THE UNSEEN THREAD

PART 15

Areeba and Maha entered the office lobby together, chatting lightly as they approached the elevator. Just as they neared, they spotted Taehyung standing there, hands casually in his pockets as he waited for the doors to open. He seemed deep in thought, his gaze fixed forward until he noticed them walking toward him.

When he looked up, his face broke into a slight smile. "Good morning," he greeted, his eyes lingering on Areeba just a second longer than necessary.

Both Areeba and Maha returned his greeting with a polite nod, exchanging a quick, knowing glance between them. The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside together. Areeba felt a slight tension in the confined space, though she brushed it off as they settled in for the quiet ride up.

As the elevator ascended, Taehyung's eyes found their way to Areeba, her back turned to him as she stood beside Maha. Something about her quiet presence held his gaze longer than he intended. There was a subtle elegance in her stance, an almost natural confidence that showed even in the way she carried herself.

He couldn't help but let his mind linger on her, noting the small details-the way she shifted her weight slightly, the soft drape of her hijab, how her focus remained forward. There was a curiosity he felt, mingling with the purpose he'd set in motion, making it harder to pull his eyes away.

As Taehyung continued to study Areeba, Hyuk's plan echoed in his mind-a scheme designed to bring her down as payback. He watched her, thinking about how easily he could act on that plan, each detail lining up as if it were meant to happen. But somewhere beneath his steady gaze, there was a flicker of hesitation.

Yet, as he reminded himself of his initial anger, the plan felt justified. She had humiliated him first, hadn't she? His resolve hardened slightly, even as something deeper held him back, a small, buried reluctance he couldn't quite ignore.

As the elevator doors slid open on the 10th floor, Areeba and Maha stepped out, exchanging a quick word before heading down the hallway to their desks. Taehyung watched them leave, his expression unreadable, before the doors closed once again. As the elevator ascended to the 12th floor, he leaned back, thinking of the day ahead.

Stepping into his office, he brushed off the lingering thoughts about Areeba and set his mind on the work piling up on his desk, his gaze momentarily distant as he settled in.

Taehyung's phone buzzed, interrupting his focus. He picked it up to see Hyuk's name flashing on the screen. He sighed and answered, barely masking his impatience.

"Hey, are you ready for your next step?" Hyuk's voice held a hint of challenge.

Taehyung leaned back, glancing around his office as if anyone might overhear. "I know what I'm doing, Hyuk. Everything's in place."

"Good," Hyuk replied, his voice calm but insistent. "Just don't forget - stay close, keep her trust. You're playing it perfectly so far."

Taehyung ended the call, placing the phone back down, a trace of hesitation flickering across his face.

After ending the call with Hyuk, Taehyung picked up his office landline and dialed Mr. Choi's extension. As soon as he picked up, Taehyung spoke calmly, masking any trace of his thoughts.

"Mr. Choi, I need you to inform the team that I'll be hosting a party at the K Hotel this Saturday. Make sure everyone knows they're invited."

Mr. Choi sounded surprised but kept his tone professional. "Understood, Mr. Kim. I'll send the message out to the whole team."

"Good," Taehyung replied, ending the call. He leaned back in his chair, allowing a slight smile to play on his lips. It was all falling into place, just like Hyuk suggested.