The Destiny Of Red String

PART 26||Caught?

"Lost? Of course in her World "
~AUSTIN KIM~

The air was heavy with unspoken words as the team prepared to leave for Paris. The project was officially over-a roaring success, but the weight of it no longer seemed to matter. Shanaya, with her usual poise, handled the logistics like a pro, her voice calm, her smile steady. To anyone watching, she seemed perfectly normal.

But James wasn't just anyone.

He saw through her every move, every overly bright smile, and every deliberate attempt to avoid his gaze. The kiss they had shared at the event was a moment he couldn't stop replaying in his mind, but Shanaya had decided to pretend like it never happened.

"James, have you emailed the final presentation to the board?" she asked, her tone clipped and professional.

James looked up from his laptop, his eyes searching hers. She didn't flinch, didn't falter, but she didn't meet his gaze either.

"It's done," he said, his voice steady but softer than usual. "I sent it an hour ago."

"Great," she replied, already moving on. "I've double-checked the flight schedules. We'll be at the airport by 7 PM sharp. Don't forget your passport this time."

He almost smiled at her attempt to be lighthearted, but the joke lacked her usual warmth. It was another mask.

"Shanaya," he said, standing up from his chair.

"Yes?" she replied without turning around, busying herself with a stack of papers on the table.

"Can we talk?"

Her hands froze for a fraction of a second before she continued arranging the papers. "About what?" she asked, her tone deliberately casual.

"You know what," he said, stepping closer.

She finally turned to face him, her expression calm, almost indifferent. "James, I think you're overthinking. It was just a drunken mistake, okay? Let's not blow it out of proportion."

His jaw tightened, the words hitting him harder than he expected.
"A mistake?"

"Yes," she said firmly. "I was drunk, and my emotions were high. It didn't mean anything."

James stared at her, his chest tightening. "It didn't mean anything? You don't believe that."

She shrugged, looking away. "It's better this way. The project is over, and we're going back to our normal lives. Let's keep it professional, James."

AANYA AND AUSTIN

The evening was alive with warmth and soft laughter. The dim glow of streetlights flickered over cobblestone streets as Aanya and Austin stepped out of a cozy Italian bistro. The lingering aroma of garlic bread and pasta still filled the air, but it was the spark between them that kept the night alive.

Aanya glanced sideways at Austin, her fingers brushing against his briefly as they walked. "That tiramisu was almost too good to share."

Austin chuckled, his deep voice sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. "Almost? You didn't share a single bite."

She smirked. "Well, you're the one who said 'ladies first.'"

As their laughter faded into the night, Austin glanced at her thoughtfully. "So, what's next? A walk? Ice cream? Or are you the type to call it a night early?"

Aanya tapped her chin, pretending to be deliberate. "Hmm... how about something different? Let's bake something!"

"Bake?" His brows shot up in surprise.