Chapter Three: Glass Walls

(Ariadne Asselina Ildelfonso's POV)

A week passed, and I spent every second of it avoiding unnecessary interaction with Gavyn.

Of course, that was easier said than done.

As the assigned consultant, he was involved in every major decision for the project. Every meeting. Every strategy session. Every goddamn discussion.

But I wasn’t the same woman I had been years ago.

I had learned how to hide.

How to build walls that no one could cross.

And if Gavyn thought he could waltz back into my life and shake me, he was sorely mistaken.

I arrived early, settling into my usual spot at the conference table. My notes were neatly arranged, my laptop open and ready. The moment the meeting started, I would focus solely on the project.

No distractions. No unnecessary conversations.

The door swung open.

I didn’t have to look up to know who it was.

That familiar presence settled into the space like a shadow stretching toward me.

"Good morning, kitten."

I ignored him.

Gavyn sat across from me, setting his tablet down with deliberate ease. "Silent treatment? I thought we were past our teenage years."

I calmly took a sip of my coffee. "I didn’t realize I owed you conversation."

He smirked. "You don’t. But it’s interesting how hard you’re trying to pretend I don’t exist."

I finally looked up, meeting his gaze with practiced detachment. "If you’re done with the small talk, we have work to do."

A flicker of amusement crossed his face, but he leaned back, allowing the shift.

The assistant manager arrived moments later, and the meeting began.

I kept my voice professional, my explanations clear and concise as I outlined the initial phases of the project. We needed a targeted campaign, exclusive resort partnerships, and a seamless booking process. Every step had to be planned down to the last detail.

Gavyn listened without interrupting, his expression unreadable.

But when I finished, he tapped his fingers lightly against the table.

"Not bad," he mused. "But you’re missing something crucial."

I raised a brow. "And what’s that?"

"Emotional appeal."

I stiffened.

"You’ve covered logistics, but a couple’s retreat isn’t just about efficiency," he continued. "It’s about the experience. The emotions tied to the destination. You need to create something that makes them feel like it’s a dream worth investing in."

His gaze didn’t waver.

Neither did mine.

"I’m well aware," I said coolly. "That’s why I suggested a curated selection of romantic experiences—private beach dinners, hot air balloon rides, luxury spa packages."

"That’s a start." His lips curled slightly. "But tell me, Ariadne—"

The name hit me like a strike to the ribs.

Not Yannie.

Not the name I had carefully built this new life around.

Ariadne.

The woman he had once condemned.

"—how do you define romance?"

The air shifted.

I kept my face impassive, though my fingers curled slightly against the table.

"You’re asking the wrong person."

"Am I?" His voice was low, knowing.

My nails dug into my palm beneath the table. "I think you’ll find my personal opinions are irrelevant. Our target demographic determines the approach."

Gavyn held my gaze for a moment longer, then exhaled, as if amused by my deflection.

"Alright," he conceded. "Then let’s stick to business."

The meeting stretched on, but I kept the discussion strictly professional. I addressed everyone but him, responding only when absolutely necessary.

And yet, I could feel his eyes on me the entire time.

By the time the meeting wrapped up, I had a long list of tasks to complete. I gathered my things quickly, intending to leave before he could corner me.

But the moment I stepped into the hallway, a shadow followed.

"You’re not going to avoid me forever, you know."

I didn’t stop walking. "I don’t need to avoid you, Gavyn. I simply don’t find your presence worth acknowledging."

A chuckle. "Cold."

I turned a corner, heading toward my office. "I prefer efficient."

"Efficient," he repeated, falling into step beside me. "Is that what you call this little performance?"

I stopped abruptly, turning to face him.

"This is work," I said sharply. "That’s all it is. That’s all it’s ever going to be."

His expression didn’t change, but something flickered in his eyes.

Something unreadable.

"I see."

I didn’t wait for a response.

I stepped into my office, closing the door firmly behind me.

A deep breath.

Calm.

I had built this life for myself.

And no matter what Gavyn thought—

No matter what game he was playing—

I wasn’t letting him break it.

Hours later, the office had mostly emptied.

I sat at my desk, finishing up the last few reports, when a knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts.

I didn’t bother looking up. "Come in."

The door opened, and I immediately regretted my words.

Gavyn stepped inside.

He didn’t speak at first, just observed my workspace. His gaze flickered over the neatly arranged documents, the color-coded tabs on my screen.

"Still a perfectionist, I see," he mused.

I ignored him, typing something into my spreadsheet. "Do you need something, Mr. Del Herrera?"

The formal address made something flicker across his face, but he let it slide.

"I wanted to go over the resort selection criteria again. There are a few factors we need to refine before finalizing the list."

I exhaled, forcing myself to focus. "Fine. What are your concerns?"

He pulled out the chair across from me, his movements slow, deliberate.

"As I mentioned earlier, the emotional appeal is lacking. You’ve chosen resorts based on their amenities, but we need locations with deeper sentimental value. Places tied to timeless romantic traditions."

I nodded stiffly. "I’ll adjust the criteria accordingly."

"Good."

Silence stretched between us.

But I could feel his gaze lingering.

I didn’t look up.

Instead, I continued typing.

Every keystroke was measured, precise.

As if I could build another wall between us with each letter I pressed.

"Still like working late?" Gavyn’s voice was softer this time.

I paused for half a second before resuming. "It’s productive."

"Or an excuse to avoid people?"

My fingers stilled.