Just as Miguel was about to close the office door, Kevin burst in, slightly out of breath.
“Wait—good morning!” he called out cheerfully.
“Welcome back!” everyone greeted him with bright smiles and easy warmth.
Jill beamed. “This is the first intern to return since our team was established—two of them, no less!”
Sally grinned. “Though, both of them come with… rather complicated personal circumstances.”
The new term had just begun. Miguel had been assigned a major new project thanks to Alex’s strong recommendation, with Jill now serving as his capable assistant. Naosa was officially Alex’s direct assistant, while Sally and Kevin supported both projects, sharing responsibilities.
──────────
At the morning meeting, Miguel shared exciting news.
“There’s a major regional seminar next month. Alex and I will be presenting as featured speakers this year, filling in for Deb.”
It was a prestigious event that brought together top researchers from renowned institutions. The Wexley Institute would be sending several senior faculty members. Others would be there too—including a few familiar faces from Alex and Miguel’s med school days.
The team threw themselves into preparations. Jill and Naosa often worked closely together to meet the growing demands.
On the surface, everything seemed smooth. But Alex was uneasy.
Researchers from Wexley were definitely attending. That meant Corey might appear too.
Alex couldn’t stop thinking about the dream that had haunted him months ago—Naosa, smiling gently at Corey.
Thank you, Corey… I’ve waited a long time to hear those words.
Then her tearful voice: I’m sorry, Alex…
He jolted from sleep that night, gripped by the same fear. Even now, the memory clung like fog.
She said she and Corey were over. She said she only loved me. So why can’t I shake this feeling?
The thought kept circling back to one conclusion: If people knew we were official—if I made it clear we’re serious—maybe it would protect us.
──────────
That weekend, while staying at Naosa’s house, Alex quietly pulled Lu and Kacy aside.
“Tell me Nao’s ring size—left hand. As soon as possible.”
Both women blinked in surprise, then broke into delighted smiles.
A few days later, Kacy took Alex jewelry shopping.
He was completely lost. Kacy, ever the expert, helped him navigate through velvet-lined cases of sparkling rings.
The jeweler eagerly presented large, flashy diamonds, but Alex shook his head.
“No… this one.” He pointed to a simple, refined design with a smaller stone—elegant, timeless. “It’s perfect for her personality.”
Kacy leaned in. “It’s finer quality. Much pricier too.”
Alex hesitated for a beat, then nodded. Worth every cent.
Afterward, he treated her to a nice dinner to thank her.
──────────
The next day, whispers began circulating through the building.
Alex O’Neill was spotted at the exclusive Laxualy Jewelry store—with a glamorous woman on his arm.
Amanda arched a brow. He’s jewelry-shopping? With someone like that? Maybe he’s already getting bored of Nao…
Miguel, as always, caught wind of the rumors first. Jill and Sally followed.
“They seem fine,” Jill said slowly. “But who was that woman?”
Sally frowned. “Let’s not tell Nao. Just in case.”
Unfortunately, Amanda had other ideas.
During lunch, she leaned in toward Naosa and said in a low, concerned voice, “Alex was seen shopping for jewelry yesterday—with a stunning woman. Just thought you should know.”
Naosa froze, her fork halfway to her mouth.
She said nothing. Her expression didn’t change.
But her mind spun.
──────────
That evening, Naosa asked Lu and Kacy outright.
They both insisted—emphatically—that it wasn’t Alex.
Still, doubt clung to her like fog.
Friday night came.
Alex didn’t visit.
He’d said he’d be by on Saturday instead—some work had come up.
Naosa lay awake in the dark, staring at the ceiling.
Was he really working… or with someone else?
She turned over, pulling the blanket up tightly.
Sleep never came.
──────────
© 2024 reminise. All rights reserved.