Neighbors again

Severa's POV

The first official day of construction was both exciting and overwhelming.

For weeks, everything had been about meetings, paperwork, and securing permits—but now, the real work had begun.

The once-empty land was now filled with the rumbling of heavy machinery, the voices of engineers giving instructions, and the sight of workers moving with practiced precision. Steel beams were being assembled, the first excavations were taking place, and supplies were arriving in bulk.

36 months.

That's how long this would take.

And during that time, I wouldn't just be overseeing things from the city.

Celine had made it clear—I had to stay near the site.

It made sense. This was one of Emperium Construction's biggest projects. While our trusted engineers and site managers would handle the day-to-day operations, I was still responsible for ensuring everything went smoothly—monitoring progress, addressing issues, and coordinating with Eugene's team.

Eugene.

The thought of him made my chest tighten.

He was here too. Hands-on. Involved. Watching everything closely.

I knew this would happen. I knew from the moment our companies partnered on this project that I would be working with him. But knowing didn't prepare me for the reality of it.

And, as if fate wasn't cruel enough, we weren't just working together.

We were staying in the same hotel.

---

By the time I arrived at the hotel, exhaustion weighed heavy on my shoulders.

The place was modern yet coastal, with large windows overlooking the ocean. It wasn't as grand as the luxury hotels in the city, but it was comfortable enough—**a business-class accommodation meant for long-term stays.**

I checked in and received my keycard, dragging my suitcase toward the elevator.

As I pressed the button for my floor, I heard footsteps approaching.

I already knew who it was before I even turned my head.

Eugene.

His presence was impossible to ignore. Dressed in a crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled up, his dark slacks slightly wrinkled from the day's work, he looked as composed as ever—as if the heat, dust, and stress of the site barely affected him.

He stepped into the elevator, his eyes meeting mine briefly before he pressed the button for the same floor.

Of course.

I should've expected it.

The elevator doors closed, and an uncomfortable silence filled the small space. The hum of the lift was the only sound between us.

I refused to look at him.

Instead, I focused on the digital display counting the floors.

Five… Six… Seven…

"You're not going back to the city on weekends?" Eugene's voice broke the silence.

I hesitated before answering. "No. I need to be here to monitor the progress."

He nodded slightly. "Same."

I didn't know why, but that simple word sent a strange feeling through me.

We would both be here. Not just during the week. But for months, possibly longer.

Before I could process that thought, the elevator doors opened.

I stepped out first, making my way down the hallway.

Room 709.

I swiped my keycard, pushing the door open, eager to just breathe in my own space.

But just as I turned, I saw Eugene stopping at the door right next to mine.

Room 710.

You have got to be kidding me.

His gaze met mine, and for the first time today, I saw the hint of amusement in his eyes. "Looks like we'll be neighbors."

I said nothing.

Instead, I let out a quiet exhale, entered my room, and shut the door behind me.

---

That night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.

The day had been exhausting, and my body ached, but my mind refused to rest.

Thoughts of the project—and him—kept me awake.

I could hear the faint hum of the air conditioning, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. But somewhere beyond that, I was too aware of the fact that Eugene was just on the other side of the wall.

We were working together. Living next to each other.

For two years.

I sighed, closing my eyes.

I would handle this the same way I handled everything else.

Professionally. Efficiently. Without letting the past get in the way.

At least, that was the plan.

---

The next morning, I was up before my alarm.

Despite barely getting any sleep, my body was already wired—ready for another long day at the site.

I showered quickly, dressed in a navy-blue polo shirt and dark jeans, then slipped on my work shoes. With my hair tied in a neat ponytail, I grabbed my tablet and bag before stepping out of the room.

As soon as I did, I nearly bumped into Eugene.

He was standing in the hallway, dressed similarly—his shirt fitted neatly over his broad shoulders, his dark watch peeking from under his sleeve.

For a second, we both just stood there.

Then, without a word, we walked toward the elevator together.

Neither of us spoke on the ride down.

Neither of us acknowledged the unspoken tension between us.

By the time we arrived at the construction site, I had already pushed all thoughts of Eugene aside.

Because today wasn't about the past.

It was about making sure this project succeeds.