It was a fresh morning, and the hotel restaurant was filled with the warm aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread. Mary was enjoying her breakfast with childlike enthusiasm, stealing occasional glances at Nicholas with a soft smile. But unlike her, Nicholas was just playing with his fork, staring at his plate without taking a single bite.
Mary tilted her head slightly, a trace of concern in her voice.
"Nicholas, are you okay? You seem... a little off."
Nicholas looked up and offered a faint smile.
"No, I'm fine."
She hesitated.
"I don't want to pry, but... did Diana say something that upset you?"
He took a deep breath, eyes clouded with hesitation.
"No... What could she possibly say? We were just friends back in college."
Mary narrowed her eyes.
"So either you hate the breakfast, or sitting next to me is bothering you."
Nicholas chuckled—this time, genuinely.
"What kind of question is that? Of course I enjoy having breakfast with you."
She playfully brushed her hair back.
"Then eat, and stop thinking so much. Enjoy the moment."
She picked up a cherry tomato and placed it in Nicholas's plate with a mischievous grin.
Nicholas smiled and finally began to eat.
Meanwhile, in the hotel lobby, Diana sat on a couch, brows furrowed, nervously biting her nail. Her eyes locked onto the elevator just as Yong stepped out with his backpack. She jumped to her feet and strode straight toward him, appearing suddenly in front of him with a rehearsed smile.
"Hi, love..."
Yong froze in surprise.
"Diana? You're here?"
Without missing a beat, she grabbed his hands.
"I missed you. Thought I'd come see you and take a little break. Work's been exhausting."
He smiled, still surprised.
"Well... you made a good call. I've missed you too. But I'm not sure how much fun we can have—I still have to finish the painting."
She stepped closer, pouting sweetly.
"I'll help you guys out! That way we'll get more time together."
"Of course, darling... Have you eaten?"
"No, I was waiting for you. Let's go together."
As they walked toward the restaurant, Yong asked curiously,
"By the way, how did you know I was staying at this hotel? I don't remember telling you."
She batted her eyelashes.
"My heart always knows where you are."
He laughed.
"Alright, alright—just stop yanking my hand, we're going."
After breakfast, they got ready to leave the hotel. Yong paused.
"Wait... I forgot to tell Helen and Nicholas. I'll call them now."
Diana said,
"Just tell Helen—she'll let Nicholas know. I need to call the office anyway. I'll be over by the fountain."
Yong pulled out his phone and dialed Helen.
"Hey Helen, guess who's here—Diana showed up!"
"Seriously? Without telling anyone?"
"She wanted to surprise us. We're going to walk around the city a bit and head to the studio later. Tell Nicholas, will you?"
"Sure! Have fun, we'll get started with the painting."
Yong and Diana strolled through the vibrant streets hand in hand, occasionally stepping into boutiques and emerging with shopping bags. Eventually, they settled into a chic café, sipping warm coffee.
Back at the office, Mary was at her desk when the sharp clack of heels echoed through the quiet space. Rachel approached with a smug smile.
"Mary... You look like you're having such a lovely time lately."
Mary glanced up calmly.
"Yeah, things are going well."
Rachel leaned against her desk.
"I had coffee with Nicholas last night. He's so charming... I kind of like him."
Mary's brows rose.
"You were with Nicholas last night?"
"Yep. Didn't he tell you? We talked a lot—about you, your project... and even about that friend of yours. The one who keeps looking at you in a certain way."
Mary frowned.
"What look? Are you seriously talking nonsense again?"
Rachel grinned wickedly.
"Why so defensive? Unless... there's something going on between you and Nicholas?"
Mary forced a polite smile.
"No, sweetie. You're free to fall for whoever you like. Seems like you've taken a sudden interest in painting."
Rachel giggled.
"I'm actually more into Nicholas. We kind of have similar personalities. You should've seen the way he looked at me... I really want to get to know him better."
Mary didn't reply. She simply walked away toward the terrace, while Rachel smirked behind her.
On the terrace, Mary pulled out her phone. She hovered over Nicholas's number but hesitated. Then she dialed Deniz instead.
"Hey Deniz, are you back?"
"Hi, darling! Yeah, we returned today. How about you? Ava told me you're having a blast!"
"If people would let me, maybe I could. Rachel is driving me crazy again..."
"Oh no—give me the good news first!"
"Last night, Nicholas told me he wants to take our relationship to the next level. Asked me to think about it. I did... and I said yes."
"OH MY GOD! Finally! Your brain actually worked! I'm so proud of you, my silly friend!"
"Shhh! Keep it down... it's just the beginning."
"Come on, tell me the rest!"
"This morning, he was waiting outside my room with a flower. So romantic... But as we were leaving the hotel, we bumped into Diana. She didn't look thrilled. Then she asked to talk to Nicholas alone, and after their conversation, he seemed really off."
"You didn't ask him what she said?"
"No... I didn't want to interfere. Probably something about work. But then Rachel showed up saying she had coffee with him last night!"
"What?! That snake! How did she even meet Nicholas?"
"From the first day. She saw me with the others and jumped in to introduce herself. Now she boldly says she likes him. Says I should've seen how he looked at her..."
"She's totally messing with you. Trying to get in your head!"
"I know... but I really don't want her getting close to him. You know how he is..."
"Why don't you ask Nicholas directly?"
"No, I don't want him to think I'm trying to control him."
"You're right. That's exactly what Rachel wants. Don't let her win. Maybe keep an eye on her—see if she's really hanging out with him."
"I'm not a detective, Deniz. But I'm sure Nicholas wouldn't get too close to her."
"I trust him too. But Rachel... she's a snake. We have to set boundaries now or you'll regret it later."
"You're right. I really don't want to get dragged into this drama."
"Then leave the drama to me. Just keep her under your radar, okay?"