Rivals of the heart

23.Unscripted Moments: The Shift from Professional to Personal

Bella's POV:

Sitting at my desk, I focused on the latest updates for Mr. Brown's project. I could feel William's presence the moment he entered the room, his energy unmistakable. It wasn't long before he walked over, his voice low but laced with curiosity.

"So, Bella..." he started, leaning against the table in that effortlessly confident way he always does. "I've been meaning to ask—how did you get into belly dancing?" His tone seemed casual, but I caught the underlying intensity in his eyes.

I raised an eyebrow, half amused, half intrigued. What's he getting at?

"It's a long story," I said, glancing up at him. "But I go there to unwind. You know, after all the chaos here."

His lips curled into a teasing smile. "You must be pretty good if people are staying back to watch."

I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks, but I kept my cool. "You sound like you've been investigating my schedule."

His eyes glinted playfully. "Maybe I have. Just curious. When do you go there, anyway?"

I smirked. "Why? You planning to join me?"

He leaned in a bit closer, his voice dropping a notch. "Maybe... I'd love to see you dance up close."

There it was—the flirtation, subtle but unmistakable. It felt different this time, though. The playful banter had become something more over the past few weeks since we had started sharing the same space. We weren't enemies anymore, not really. Now, there was something more charged between us, a familiarity that neither of us seemed to want to admit out loud.

"I'm sure you'd enjoy that," I shot back, my tone light, but my heart raced.

He chuckled, his gaze not leaving mine. "You've got no idea."

I pretended to focus back on my work, but his words lingered. He was so damn intense when he wanted to be, yet somehow we were falling into this playful rhythm—an odd balance after everything that had happened.

"Anyway," I said, trying to steer the conversation back, "I don't have time to teach you belly dancing. Mr. Brown's project is top priority."

"Of course, work first." He grinned, and for a moment, his expression softened. "But just so you know, you're incredible."

His compliment hit harder than I expected. I glanced up, meeting his eyes, and for a second, I wasn't sure if we were still playing the same game.

"Thanks," I mumbled, trying to mask the effect it had on me. But deep down, I knew things between us had shifted, even if neither of us was quite ready to say it out loud.

The final touches on Mr. Brown's project were done. After weeks of work, late nights, and endless revisions, William and I had finally finished. We presented it to Mr. Brown earlier, and to our relief, he was satisfied, even impressed. After a few more tasks and paperwork, he thanked us and left, leaving me and William alone in the apartment.

I packed my things, feeling an odd sense of relief but also a strange weight. This place had become part of my routine, but now, with the project done, there was no reason to stay. I slipped my belongings into my bag, mentally preparing to head home and return to some normalcy.

As I zipped up my suitcase, I felt William's eyes on me from across the room. He hadn't said much since Mr. Brown left, but I could sense something lingering in the air. The silence stretched between us until finally, he spoke.

"Where to?" he asked, his voice steady, but there was an edge to it.

I didn't look up. "Home," I replied simply. "The work's done, so there's no need for me to stay here anymore."