Almost Yours

Chapter 11: The Ghost That Still Walks Among Us

📖 Chapter 11: The Space Between Fear and Longing

(Revised & Polished)

Days turned into weeks — busy, steady, ordinary days that felt anything but ordinary to Renesmee. The office hummed with its usual rhythm — shipments, deadlines, new product lines — but beneath the routine, something shifted. Arvee was quieter, more thoughtful, withdrawing gently from everyone but never fully pulling away from her. He took his calls in private now, stepping into the stairwell or the supply closet, and when he returned there was often a distant look in his eyes — as if part of him was still standing somewhere else, listening to a voice from miles away.

Every night, without fail, Renesmee kept her routine: music playing, phone propped up, dancing to the trending sounds of January. It was her release — her way of breathing, of being herself when the rest of the world only saw the stern, unyielding manager. And as she moved, an idea began to take shape — bright, bold, and perfectly calculated.

She would treat her entire team. A thank-you dinner for all their hard work — somewhere nice, somewhere special. She knew exactly the place: a beloved Korean restaurant downtown, famous for its warm atmosphere, delicious food, and private tables. It would be generous. It would be professional. And it would give her exactly what she wanted — more time with Arvee, away from desks and rules and watching eyes.

She pictured it — sitting across from him, sharing stories, seeing him smile without a phone between them. She would take the group photo again — this time on her own terms. And this time, no one would need to send it to anyone. He would already be hers to capture.

The following morning, she announced it at the team meeting with her usual confident smile. “Everyone’s been working incredibly hard lately,” she said, her voice clear and firm. “So this Friday evening — on me — we’re going to Seoul Garden Restaurant. Good food, good company, no work talk allowed. Be there at six.”

A cheer went up, gratitude and excitement rippling through the room. Arvee looked up from his notes, caught her gaze, and gave her a soft, surprised smile — one that reached all the way to his eyes. Renesmee’s heart skipped a beat.

Perfect.