Episode Thirteen – The Invitation
373 Words
The week after the awkward lunch incident with Kim, the atmosphere at the agency shifted. Eliana buried herself in her work, sketching until her fingers ached, stitching until her eyes blurred. She told herself it was just about proving her worth — but deep down, she was avoiding the silent gravity between her and Bryan.
He was different too. The playful remarks had faded, replaced with short, professional exchanges. And yet, when their gazes met across the room, it was as if the world around them dissolved, leaving only the memory of what they used to be.
Friday afternoon was unusually quiet. The hum of sewing machines filled the air. Eliana was hunched over a fitting mannequin when a familiar cologne — subtle, woody, and achingly familiar — washed over her.
“Eliana,” Bryan’s deep voice broke her concentration.
She looked up, startled to find him standing beside her table. He wasn’t wearing his usual guarded expression — there was something almost unreadable in his eyes.
“There’s an industry networking event tomorrow night,” he said. “Top designers, photographers, editors — the kind of people who could open serious doors for you. I’d like you to come with me.”
Her pen slipped slightly. “With… you?”
“Yes,” he said simply, holding her gaze.
Before she could process, heels clicked sharply against the polished floor. Kim appeared in the doorway, dressed in a flawless cream suit that screamed money. Her lips curved into a knowing smile.
“Oh? An event?” she purred. “That sounds divine. I’ll come too, Bryan. We wouldn’t want Eliana feeling… out of place.”
Eliana’s pulse spiked, but she kept her face calm. She refused to give Kim the satisfaction of seeing her flinch.
Bryan’s jaw tensed. For a moment, Eliana thought he might say no — but then his voice turned cool.
“Fine. But this is a professional function. I expect you both to represent the agency with dignity.”
Kim’s smile widened, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Of course.”
As Bryan walked away, Eliana’s mind spun. Was this invitation about work… or something more? And if Kim was coming, what exactly was she walking into?
- Writer
