Episode 5

The next morning at Y&K, Aruka walked into the office determined to avoid Adam, Patrick, and any unnecessary drama. However, fate had other plans.

As she settled at her desk, a beautifully wrapped gift box was placed in front of her. She looked up to find Patrick grinning down at her.

“Good morning, Ms. Takashi,” he said cheerfully.

Aruka sighed. “Patrick, what now?”

“Consider this a peace offering,” he said, stepping back and gesturing to the box.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she opened it. Inside was an elegant designer scarf in her favorite color.

“I don’t need this,” she said, closing the box and pushing it back toward him.

“Oh, but you do,” Patrick replied. “You’re going to need something nice to wear to dinner tonight.”

“Dinner?” she repeated, narrowing her eyes.

“Yes,” he said with a smirk. “I made a reservation at Le Vignoble. Eight o’clock. Don’t keep me waiting.”

Before she could respond, he walked away, leaving her fuming.

---

Adam watched the scene unfold from his office window, his hand tightening around a pen. His mood darkened with every passing second.

“Dinner with Patrick? Not on my watch,” he muttered under his breath.

---

At lunch, Aruka found herself cornered by Adam in the break room.

“You’re not going,” he said without preamble.

She blinked at him, taken aback. “Excuse me?”

“You’re not going to dinner with Patrick,” Adam repeated, his tone brooking no argument.

Aruka crossed her arms. “And why not? Last I checked, I’m free to make my own decisions.”

“He’s using you,” Adam said, his voice low. “Patrick doesn’t care about you, Aruka. He just wants to provoke me.”

She raised an eyebrow. “And why would he want to do that? Are you saying this is about you?”

Adam hesitated, realizing he’d said too much.

“Just trust me,” he said finally.

Aruka shook her head, her frustration mounting. “You’re unbelievable, Adam. First, you manipulate my job role, then you try to control my personal life? What’s next?”

Before he could respond, she stormed out of the room.

---

That evening, Aruka stood in front of her mirror, debating whether to go.

“Why am I even considering this?” she muttered. But despite her reservations, she put on the scarf Patrick had given her and headed out.

---

At Le Vignoble, Patrick was already waiting, looking as charming as ever.

“You look stunning,” he said, standing as she approached the table.

Aruka rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get this over with.”

The dinner started off awkwardly, with Patrick doing most of the talking and Aruka responding curtly. But as the evening wore on, she found herself relaxing. Despite his playful demeanor, Patrick was surprisingly insightful and attentive.

“So, why fashion design?” he asked, genuinely curious.

Aruka hesitated before answering. “It’s the only thing that’s always made sense to me. I love creating something beautiful out of nothing.”

Patrick nodded, his expression thoughtful. “That’s admirable. Most people don’t have the courage to follow their passions.”

She smiled slightly, feeling a flicker of warmth toward him.

---

Unbeknownst to them, Adam was sitting at the bar, his eyes fixed on their table. He clenched his jaw as he watched Patrick lean closer to Aruka, making her laugh.

When Patrick casually reached for her hand, Adam had seen enough.

---

“Enjoying yourself?” Adam’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

Aruka and Patrick both turned to see him standing by their table, his expression cold and unyielding.

“Adam,” Patrick said, leaning back in his chair with a smug smile. “What a surprise.”

“Not really,” Adam replied, his gaze locked on Aruka. “Aruka, we need to talk. Now.”

Aruka stared at him, torn between annoyance and curiosity. “Adam, this isn’t the time or place.”

“Then I’ll make it quick,” he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her to her feet.

Patrick stood as well, his amusement replaced by irritation. “Cousin, I think she’s capable of deciding for herself.”

Adam ignored him, leading Aruka out of the restaurant and into the cool night air.

“What is wrong with you?” Aruka demanded, pulling her hand away.

“What’s wrong with me?” Adam shot back. “What’s wrong with you? Having dinner with someone like Patrick?”

“He’s your cousin!” she said. “Why do you hate him so much?”

Adam ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. “Because he doesn’t deserve you, Aruka. No one does.”

The words hung in the air between them, charged with unspoken emotion.

Aruka stared at him, her heart pounding. “What are you saying, Adam?”

For once, he didn’t have a sharp retort or a calculated response. Instead, he took a step closer, his eyes softening.

“I’m saying,” he began, his voice low, “that I can’t stand the thought of losing you. To anyone.”

Aruka’s breath caught, her mind racing. But before she could respond, Adam turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the dimly lit street.

---

What will Aruka do next? Will Adam’s confession change everything? Or will Patrick’s charm complicate things further? Stay tuned for Episode 6

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