Will you cheer for me?

They walked to the lift together, the silence between them awkward and thick. When the lift reached the second floor, they parted ways. Aurora glanced at him as she stepped out, offering a soft smile while clutching her bag. The lift doors closed, and Dante felt a sudden, cold loneliness wash over him. That brief moment of separation felt like years, yet the thought of seeing her at the breakfast table lifted his spirits once more.

"For God's sake, stop being so clumsy," Ronan nagged, watching Aurora struggle with the walking sticks.

"How bad is it?" Zane asked, concern in his voice.

"Not that bad. Just a day or two with these walking sticks, and I'll be good to go," she replied, but neither Ronan nor Zane looked satisfied with her answer.

"Why were you with Mr. Dante Blackwood?" Liora asked sharply, her gaze narrowing as if to say, Don't even think about it. He's mine.

Aurora hesitated for a moment before answering, "He helped me get on the lift by arranging these walking sticks."

"Ohhh," Evelyn teased, her voice dripping with curiosity.

Aurora thought to herself, If they ever found out what actually happened between me and the CEO, my life is sure to be ruined.

They got down for breakfast, laughter filling the room with a cheerful vibe. Dante scanned the room, his eyes quickly seeking out Aurora, while she tried to keep a low profile, clearly avoiding being spotted by him. The game of cat and mouse was in full swing. Once breakfast was over, the group set out for the day's activities: team-building exercises like a scavenger hunt or trivia, followed by lunch at a local restaurant, and an aquarium visit.

Aurora found herself a bench to rest, not included in most of the team-building activities, which made it easier for Dante to finally catch up with her. 

"You've successfully accomplished your mission of avoiding me in the hotel cafeteria," a voice said behind her, followed by the cool touch of a drink against her cheek.

"Mr. Dante Blackwood!" Aurora exclaimed, startled, before quickly adding, "Thanks," as she accepted the drink.

Dante sat across from her, taking a sip from his drink.

"You're not participating in any of the activities?" Aurora asked, her gaze curious as she looked at Dante.

"I am. Will you cheer for me?" he leaned in, teasing her with a playful smirk.

Aurora scoffed at how shameless he was getting. "Are you a kid?"

Dante smiled, leaning back in his seat. "Here, take these tablets. You were supposed to take them after breakfast."

"Thank you," she replied, swallowing the pills. "Is there any other tablet I need to take? If so, you can hand it over to me."

"Yes, you have one more, but I take my responsibility seriously, unlike others," Dante replied, a slight edge to his voice. Aurora could tell it was directed at her, and he continued, "I'll give it to you when you need to take it."

Aurora couldn't help but shake her head, getting used to how dramatic Dante could be.