If you only knew...

37.Stay away

Ana's POV

After a night filled with inner turmoil and restless thoughts, I wake up to find myself in an even worse state, dreading the arrival of Marco, who insists on visiting because he claims to miss me.

A wave of anxiety and a gnawing sense of shame wash over me as I wait for him, my heart pounding in anticipation. With Lisa off on a new assignment, I'm left alone in the agency's restaurant, nursing a bitter cup of coffee that does little to quell my sorrow and stress.

Just then, the door swings open, and in strolls the sleepy figure of Xavier, accompanied by his friend Nate. The sight of him sends my heart racing, igniting a familiar fire deep within me, as if he has a magical hold over my emotions that drives me wild every time he appears.

"Oh, look who it is! Your beloved Ana!" Nate shouts, a mischievous grin dancing across his face as he playfully ribs Xavier.

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I fight the urge to slide beneath the table, wishing I can disappear from this moment entirely.

"Enough of your awful jokes, Nate," my partner says firmly, a calm authority in his voice, as they stroll toward my table.

"Good morning, are you feeling okay?" Xavier's voice is soft yet filled with concern, as if he can see right through me and read the turmoil buried beneath the surface.

"Hey... I'm alright, just a bit tired. Sleep didn't come easily last night," I reply, trying to brush off the heaviness. "What about you?" I ask quietly, stealing a glance at Nate, who's leaning against the wall with a mischievous grin, clearly plotting his next teasing remark.

"I'm all good, just in need of a coffee. Would you like some company?" he replies, a warm smile spreading across his face as he gently pulls the chair closer to my table.

I hesitate for a moment, then nervously add, "Oh, well... Marco is on his way..." The words tumble out in a whisper, my stomach twisting with guilt. "I don't think it's a good idea to—"

But before I can finish, I notice the fleeting spark of his smile dimming before my eyes. In an instant, he retracts the chair and walks away without another word, leaving me with a knot of regret tightening in my stomach.

I find myself hoping that Nate will hold back any teasing he's planning, but of course, I can already hear him as he exclaims,

"Come on, Xavi, she's busy right now—stop bothering her!" Nate's harsh words hit me like a cold splash of water, igniting a wave of irritation. If only he understood the real story—the truth that it's everyone else who's crowding my space, while Xavier remains the only one who brings me peace amid the chaos. He doesn't see that the only balm for my frayed nerves would be a quiet coffee with Xavier, a moment stolen away from the noise of the world that's spinning out of control.

I wish I could argue, but deep down, I know he's right. It's hard to admit but yes, I am busy, I am sorry...

Before long, my phone buzzes with Marco's name lighting up the screen.

"Hey, love! I've just arrived at your agency!" he says, his excitement radiating through the line, a sharp contrast to the chaos swirling in my thoughts. "Where are you?"

"Just a moment! I'll be right out!" I exclaim, urgency lacing my words. The last thing I want is for Marco to step inside. The mere thought of him leaning in for a kiss or sweeping me into an embrace while Xavier lingers at the nearby table sends a shiver of panic through me. I am acutely aware of Xavier's presence, and I can't shake the feeling that he has developed some feelings for me. The idea of him witnessing anything intimate between Marco and me is unbearable; I don't want to make him uncomfortable or hurt him. It is a delicate balance, and I am desperate to keep it from tipping over.