Chapter XXVI: Her way

Today, I did my best to stay distant from her. If I was going to keep things professional, I had to draw the line, no matter how much it hurt. The less I interacted with her, the better chance I had of controlling these feelings. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't ignore the way she looked. Hurt. Like she didn't understand why I was acting this way.

She kept trying to start conversations throughout the day. Each time, I kept my responses short and professional, avoiding anything that could lead to a real connection. I had to be firm, even though it felt like I was stabbing myself in the chest every time I brushed her off.

By the time she showed up at my desk again—for what felt like the hundredth time that day—I was ready to brace myself for another awkward moment. But this time, she seemed different. There was a sparkle in her eyes, a cheerful energy that I hadn't seen in days. She was holding a piece of paper in her hands.