CHAPTER 36: Persuasion

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The office was buzzing with energy as I walked in, the familiar sights and sounds welcoming me

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The office was buzzing with energy as I walked in, the familiar sights and sounds welcoming me. My colleagues greeted me with smiles and congratulations, their excitement infectious.

"Congratulations on your graduation, Elena!" one of my coworkers called out as I passed by.

"Thank you," I replied, grinning at the group gathered around the coffee machine. They had all been so supportive, knowing how hard I had worked to finish my degree while juggling my internship. A wave of gratitude washed over me. It felt wonderful to be surrounded by such kind and encouraging people.

I headed to my desk, trying to refocus my mind on the tasks for the day. The stack of papers in my in-tray was a reminder of how much work lay ahead. I sat down, flipping through the files and starting to organize them by priority. But my mind kept drifting, unable to stay focused. I found myself staring at the spreadsheet on my screen, the numbers blurring as I got lost in my thoughts.

I closed my eyes for a moment, and the memory of the early morning flooded my senses. It was like a movie reel playing in my mind, vivid and detailed.

**Flashback: Early Morning**

The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. I blinked my eyes open slowly, becoming aware of the warmth surrounding me. Enzo’s arms were wrapped around me, holding me close. His chest was a solid, comforting presence at my back, his breath warm against my neck.

I shifted slightly, turning in his embrace to face him. He was still asleep, his features relaxed and peaceful. It was a rare sight, seeing him so vulnerable, without the hard edge of control he usually wore like armor. I studied his face, taking in every detail: the strong line of his jaw, the slight stubble that had grown overnight, the way his dark lashes fanned against his cheeks. His lips were slightly parted, and I resisted the urge to trace them with my finger.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I watched him. He looked so different like this, almost boyish, and so beautiful that it made my heart ache. I couldn't believe how much my life had changed in such a short time. From the moment he had walked into my world, everything had been different.

I reached up, gently brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. He stirred at my touch, his eyes fluttering open. For a moment, he looked confused, then his gaze focused on me, and his lips curved into a sleepy smile.

"Good morning, tesoro," he murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep.

"Good morning," I replied softly, my heart swelling with love as I leaned in to peck his lips. He then pulled me into a deeper kiss, a slow, lingering kiss that made my toes curl. It was the kind of kiss that held promises and unsaid words, the kind of kiss that made everything else fade away.

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