Chapter 8 What Are You Thinking?

• Aurora's pov
• I couldn't believe it when a man stayed overnight at my apartment. What's happening to me? It seems like I've been gradually opening my heart to affection. Did I fall for him because he expressed similar feelings or because he offered to help me talk to the management and reduce my time at my ex-husband's company? I can't even tell when I started imagining his return home at night and worrying about him. Is this love or simply an act of kindness? I gave him ten minutes, but he ended up staying for over forty, and I couldn't decipher his intentions. Sebastian has crossed boundaries, but I don't want to appear desperate for his attention. Should I consider last night as another way he gained more points with me? When it was time to sleep, he never expected to share the same bed with me. He never once tried to take advantage of my situation.
• "I'd prefer to sleep on the couch," he said.
• In my heart, I smiled and wondered where he had planned to sleep if not somewhere other than my bed. Some men may have misunderstood my concern about him leaving at night as a desire for intimacy, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Although I felt safe at night, I never imagined someone invading my bed. My trust in him has grown, and for no apparent reason, I believed he wouldn't hurt me.
• The next day, it was 10:30 am, and I found myself in Sebastian's office. He had gone to meet with some senior executives to discuss reducing my time or finding an alternative assignment for me. However, he mentioned that replacing me would be challenging due to a joint body agreement. But substituting me after sometime could also provide opportunities for other staff members to benefit from such an experience. He made valid points, explaining that the company I would be auditing would not only enhance their skills but also help my colleagues gain similar exposure. With that in mind, it became clear that my time at Lucas' company would indeed be shortened.
• I sat anxiously in the chair closest to the door, wearing a light red gown and crossing my fingers. Every time I heard footsteps near Sebastian's office, my heart would race, and I couldn't help but wonder what their decision would be.
• Finally, the door swung open, and I immediately stood up and looked at him. There was a triumphant smile on his face, a gesture I associated with good news based on our time together. I could sense his joyful mood to some extent.
• "What did they agree on?" I asked, my heart pounding as if I were about to land my first paid job. Sebastian appeared a bit concerned, and I could see a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He waited and his gaze fixed on me. Was he afraid or concerned about my emotions? What did they say? Why was he waiting? The silence was agonizing. He looked at me as if he were lost.
• "Sebastian!" I raised my voice slightly, making sure my voice didn't go beyond the office.
• "Oh, sorry," he replied. It seemed he had regained his thoughts. "You are now assigned to that company for a month."
• "A month?" I took a deep breath, but my fears remained, knowing I would have to see Lucas, and the emotions would be haunting. Would Marian be there too?
• "Are you not satisfied?" he asked, already seated while I was still standing, lost in my thoughts about my ex-husband.
• "I'm contemplating..."
• "What are you thinking?"
• "Um... Let me go to my office," I stammered, feeling unsettled, and it was evident from the way he looked at me. I pulled the chair back and left.
• When I reached my office, I sat down and rested my head on my folded hands on the desk. Why am I so terrified? What will I say? I felt a mix of bitterness and confusion. Am I still in love with Lucas, or am I upset because he is with Marian? Deep down, when I was at Lucas' house, Marian and I engaged in an invisible war that, in my wildest imagination, I never thought I would lose. I was certain she might try to grab some of Lucas' attention, but I never expected it would lead to him serving me divorce papers.
• "A month!" I exclaimed, raising my head. I tapped my fingers on the desk, thinking about Sebastian. Maybe I should share a bit about my past with him and explain that I'm not looking for a romantic relationship, but we can be really close friends. Sebastian is a nice guy. I should hang out with him during our break time. He has done so well for me and reduced the time at my ex-husband's company. Just as I was contemplating this, a message notification popped up on my phone.
• "Hi Daisy, I hope all is well? I'll be coming to your office during lunchtime..." What a coincidence! I looked away from the phone and smiled. But before I could fully enjoy the moment, my office phone rang, and I picked it up.
• "Hello, Miss Daisy. Your flight is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. I'm calling to inform you," the voice on the other end said.
