Chapter 10: Growing Curiosity
763 Words
After the public confrontation, the rumors slowly shifted.
Instead of people whispering “Are they dating?” — the new question became:
“Why does Daniel protect her so openly?”
And that question bothered Ada more than the gossip itself.
She sat in the campus garden during lunch, staring at her notebook but not really reading it.
Her thoughts kept replaying the moment he stepped in to defend her.
Why did he react so strongly?
Was it just about professionalism?
Or was there something deeper?
She sighed.
“Stop overthinking,” she muttered to herself.
“It means nothing.”
But even as she said it…
Her heart didn’t fully agree.
Meanwhile, Daniel stood inside his office staring at his phone.
A message notification had appeared from an unknown number.
He opened it.
The message contained a photo.
It was taken secretly.
The picture showed him standing close to Ada during the confrontation on campus.
Below the photo was a short text:
“Interesting choice.”
Daniel’s expression changed slightly.
His jaw tightened.
He typed a reply immediately.
“Who is this?”
The response came seconds later.
“Someone who knows your past… and your weakness.”
His eyes narrowed.
Weakness.
He knew exactly what they were referring to.
His past business scandal.
The failed partnership that nearly destroyed his company years ago.
Or maybe…
Something else.
Another message arrived.
“Careful. People might misunderstand your attention toward that student.”
Daniel leaned back in his chair slowly.
This wasn’t random.
Someone was watching.
And they were trying to use information as leverage.
His gaze darkened.
They weren’t threatening his company.
They were trying to control his personal decisions.
He replied calmly:
“Try exposing whatever you think you have.”
No fear.
No panic.
Only confidence.
The unknown sender didn’t reply.
But Daniel knew one thing —
This situation had just become more serious.
Later that day, Daniel requested a private meeting with Ada.
She arrived at his office confused.
“You called me?”
He nodded.
“Yes. Sit.”
She sat down slowly, observing his serious expression.
“What’s wrong?”
He hesitated for a second — then decided honesty was better.
“I received a suspicious message today.”
Her eyebrows furrowed.
“About what?”
“Us.”
Her eyes widened slightly.
“Us?”
“They took a photo of us during the confrontation. They’re trying to create pressure by using rumors.”
She felt annoyed.
“Why can’t people mind their own business?”
He watched her reaction carefully.
“Because attention around me increases scrutiny.”
She crossed her arms.
“So what do we do?”
He answered firmly:
“We ignore it.”
She blinked.
“That’s it?”
“Yes.”
He leaned forward slightly.
“If we react emotionally, they win.”
His calm confidence made sense.
But something else bothered her.
“Do you know who sent it?”
He paused.
“Not yet.”
She studied his face.
For the first time, she noticed something subtle —
He wasn’t just protecting her from outsiders.
He was protecting himself too.
From someone connected to his past.
“Is this serious?” she asked quietly.
“Yes.”
Her stomach tightened.
“Is it dangerous?”
“Not physically.”
She didn’t like how he answered that.
“Then what?”
He looked at her directly.
“Reputation damage. Business sabotage. Personal exposure.”
Silence filled the room.
“So… I’m involved now?” she asked.
He shook his head slightly.
“No. They’re trying to make it look that way.”
She exhaled slowly.
“Good.”
Then after a pause, she added —
“If anyone tries to attack you through me, I won’t hide.”
His eyes softened slightly.
“You don’t need to fight my battles.”
She raised her chin confidently.
“I know.”
“But I choose to stand beside you anyway.”
His heartbeat skipped for a brief moment.
That statement.
It wasn’t emotional.
It wasn’t dramatic.
It was strong.
He stared at her quietly — seeing determination, loyalty, and courage in her eyes.
For the first time…
He realized something dangerous.
His curiosity about her had slowly turned into something deeper.
And the more he understood her…
The harder it became to keep his feelings under control.
He cleared his throat.
“Focus on the project.”
She smiled slightly.
“Always.”
But neither of them could ignore it anymore.
Curiosity had grown.
And curiosity…
Often turns into attachment.
- Writer
