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The office grows dark as the sun dips below the horizon. I blink the lights on and run my hands through my hair, realizing it's another night spent here instead of in my apartment.
My phone buzzes, and I roll my eyes when I see Aurelie's name on the screen. I tap on the red phone. After her last threatening message, I have no desire to engage in a conversation with her.
In fact, thoughts of Emma consume my mind. It feels strange to be thinking about someone other than Sophia for the first time. Sophia used to be the constant presence in my thoughts, but now it's Emma who has taken over.
During the charity festival, Emma and I chatted for the entire evening. Her roommate, Maya, had given a not-so-subtle hint that Emma might wait for me. Even though I don't know Maya well enough, it was clear what she meant.
Smiling, I glance at the time displayed in the corner of my computer screen-it's already eleven o'clock in the evening. I decide to call it a night, closing my laptop with a sense of accomplishment. I smoothly slide the device into its laptop bag and straighten up.
Then I realize Emma might still be in the building. She often spends even longer hours in her office than I do. I grab my coat from the rack, thinking that I could check on her and maybe bring her a coffee, making sure everything is okay.
As expected, the light is still on in Emma's office. I walk briskly past her door, deciding to make a quick stop at the bar first. I already know what her favorite coffee is. Often, as I rush to other meetings, I glimpse her sitting there, savoring her coffee. Thankfully, we designed personalized cups for each flavor.
The kitchen light flickers as I step in. I plug the coffee machine into the socket, place a mug inside, and select the coffee blend Emma prefers. Leaning against the kitchen cabinet, I close my eyes for a few seconds, trying to ease the throbbing in my head from the lack of sleep in recent days.
My phone vibrates once more, but I don't bother checking the screen this time and ignore the buzzing in my pocket. When the coffee machine's light turns green, I take the mug out and place it on a saucer, along with some milk and cookies on the side.
I unplug and stow the coffee machine away properly, not wanting any of my employees to deal with any issues during the early shift tomorrow. With the mug in hand, I exit the kitchen and step toward Emma's office.
The light is still on, casting a soft glow around her. Through the windows, I see her engrossed in her work, leaning over the documents scattered on her desk. Her hair is tied back messily in a ponytail. She tilts her head, fully focused and concentrated.
Seeing her engrossed in her work, I hesitate for a moment, wondering if it's a good idea to visit her now. I don't want to be a distraction. With a sigh, I pull my hand back from the doorknob and take a step back. However, I quickly change my mind and decide to knock softly before entering.
