CHAPTER 11- A Love That Burns, A Secret That Kills.

The Storm Beneath Still Waters

After Nora Left

The soft clatter of dishes filled the silent dining room as Rose called out, "Ruby, come eat."

Ruby hesitated.

She paused her movie, switched off the television, and dragged herself toward the dining table, her steps slow, uncertain. Guilt gnawed at her.

She couldn't meet Rose's eyes.

I went too far.

The questions, the probing—it had been too much. She knew better than to pry into things that didn't concern her. Everyone had secrets.

Rose, however, remained composed, her expression unreadable. She didn't acknowledge Ruby's presence, didn't look her way. Instead, she ate with quiet precision, savoring each bite as if she were alone.

The silence between them was thick, suffocating.

Ruby shifted uncomfortably in her seat. I wish I could eat at the speed of light and just disappear from here.

Minutes later, she finally placed down her cutlery. "I'm done," she mumbled, swiftly grabbing her plate. She moved to the kitchen, rinsing it under the running water, desperate to escape the weight of Rose's indifference.

Rose, unbothered, continued her meal at her own pace. When she finished, she carried her dish to the sink, setting it down without a word before heading to her room.

The door clicked shut.

Ruby let out a deep breath, her shoulders slumping.

Finally, I can breathe.

---

The Secrets in Rose's Room

Inside her room, Rose sat on the edge of her bed, her gaze fixed on the black nylon bag resting on her desk.

It sat there, harmless in appearance. But inside, something crucial was hidden—something that could change everything.

With slow, deliberate movements, she reached inside and pulled out a small USB drive. The smooth plastic felt cold against her fingertips, its weight light but heavy with significance.

Without hesitation, she walked to her closet, kneeling beside a hidden compartment she had carefully crafted over the years. She slipped the USB inside, sealing it away from prying eyes.

She exhaled.

Tension coiled in her muscles, exhaustion settling in her bones. The past few days had drained her, pushing her to her limits. She had already requested a leave from work.

She needed time.

Time to think.

Stripping off her clothes, she stepped into the shower. Warm water cascaded down her body, washing away the fatigue clinging to her.

But no amount of heat could melt the cold knot in her chest.

---

A Race Against Time – Nora's Workplace

Nora dashed through the halls of her workplace, her heart pounding in sync with her hurried footsteps.

She knew she was late.

Her breath hitched as she skidded to a stop in front of her department. Empty.

Of course. They're all at the auditorium for the TED Talk.

For months, she had been counting down to this event, the excitement bubbling inside her like an uncontrollable tide. And now, because of a few extra minutes of sleep, she was on the verge of missing it.

Panic surged through her as she rushed down the hallway.

Reaching the auditorium doors, she bit her lip.

How am I supposed to sneak in without drawing attention?

Just as she stood there, overthinking, a tap on her shoulder startled her.

She turned instinctively, stepping aside to allow the person to pass.

Realization struck.

This is my chance!

Without hesitation, she slipped in behind them, using their entrance as a cover.

But the moment she entered, a ripple of whispers spread through the auditorium like wildfire.

Confused, she turned around—

And her breath caught in her throat.

Francis Walter.

The country's most celebrated artist.

He stood behind her, his presence radiating effortless charisma.

A flush of heat crept up her neck.

The audience erupted into applause.

Nora quickly joined in, clapping along, her heart hammering in her chest as she hastily slid into a seat at the back.

Her fingers clutched the fabric of her skirt as she snuck a glance at Francis Walter.

I had no idea he was right behind me…

Her pulse raced.

The murmurs died down, and Francis Walter strode toward the podium, offering a warm greeting before diving into his speech.

But while everyone else focused on him, a pair of sharp eyes never left her.

---

Dave's Observations

From his seat, Dave watched the scene unfold.

First, Nora sneaking in like a guilty little mouse.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

Then, Francis Walter stepping in right after her.

His smirk faded.

The moment the artist entered, Dave had risen instinctively, shaking his hand as a show of respect before settling back down.

But his eyes never left her.

She hadn't noticed him.

Or…

Was she ignoring him?

His jaw clenched, his fingers tightening against the armrest of his chair.

Throughout the event, he barely listened to the speech. His attention was elsewhere—locked onto the woman who had captivated his thoughts for years.

---

After the Program

The event ended, and the crowd eagerly lined up to greet Francis Walter.

When it was Nora's turn, she approached with careful steps, her hands clutching something tightly.

As she reached him, she hesitated before extending a rolled-up painting.

Francis Walter smiled, expecting her to ask for an autograph. He had done this routine countless times before.

But instead of requesting a signature, Nora pulled out a small photo card.

"T-This is a gift from me," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Francis Walter's brows lifted in pleasant surprise.

He took the artwork, examining it with genuine interest.

Over the years, he had received countless gifts from admirers. But there was something about the sincerity in her eyes, the way her hands trembled ever so slightly, that made him pause.

Just for a second longer than usual.

Beside them, Dave stood rigid.

His eyes darkened.

Nora—his Nora—was blushing.

In front of him.

His fists clenched at his sides.

She had never looked at him like that.

Not with such shy admiration.

The jealousy that burned inside him was swift and ruthless, like a wildfire consuming dry wood.

"This should be only for me."

His grandfather's words echoed in his mind, each syllable driving deeper into his thoughts.

"Go and tell her before she finds another man! What if she gives up on you?"

Dave's gaze never left Nora.

He saw the way she clutched her bag tightly, her face glowing with excitement as she left the auditorium, lost in her own world.

She had no idea.

No idea how dangerously close she was to slipping through his fingers.

"I must make her mine."

And this time…

He wouldn't hesitate.