The boardroom emptied slowly, but Aiden, Alina, and Jesse left together, heading straight for Aiden’s office.

Once inside, Aiden walked over to his desk while Alina lingered near the door for a moment. She inhaled softly, gathering her words, then smiled at him.

"You didn’t have to be like that," she said gently. "You didn’t have to tell them it was a business trip.." her lips curved into a small, almost shy smile, "But… I liked it though." She added walking fully inside.

...