I didn't see you! I'm so, so sorry… Let me… oh no, your top!, He almost seems more upset than I am as he clumsily tries to wipe the coffee stain off my blouse with a tissue he quickly pulls out of his pocket.

I hold up my hand to stop him, still reeling from the impact. "It's okay, it's okay. It's nothing," I say quickly, trying to not seem too annoyed. I look at the brown stain spreading across the light fabric and let out a small sigh.

-No, really, I'm sorry, he insists, clearly embarrassed. "I never pay attention... I'm so clumsy, it's... it's unforgivable." He continues to wave his handkerchief in front of me, as if it can magically make the stain disappear.

I laugh nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "It's okay, it's not the end of the world. I'll survive," I say, cracking a smile. "But you really do have perfect timing."

He laughs, but it's more nervous than amused. "I couldn't have done any worse, huh? Right before you saw the president, I bet?"

I nod, smiling slightly, resigned. "That's exactly it."

-Damn I'm going to get hated for this, he mumbles, running a hand through his hair, clearly baffled.

-Really it's okay, I reassure him, though I'm internally frustrated by the situation. "I'll figure it out. Thanks for the… effort."

He looks at me for a second longer, unsure of what to do, then nods. "Sorry again. Good luck with the rest!" he says before disappearing into the elevator, his face still red with shame.

I sigh, look down at my shirt one last time, and decide to move on. I'm here to see Koen, and nothing—not even a coffee stain—is going to stop me.

I head toward his office, the small box still clutched in my hand, my heart beating fast again.