YOUR DEMEANOUR

Chapter 64: Another Day

The next day dawned like any other, and Averyn went about her morning routine, preparing herself for the day ahead. After a quick breakfast, she headed to work, arriving at the office with her usual punctuality. Greeting her boss, Adaline, and exchanging morning pleasantries with her coworkers, Maria and the others, Averyn settled into her usual tasks, ready to tackle whatever the day had in store.

As Averyn settled into her work, Adaline, Maria, and the rest of the office staff couldn't resist sneaking glances at her, curiosity evident on their faces. They exchanged knowing looks, silently wondering if Averyn would share any details about her harrowing experience from the night of the ball to her abduction and eventual rescue. Eager to hear her story, they anticipated Averyn's reaction and hoped she would eventually open up about her extraordinary journey.

While cleaning the coffee machine for customers, Averyn notices them sneaking up on her behind the kitchen doorway and asks, "What are you doing?"

Caught off guard by Averyn's question, Adaline, Maria, and the others exchange guilty glances before Maria sheepishly steps forward. "Uh, nothing, Averyn. We were just...admiring your work ethic," Maria stammers, trying to cover up their curiosity. Adaline nods in agreement, offering a weak smile. "Yes, just appreciating your dedication to keeping things running smoothly around here," she adds, hoping to diffuse the situation.

"Are you serious? Is that true?" she asked to confirm.

"Yes, really," Adaline replies, nodding a little too eagerly. "We're just here to support you, Averyn." Maria chimes in, attempting to divert the conversation. "So, uh, how was your evening after the ball? Anything exciting happen?" she asks with a hopeful smile, trying to prod Averyn for information.

"Oh well, this is quite an unexpected turn of events, I must say..."

Averyn replied casually, not wanting to reveal too much detail. "Yeah, it was definitely unexpected," she said with a faint smile. "But everything turned out alright in the end." She didn't want to delve into the details, especially not in the workplace.

"Do you have a chance to meet Prince Charming? I heard that if you sneak out of the ballroom to the terrace, you might stumble upon him," Maria asks.

Averyn chuckled nervously, trying to downplay the situation. "Oh, nothing like that," she replied, shaking her head. "Just a misunderstanding. No prince charming involved." She hoped her vague response would steer the conversation away from the topic.

Averyn's mind raced back to that moment on the terrace with Calliax, his piercing gaze and the intensity of their brief encounter. Despite her attempt to brush it off, the memory lingered, stirring up a mixture of emotions within her. She cleared her throat, trying to push the thoughts aside. "Well, it was just a brief encounter, nothing significant," she said with a forced nonchalance.

"The news showed how bad the situation was when the military base was captured by the terrorists. Are you sure you're okay?" Adaline inquired, concern evident in her voice.

Averyn smiled reassuringly. "First of all, how did you guys know that I was the hostage? Did anybody tell you about it?" she asked teasingly, suspecting their source of information.

Both Adaline and Maria exchanged awkward smiles. "We got some intel..." Maria remarked cryptically.

Averyn raised an eyebrow expectantly. "Is it Zayden? He told you about it, right?" she guessed, curious to know if her best friend had spilled the beans.