CHAPTER 14- The Moment Everything Changed.

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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 searched for—the man who had unknowingly occupied her heart for years—had been right behind her all along.

Her pulse quickened as her gaze clashed with Dave's. His expression was unreadable, but his piercing eyes locked onto her with a quiet intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

She wouldn't have even noticed him if it weren't for Francis Walter stopping her. The renowned artist had asked for her number, his tone casual yet laced with unmistakable interest.

A delighted, almost disbelieving smile had played on her lips. Had he truly meant it? Would he actually call her? The thought alone sent a rush of exhilaration through her.

But now, as she stood frozen under Dave's scrutinizing gaze, the weight of the moment settled in.

She stole a quick glance around, recognizing familiar faces—Dave's close circle. Ivan Pavlov, with his ever-calculating stare. Chris Hemsworth, who always carried an air of amusement. Tyler Darrison, laid-back yet observant. And Luis Brown, sharp-eyed and perceptive.

Alongside them stood their assistants, including Dave's ever-loyal right-hand man, Tom Smith.

A deep embarrassment crawled over her skin. They had all witnessed the scene. They had seen her flustered, seen her bathed in admiration for another man.

And yet—who cared?

It had been a moment of honor, standing beside her beloved idol.

Nora straightened her shoulders, lifting her phone with an easy confidence. She pointed it toward Dave, her voice smooth despite the rapid beat of her heart.

"Would you mind taking our picture?"

Francis Walter's assistant instinctively reached out, but she shook her head, keeping her eyes on Dave.

"There's no problem with you taking it, right?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.

For the briefest moment, something flickered in Dave's gaze—an emotion she couldn't quite place. A hesitation, a question, perhaps even betrayal.

Was she merely pretending all this time?

His fingers curled slightly before he took the phone from her outstretched hand, his grip firm. The air between them crackled, heavy with unspoken words.

A single snap.

He handed the phone back without a word, his expression carefully neutral.

Nora beamed at Francis Walter. "Thank you for taking the time for this," she said warmly. Then, with a sheepish chuckle, she added, "And, uh… I apologize for peeking at you earlier."

Francis laughed, his deep voice rich with amusement. "No problem. We'll talk soon."

Her breath hitched. Was that a promise? A tease? She wasn't sure—but she desperately hoped it was true.

She turned back toward Dave and his friends, tilting her head slightly.

"Could you make way?" she asked, her voice syrupy sweet.

For a second, none of them moved. The sheer audacity of the moment stunned them into silence.

This was Nora—the girl who had spent years chasing after Dave, unwavering in her devotion. And yet, here she was, walking past them as if they were mere bystanders in her story.

With a silent exchange of glances, they stepped aside, watching her retreat with new eyes.

Outside the doors, a crowd of reporters and company executives had gathered. A flicker of alarm passed through her. If they found out what had just unfolded inside, she would become the center of a scandalous storm.

Lowering her head, she offered a polite nod and disappeared into the stairwell.

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Dave's Slow-Burning Fury

Dave's gaze tracked her departure, his jaw tightening with each step she took away from him.

Something inside him twisted—something raw, dangerous.

She hadn't even noticed him at first. Hadn't acknowledged him. Instead, she had stood there, utterly captivated by another man.

His Nora.

His hands curled into fists.

His friends stood beside him, witnessing everything unfold. They didn't need to say a word. Their silence spoke volumes.

So, you do like her.

Dave barely breathed as he turned slightly—just in time to see the assistant holding the door open.

And then he saw it.

Nora, standing inside.

Francis Walter's arms lightly brushing against hers, his presence far too close for comfort.

A suffocating heat built in Dave's chest.

He wanted to storm into that room. He wanted to rip her away from Francis Walter, to tilt her chin up and press his lips against hers until she remembered exactly where she belonged.

He wanted her to blush because of him.

She had never looked at him that way.

And that realization cut him deeper than he was willing to admit.

His grandfather's words echoed in his mind, sharp and relentless.

"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.

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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.