Where My Heart Belongs

6. A Taste of Connection : Aiden

The sun peeked through the blinds of my office, casting a golden hue over the polished desk. I glanced at the clock, noting it was almost time for the team meeting. Today marked Antara's second week at Neuralink Tech, and I couldn't shake the anticipation buzzing in the air. She had brought a refreshing energy with her, a contrast to the usual corporate atmosphere.

As I entered the conference room, my gaze immediately sought her out. Antara sat across the table, her brow furrowed in concentration as she took notes during the presentation. I found myself admiring her focus, the way she absorbed every detail. There was something captivating about her, a quiet strength that drew me in.

After the meeting wrapped up, I made my way to her. "Hey, how's your work going?" I asked, leaning against the table, trying to keep my tone casual.

She looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before transforming into a polite smile. "It's going great. I'm still getting the hang of things, but I think I'm starting to understand the projects better."

"You've already impressed everyone with your insights," I encouraged. "Want to grab lunch? I know a great place nearby."

Antara hesitated, her gaze drifting away for a moment. "Thanks, but I think I'll just eat at my desk. I have a lot to catch up on," she replied, her tone carefully measured.

I sensed the distance in her words, the walls she had built around herself. "Come on, it'll be good to take a break. Besides, it's a chance to get to know your colleagues better."

She shifted slightly, a mix of uncertainty and reluctance clouding her expression. "I really shouldn't..."

"Just one lunch," I pressed gently. "I promise it'll be worth it. And you can't work through every meal. It's not good for you."

After a moment, she sighed, a hint of resignation in her eyes. "Alright, but just for a little while."

As we walked to the nearby café, our conversation flowed easily, a mix of personal anecdotes and lighthearted banter. Yet, I could feel her holding back, her guarded demeanour surfacing at times, as if she were weighing every word before speaking.

After we returned to the office and the workday began to wind down, I gathered the team to discuss dinner plans. "I was thinking of taking some of you out tonight for a casual dinner. What do you all think?" I scanned the room, noting the eager nods and smiles from my colleagues.

My gaze landed on Antara, who looked contemplative. "I... I don't know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have plans with my friend Kiara."

The disappointment flickered in my chest, but I didn't want to let her slip away so easily. "Why not invite her along? I'd love to meet her, and I'm sure she'll fit right in."

Antara hesitated again, her eyes darting to the floor as she considered my suggestion. "I don't want to impose," she murmured, the hint of vulnerability in her tone.

"It's not an imposition at all," I reassured her, my voice steady. "The more, the merrier. This is a chance for you to unwind and have some fun, right? Plus, you deserve it after all the hard work you've put in already."

After what felt like an eternity, a small smile crept onto her lips, softening her guarded expression. "Okay, if you really don't mind..."

"Not at all," I said, my heart lifting at the change in her demeanour. "I'll send you the details. Can't wait to meet Kiara!"

As we wrapped up the day, I felt a surge of excitement coursing through me. Maybe tonight would be the turning point for Antara, a chance for her to let her guard down a little more. And I was more than ready to help her open up.