CHAPTER 12- The Breaking Point of Silent Emotions.

Unspoken Conflicts

Returning to the Department As Nora entered her section, she was welcomed by the sound of laughter and chatter. Her coworkers were in little groups, joking about and talking about what had happened that morning. She forced herself to smile politely and greet them back, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She was in need of a nap. She was drawn to the art studio because it was a peaceful haven where she could take a short break before the afternoon workday started. She was about to walk away when a shoulder collided with hers.

"Good morning, Nora," said a voice that was familiar. Nora let out a sigh before raising her gaze. Diana. There was no mistaking the sneer on her face. "I hope you didn't miss the program." Nora laughed. "Diana, why would I miss my idol's program?" Diana laughed. "Oh, I saw you enter—late as always." Nora crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "At least he took my gift." Diana burst out laughing, snarky and patronising. "Honey, it's common for celebrities to receive gifts. Most likely, he won't even look at yours. Nora tightened her jaw. "He'll examine mine. I am different from the others. Diana grinned more broadly. "And to Francis Walter, who are you? Just another admirer. You believe you're unique, but he doesn't even know you exist? What distinguishes you?

Nora did not flinch as she looked into her eyes. "He's my idol and role model," she asserted. And unlike the rest of his fans, I took a different approach to him. include you. She pivoted on her heel and left after saying that. Anger blazed across Diana's features. "You, a random fan, dare to respond to me? "Dillusional girl!" she yelled. But there was a profound silence in the room. Everyone was observing. Diana stumbled as she realised she was the focus of attention because of her outburst. With a clumsy giggle, she straightened her back and strode away, pretending to be unconcerned. Under her breath, Nora snarled, "How dare she call me a random fan?"

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A Name That Caused Her to Stop

Two girls close grinned and whispered eagerly as she kept walking. One of them said, "Did you see the handsome guy standing beside Francis Walter?" "Yes! "That was Dave Trump," said the other enthusiastically. Nora was shocked by the name. Mid-step, she stopped. She turned quickly and came towards them. "Are you sure Dave was there?" The girls eagerly nodded as they recognised her. "Yes!"

As she mentally reenacted the morning's events, Nora's brows wrinkled. She hadn't even noticed Dave's presence because she had been so focused on Francis Walter's. She realised that I had truly accidentally neglected him. Her lips curled into a slow sneer. "I should've at least teased him a little before leaving," she grumbled. She felt a sudden spark of resolve. She turned around on her heel and started back towards the auditorium. The two girls looked at each other with interest. One murmured, "Is she really going to meet the Cold Dave Trump?" The other said, "I think so," with wide eyes.

A Week Moment

Dave was nowhere to be seen when Nora got to the site. Rather, she saw Francis Walter walking towards the staircase, his calm gait a picture of easy elegance. An thought arose and her lips opened slightly. Even though she was unable to locate Dave, she still had time to admire her hero. She followed Francis with slow, soft steps, pausing at the landing of the stairs. While he took a phone call, she squatted down a little and peered over the railing. Her heart skipped a beat. A dreamy whisper, "Ugh, he's so handsome," she said. She had a vivid imagination. Francis turned to her in her head, his hard eyes melting.

"Hi, you look so beautiful, Nora." In her fantasy, she blushed at the way he smiled, so warm and brilliant. However, reality was harsh. She blinked, coming back to the present. Francis was gone. Lost in her own illusions, she had been gazing at nothing. "Ugh, stupid Nora," she moaned, giving her forehead a gentle smack. She sighed and turned to go. only to see that someone was standing just behind her. Her breath caught. A piercing scream escaped her lips as she reflexively took a step back— And lost her balance. She felt a wave of panic as the floor swayed under her feet. However, a powerful arm sprang out and wrapped around her waist before she could fall. Time slowed.

Her wide eyes locked upon a fierce stare as she was crushed up against a firm chest. Walter Francis. embracing her. The distance between their faces was inches. His intense gaze caused Nora's cheeks to burn and her breath to stop. He steadied her with ease with a solid but cautious grip. The world vanished for a brief instant. She lost her thoughts. In her chest, her heart beat like a drum. But then— The stairwell reverberated with footsteps. There is a shadow. Nora froze as she turned her head. Dave Trump was standing at the door with his manager and assistant, Francis Walter, at his side. Immediately, the stairwell's air became thicker. Dave's whole body stiffened. His jaw tightened and his piercing blue eyes darkened.

His eyes darted from her to Francis, and a muscle in his cheek twitched. His look, which boiled with something raw and inscrutable, was so heavy that Nora hardly had time to register it. jealousy. Anger. ownership. She noticed for the first time a rift in Dave's icy veneer. In his eyes grew a storm that threatened to erupt. And she realised at that moment— This was not the end of it.