• "Thank you, sir, for letting me know," I replied.
• "That means tomorrow is a day off for you, so you can prepare for your journey. After today's break, you can go home and have the whole time to yourself. Remember, we're counting on you."
• "Thank you, sir," I said, and he ended the call. It was a call from my boss, and as I took a deep breath, the weight of what was about to happen sank in. Should I tell Sebastian about my past? That's the last thing I want to share with anyone. Although last night, he opened up about his broken heart, and I couldn't help but shed a tear. It's what happened to me too. Lost in my thoughts, my phone started ringing, and it was Sebastian calling.
• "Hi, Sebastian!" I greeted.
• "I've been waiting for your response to my message," he said.
• "Yes, I'll be available."
• "Hmm..." he hummed, catching my attention.
• "What's that?" I asked.
• "I can't believe you've given me such freedom. I remember when you were never free, even during lunchtime."
• "What do you mean?" I chuckled.
• "Don't worry. I'll be at your office soon. We have less than thirty minutes."
• After the call ended, I felt like I owed Sebastian a visit to his parents' house. Tomorrow is the only time I have for myself. But then I quickly remembered that I had some tasks to complete on my laptop. I quickly turned it on.
• I wasn't sure if Sebastian was keeping track of time, but just as lunchtime arrived, there was a knock on my door.
• "Come in," I said, and as I lifted my head and glanced towards the door, it was Sebastian. Before I could look away, Sebastian asked while walking towards her.
• "Are you still working?"
• "I'm almost done. I just need to finish up. Besides, my boss called and gave me the rest of today and tomorrow off. He said I should have some time for myself before I travel. I will be traveling the day after tomorrow.”
• "Wow, that's nice. How do you plan to spend your time?" he asked, and the way he said it implied that he wanted us to spend time together.
• "I have a plan."
• "What plan?" He sat down, crossing his legs, and his eyes were fixed on me.
• "I want to make up for the day I let you down. I want to come to your parents' house. What do you think about that?"
• "I have just one word: splendid. I'm super excited. My mum has been hoping to meet you. Let's make it this evening. I'll come to your house to pick you up."
• "Hmmm, not so fast?" I playfully winked my eyes. He didn't say a word but I knew what he had in mind. I quickly turned to the system, as I was shutting down my computer, he was already on a call with his mom, letting her know about our coming.
• Since we were meeting later in the evening, there was no need for us to have lunch together. I went straight home and kept pondering when I arrived. Should I give in to Sebastian? It's becoming apparent that I'm starting to feel comfortable with him.
• At exactly 5:30 PM, my phone started ringing.
• "I'm in front of your house," Sebastian said.
• "I'm almost ready," I replied.
• I was wearing a lovely yellow rosy gown, and my appearance gave the impression that I was going on a date. When we arrived at Sebastian's house, his mom was the first to come out and warmly welcome us.
• "She's even more beautiful than the way you described her," her mom said, and after embracing me, she added why we were still outside.
• “What has made you keep away from us such a gorgeous lady.” Her eyes were very innocent and loving and I thought that was the only surprise. When we got inside the house, it wasn't just a gathering with Sebastian's parents. I noticed other family members welcoming me with warm smiles, handshakes, and hugs. I silently hoped that it wasn't what I was suspecting that would happen. I kept reassuring myself in my thoughts. Without any delay, Sebastian's mother invited all of us to gather around the dining table. It was a joyous atmosphere filled with love and laughter. The way they interacted with me made it feel as though I had known them for ages. We dined together like one big, happy family.
• Amidst the meal, my attention shifted to Sebastian, who sat by my side. He cleared his throat, capturing the attention of everyone in the room, and my heart skipped a beat. The room fell into complete silence, not even the clinking of cutlery could be heard. Everyone’s eyes were on him. He gently took hold of my right hand, and just as he was about to say something—though I had no idea what it could be—an unexpected sneeze caught me off guard. He patiently waited, all eyes fixed on me, and then he finally spoke…