Chapter Seven
974 Words
ELENA’S POV
“It’s all over the office now… Elena and Mr. Damon…”
My steps slowed the moment I heard the whisper.
The receptionist and one of my colleagues went silent as soon as they noticed me.
I didn’t react.
I just kept walking.
But it was already too late.
By the time I stepped into the office, I could feel it—
The stares.
The judgment.
The unspoken conclusions.
Michelle rushed over the moment I sat down.
“Elena… have you heard?”
I exhaled quietly. “I think I just did.”
She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Mr. Zen has been fired. He’s still in police custody. But that’s not even the main issue…”
I looked at her.
“People are talking,” she continued. “They’re saying Mr. Damon is backing you… that there’s something going on between you two.”
My fingers tightened slightly.
“What?”
“It started in the staff group chat,” she added. “Alan posted pictures of you and Mr. Damon talking outside yesterday.”
I froze.
“Alan?”
“Mr. Zen’s cousin,” she said. “You know how he is.”
I reached for my phone instinctively—
But Michelle stopped me.
“Don’t check it,” she said gently. “You’ll only get upset.”
“Michelle…” my voice dropped, strained, “I was the one who got harassed.”
“I know,” she said quickly. “I’m on your side.”
“Then why does it feel like I’m the one being judged?”
She hesitated.
“Elena… Mr. Zen was a director. You’re a product engineer. People tend to believe power.”
The words landed harder than I expected.
“So I’m the problem?” I asked quietly.
“No—” she shook her head. “I’m just saying… people twist things.”
I leaned back slightly, forcing calm into my voice.
“I understand.”
But the truth was—
It still hurt.
“Elena, it’s late. Aren’t you going home?”
Michelle’s voice pulled me back.
I blinked at my screen, realizing how much time had passed.
“I will,” I said. “I just need to finish this report.”
She frowned. “This workload isn’t normal. This is for five people.”
I gave a small shrug. “I’m used to overtime.”
She didn’t look convinced.
“Or maybe it’s because our team leader is connected to Mr. Zen,” she added quietly.
I paused.
Then shook my head. “Let’s not overthink it.”
She sighed. “I wish I could stay, but my boyfriend just got back.”
I smiled faintly. “Go. I’ll be fine.”
“Text me when you get home.”
“I will.”
She left.
And just like that—
The office felt… empty.
Too quiet.
I exhaled slowly and returned to my work.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.
Alex.
Alex: What are you doing? Have you gotten home?
Elena: Not yet. Still at work.
Alex: It’s late, Elena. You’ve been working too much.
I paused.
Elena: I’m fine. I’m working toward something—the bonus… the promotion.
There was a short delay.
Alex: I understand. I just don’t want you stressing yourself.
A small smile formed.
Elena: I’ll be okay. I’ll text you when I get home.
Alex: Alright. Take care.
I set my phone aside.
And kept working.
Hours later, I finally shut down my computer.
My body ached as I stepped outside.
The night was cold.
Quiet.
Too quiet.
By the time I reached the bus stop—
I realized I had missed the last bus.
“Great…” I muttered.
I tried flagging a cab.
Nothing.
Of course.
Just my luck.
I was about to check my phone—
When a car pulled up beside me.
A sleek, green Lamborghini.
The window rolled down.
And there he was.
Ace.
“Working overtime, Miss Cooper?” he asked calmly.
“Yes,” I replied.
“Get in. I’ll drop you off.”
I hesitated. “It’s okay, I can call a cab—”
“It’s late.”
That was all he said.
No pressure.
No insistence.
Just certainty.
And somehow…
That made it harder to refuse.
“…Okay,” I said softly, stepping in.
The drive was quiet.
Not awkward.
But not entirely comfortable either.
“Thank you,” I said after a while. “For the other day.”
A pause.
Then—
“You haven’t changed much.”
I turned to him, surprised.
He glanced at me briefly before looking back at the road.
“You recognize me?” I asked.
Silence.
Then—
“Did you change your number?”
I blinked.
“…Yes. After the summer break.”
Another pause.
I frowned slightly. “Why do you ask?”
“Nothing.”
But it didn’t feel like nothing.
Not at all.
Still… I didn’t push.
We arrived at my place.
“Thank you, Mr. Damon,” I said, reaching for the door.
“Ace.”
I paused.
“Call me Ace,” he said. “We were classmates.”
My grip tightened slightly on the handle.
“…Okay. Thank you… Ace.”
I opened the door—
But his hand caught mine.
Everything stilled.
My breath hitched.
For a split second…
It felt like something passed between us.
Something quiet.
But undeniable.
I looked at his hand.
Then at him.
He noticed.
And slowly let go.
“It’s nice seeing you again, Elena.”
My heartbeat quickened.
“Same here,” I said softly.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
I stepped out quickly and walked inside.
But even after the door closed behind me—
Even after the silence settled—
My heart…
Didn’t slow down.
- Writer
