CHAPTER 14- The Moment Everything Changed.

Her pulse quickened as her gaze collided with Dave's, whose unreadable expression and piercing eyes locked onto her with a quiet intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. The moment of realization shock painted itself across Nora's face as she slowly turned, her heart thudding in disbelief. The very man she had been searching for, the man who had unknowingly occupied her heart for years, had been right behind her all along.

If Francis Walter hadn't stopped her, she wouldn't have even noticed him. The well-known artist had requested her phone number in a light-hearted but obviously interested manner. Her lips had played a thrilled, almost incredulous smile. Did he mean it really? Would he really give her a call? She felt a surge of excitement at the very concept. Now, however, the gravity of the situation hit as she remained motionless in front of Dave's examining eyes.

Now, however, the gravity of the situation hit as she remained motionless in front of Dave's examining eyes. She stole a brief peek around, recognizing familiar faces—Dave's close circle. Ivan Pavlov, with his ever-calculating stare. Chris Hemsworth exuded humor at all times. Tyler Darrison is casual but perceptive. And the keen-eyed, observant Luis Brown. They were accompanied by their helpers, notably Tom Smith, Dave's dependable right-hand man.

She felt a great deal of embarrassment. All of them had seen the scene. They had witnessed her agitated and overcome with admiration for a different man. But—who gave a damn? Standing next to her favorite idol had been an honor. With effortless confidence, Nora raised her phone and straightened her shoulders. Her voice was smooth even though her heart was beating quickly as she gestured it in Dave's direction.

"Would you mind taking our picture?" The assistant to Francis Walter stretched out out of impulse, but she shook her head, keeping her gaze fixed on Dave. With a note of challenge in her voice, she said, "There's no problem with you taking it, right?" Something flickered in Dave's eyes for a split second, an emotion she couldn't quite identify. A hesitancy, a query, possibly even treachery. All this time, was she just acting? His fingers curled slightly before he grasped the phone from her outstretched hand, his grip solid. Unspoken words filled the crackling air between them. Just one snap.

With a deliberately neutral smile, he returned the phone without saying anything. Nora gave Francis Walter a smile. The woman added, "Thank you for taking the time for this," with warmth. She then laughed sheepishly and said, "And, uh… I apologize for peeking at you earlier." Francis's booming voice was full of laughter. "No issue. We'll speak shortly." Her breath caught. Was it a pledge? A hint? She fervently hoped that was true, but she wasn't sure.

She tilted her head slightly and turned back to Dave and his friends. Her voice was honey-sweet as she pleaded, "Could you make way?" None of them moved for a moment. They were struck into silence by the moment's brazen audacity. This was Nora, the girl who had been relentlessly loyal to Dave for years. Nevertheless, she continued to walk past them as though they were merely spectators to her tale. They exchanged mute looks and moved away, observing her retreat with fresh eyes.

Reporters and business professionals were gathered outside the doors. An alarm flickered through her. She would become the focus of a scandalous storm if they discovered what had just transpired inside. She nodded courteously, lowered her head, and vanished into the stairway.

The Slow-Burning Fury of Dave With each step she walked away from him, Dave's jaw tightened as his eyes followed her as she left. Something twisted inside him, something frightening, something savage. At first, she hadn't even noticed him. She had failed to recognize him. Rather, she had just stood there, completely engrossed in another man. His Nora. He balled his hands into fists.

His companions watched from the sidelines as everything happened. They didn't have to speak. Their quiet was quite telling. You like her, then. Dave turned slowly, scarcely breathing, and saw the assistant holding the door open. Then he noticed it. Nora, inside. The gentle touch of Francis Walter's arms against hers was uncomfortable because he was too close. Dave's chest began to grow oppressively hot.

He desired to barge into that space. He desired to pull her away from Francis Walter, to lift her chin and kiss her until she recalled her proper place again. He wanted to be the reason she blushed. That was the first time she had ever glanced at him. And he wasn't prepared to acknowledge how deeply that realization affected him. Sharp and unrelenting, his grandfather's words replayed in his memory.

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

The idea of Nora giving up—of leaving him behind—sent a violent pulse of fear through him.

She was already slipping away.

And he wasn't sure if he could let that happen.

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The Unspoken Truth Amongst Friends. Chris let out a low whistle, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Well, that was something," Ivan smirked. "Didn't think she had it in her." Tyler crossed his arms, shaking his head slightly. "She's a pretender." Luis chuckled. "And so is he." Unspoken between them was the truth—Dave had played the role of the cold, distant man for too long. And now, the woman who had once worshipped him was no longer chasing after him. The irony was poetic. And for the first time, Dave's carefully constructed world began to crack.

The Reporters' Curiosity Outside, the waiting crowd shifted restlessly. Nora emerged, her movements swift, her head lowered just enough to avoid prolonged eye contact. The reporters murmured amongst themselves, exchanging quick glances. Something had happened in that room. Something worth uncovering. And as they watched her disappear, they knew one thing for sure— This was a story worth chasing