80Carrica stood behind him, stealing glance at his tall wheatg
tore Marizes the company’s
with respect then turned to
a mod and a smile, positioning herself on the other side of
It seemed that at some point Mi Connor’s usual wesistant, Alan, was no longer accompanying him.
The elevator reached the ground floor
Goodbye Mr Connor, goodbye, Carnita
Bye Manssa Camila replied with a slight smile.
They reached the basement where the driver was absent. Connor started the car himself, and
Camila got into the passenger seat, bucking up her seatbelt
noveldramatwo of them went to a renowned bistro known for its great ambiance and delicious food.
ordering their meal, they exchanged a look. Im going to step out for a smoke, Connor said as he
patted his suit jacket, only to
he hadn’t brought his cigarettes.
He looked somewhat weary as he uttered, “Never mind.”“Mr. Connor, I have some, Camila said, retrieving from her purse the brand of cigarettes Connor,
usually smoked, along with a lighter.
Ever since that time they couldn’t find his brand at the convenience store, Camila had kept a spare
pack and a lighter in her bag.
Connor paused for a moment, surprised, then took the cigarettes and lighter and walked out to the
balcony, closing the door behind
Standing alone, his back to Camila, he held a cigarette between his fingers. His collar was slightly
open, one hand in his pocket, his brow carrying a hint of fatigue.
He had worked until past five in the morning the previous night and had barely slept more than an
hour. Severely sleep deprived, he took
deep drag of the cigarette and slowly exhaled, the smoke swirling around him.
Camila sat silently, watching him through the glass door. The ember of the cigarette flickered in the
darkness, stark against his quietude
Suddenly Connor turned around, cigarette clamped in his mouth, and caught her eye. In that
moment of eye contact, Camila’s heart mexplicably started racing. She quickly looked away,
focusing on the menu and took a deep breath.
ter the water served the food, Camila kept her head down and ate obediently.
They finished dinner around nine.
Connor was driving when he received a call that seemed lengthy, “Alright, I’m on my way.”
“Are you tired? Do you need to go back and rest?” he asked Camila.She paused, realizing it must be work–related, and replied, “No, it’s fine.”
Soon, Connor pulled into the driveway of a European–style mansion surrounded by luxury cars. The
two got out and approached the villa
As soon as they entered, the laughter of men and women mixed together filled the air, the
atmosphere buzzing with excitement.
Connor led the way and someone spotted him, exclaiming, “Mr. Connor is here!”
Camila followed closely behind. A group of men and women turned their gaze toward her
In the living room, the most conspicuous person looked up, his gaze passing over Connor to settle
on Camila, smiling, “You made it tool Come, have a beat”
Carmila realized it was Logan’s birthday party.
People on the sofa quickly shuffled to make room for two more.
*Sit,” Connor told Camila
As she sat down, Logan reached out his hand, smiling, “I didn’t expect you’d come to my birthday.
I’m honored.”
Camila returned the smile and was about to shake his hand when Connor suddenly pulled her arm
down.
Logan, his hand hanging mid–air, glanced at Connor and chuckled, “It’s just a handshake, man.
Don’t be so possessive.
Around them, whispers began to circulate, “Is she Mr. Connor’s girlfriend?”
Connor ignored him.