The next day at Y&K, Aruka walked into the office with determination etched on her face. After the events of yesterday, she resolved to keep her focus on work and avoid Adam’s mood swings and Patrick’s flirtations.
But fate, it seemed, had other plans.
As she passed through the lobby, she was startled to see Patrick leaning casually against the reception desk, a bright bouquet of flowers in his hand. The female staff were whispering excitedly, clearly jealous of whoever the lucky recipient was.
Patrick turned and caught sight of Aruka. His grin widened.
“Good morning, Ms. Takashi,” he said, walking toward her.
“Oh no,” she muttered under her breath.
He extended the flowers toward her. “A little something to brighten your day.”
Aruka flushed, feeling every pair of eyes in the room on her. “Patrick, this is unnecessary,” she said, trying to hand the bouquet back.
“Nonsense,” he said with a wink. “Consider it a token of appreciation for making the office a little more lively.”
Before she could protest further, a familiar voice cut through the air like a knife.
“Patrick.”
Aruka turned to see Adam standing at the entrance to the executive offices. His expression was cold, but the fire in his eyes was unmistakable.
“Morning, cousin,” Patrick said cheerfully, unfazed by Adam’s glare.
“In my office. Now,” Adam said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Patrick chuckled and gave Aruka a wink before following Adam.
Aruka stood frozen, clutching the bouquet. The whispers around her grew louder. She sighed and made her way to her desk, praying for the day to pass quickly.
---
In Adam’s office, the tension was palpable.
“What are you doing, Patrick?” Adam demanded, pacing behind his desk.
“Relax, cousin,” Patrick said, lounging in a chair. “I’m just being friendly.”
“You’re playing games,” Adam snapped. “And I won’t let you use Aruka for your amusement.”
Patrick raised an eyebrow. “Since when do you care so much about what I do? Or is this about something else?”
Adam stopped pacing and fixed Patrick with a glare.
“She’s off-limits,” he said firmly.
Patrick smirked. “Interesting. You’re acting like she’s already yours.”
Adam’s silence spoke volumes.
Patrick laughed, standing up. “Well, well. The mighty Adam Brick, jealous for the first time. This should be fun.”
Before Adam could respond, Patrick left the office, leaving Adam seething.
---
Meanwhile, Aruka was struggling to focus on her tasks. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the flowers on her desk and the look on Adam’s face when he saw Patrick with her.
She was startled out of her thoughts when her phone buzzed.
Adam: “My office. Now.”
Her heart sank. What now?
---
When Aruka entered Adam’s office, she found him standing by the window, his back to her.
“You wanted to see me?” she asked, keeping her tone neutral.
He turned, his expression unreadable.
“I need you to deliver these documents to the finance department,” he said, handing her a file.
She took it, surprised. “That’s it?”
He nodded. “And, Aruka...”
She paused at the door, looking back at him.
“Stay away from Patrick,” he said, his voice low but firm.
She bristled. “Excuse me?”
“He’s not what you think,” Adam continued. “Trust me on this.”
Aruka’s temper flared. “You don’t get to dictate who I talk to or spend time with, Adam. I’m not your possession.”
His eyes darkened. “This isn’t about control. It’s about protecting you.”
“From what? Your cousin’s charm?” she shot back.
Adam’s jaw tightened. For a moment, it looked like he was going to say something, but he stopped himself.
“Just... be careful,” he said finally, turning away.
Aruka stormed out, her frustration boiling over.
---
That evening, Aruka sat in her apartment, replaying the day’s events. Adam’s words echoed in her mind, leaving her more confused than ever.
Her phone buzzed with a message.
Patrick: “Dinner’s still on the table. Say yes this time?”
She stared at the screen, her thumb hovering over the keyboard.
Why does everything have to be so complicated?
---
Meanwhile, Adam sat in his empty office, staring at his phone. He had a draft message to Aruka open but couldn’t bring himself to send it.
“Get a grip, Adam,” he muttered. But deep down, he knew—his grip on the situation was slipping.
---
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