PASSION AND AMBITION

er neck, some workers were asked to wait in the company overnight.Julia

an to work diligently on the project she had been assigned earlier that day. She was d

e that it was Rowtan, one of her colleagues. Immediately, she regretted not locking the door. M

an could go but he had already placed a mug of hot chocolate on her table. Julia could

ked, bringing his mug of chocolate towards his mouth. "What are you working on?" Julia briefly looked u

col

er computer screen. Julia became more uncomfortable with his presence because she was j

but she didn't want to worry him, so she told him she'll be fine. Now, she felt like calling him

do her own job. He had already made himself comfortable by sitting on the arm

ly like he was watching a program on the tv. She was already thinking of how to politely ask him t

he had a tired demeanour generally. Now, she has to act fast or she'll be forced to r

tan, I appreciate the company, but

ome on, Julia. We've got all night. You can

knew she had to speak up and set some boundaries. "Rowtan, I'm sorry, but I'm not really in

th her, in fact he intentionally put her name on the list of workers to work overnight.

e took his mug and left the office looking like a kid that was being reprimanded. Back

nn

l to my greetings earlier." he thought. He couldn't believe that he had

replayed the conversation over and over in his head,

te feeling rejected, Rowtan knew tha

oach. Smiling to himself, Rowtan opened his computer and

picked up her phone to play games on it when a notification popped up on the screen of h

nd behold she saw it was a message from Rowt

mile because that sticker described

the other time. I know you were bus

. Don't worry about it. Tha

ppreciated the chocolate even if he wanted

about it. I'm happy you loved the c

he thought twice about the last se

an do to make it up to you? M

to Rowtan and he click

f course, she wouldn't mind another mug of chocolate but she didn'

back, sh

appreciate the apology, though. We can have

ed within himself full of butterflies in his belly. He took his

read it over again and saw how inviting it was. It sounded like she

izin

d a reply. She wouldn't blame if he starts disturbing her t

meeting. He didn't want to call it a date which w

e tomorrow after work, if it would be convenie

ng overboard. Not long ago she walked him out of her

already had a picture of what it would look like.A text asking her when they should fi

r a while before she finally leaves the office once it's dawn. Julia didn't know when and

Row

ped, Rowtan: So to show that my apology has been accepted, I

almost aloud and rubbed his palm toge

proud of himself for taking the leap. He felt like

st

t respond to his message. He thought they were cool after he apologized and she said sh

didn't pray would happen. He read through the chats from the beginning to look out for any s

answer to any. Melancholy, he went to the small kitchenette in his office

sk her the question face to face. He was beginning to pac

hoping to see a notification from

d darted for her office. He kept his ear to the door to hear

as doing inside. He couldn't help but pity her in that state. He saw the exhaustio

her hair cascaded down over her shoulder in gentle waves. The soft light from her desk lamp br

ll lips were slightly parted, and her breaths came in slow, peaceful rhythm. The rise

Rowtan couldn't help but feel a dee

edication and commitment. But seeing her like this, vul

air from Kate's face. She stirred slightly. As she stirred, he held his b

rofessing his love to her unwaveringly. She was trying to say something to him but didn't

r neck, under her hair. She started jittering and tears began to flow from her eyes. She wa

and with a force she yelled "