Denial sat alone in his office, staring blankly at the papers on his desk. His mind was far away.
I'll keep my distance from Shelly… at least until she figures out what she truly feels about me.
He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment.
A week. I'll give her exactly one week. If she doesn't come to me on her own… then I'll make her fall for me. I'll care for her so much, she'll have no choice but to love me back.
A faint smile tugged at his lips—only for it to fade the next second.
No… love can never be forced. Maybe it's better if I just leave her alone. I'll only watch her from a distance… see what she truly wants from me.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. An employee stepped in with some files, snapping Denial back to reality. He busied himself with work, letting the hours slip away until evening came.
When he finally left the office and walked toward his car, something made him stop. Just ahead, Shelly was talking to the new male employee—Max. Something in Denial's chest tightened. His jaw clenched.
And then Shelly's gaze met his. Her eyes widened, as if she was about to call out to him. But Denial quickly slid into his car.
Before he could close the door, Shelly hurried over and slipped inside the passenger seat.
"What the hell, Shelly!" Denial snapped, startled. "Who does something like that? What if you'd gotten hurt or run over?"
Shelly's voice was calm, almost pleading. "Denial, I don't know why you're not answering my calls… but I have a lot to say to you."
"Then say it quickly," he replied, his tone cold. "After that, I'll drop you home."
"Don't start the car yet," she said softly. "Listen to me first."
Denial said nothing, only gripping the steering wheel as she began.
"I… I don't know if I have feelings for you or not. Actually, I've never been in a relationship before. I was a quiet, shy girl as a child. Then, in Class V, I transferred to a new school and made two friends—Kiki and Lucy. They weren't just my friends… they became my family.
"In Class XII, I lost my mother forever… she died from brain cancer. That time, it was Kiki and Lucy who held me together.
"Yes, in college I got a few proposals… but I didn't know what feelings really were. Denial… I do like you, but please give me time to understand myself. And please… don't misunderstand me."
Denial listened in silence, his eyes fixed ahead. When she finished, he finally spoke, his voice softer now.
"You don't need to worry. If you say we'll just be friends, then I promise… I won't cross that boundary."
A small smile touched Shelly's lips at his words.
"But," she added quietly, "I still call you every day. You should at least pick up."
Denial gave a faint, almost guilty smile. "Wait… I'll first remove you from my block list."
Her smile faltered slightly at that, but she didn't comment.
Denial started the car, intending to drop her home. But midway, he felt a sudden discomfort in his body. Shelly noticed instantly.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" she asked, worry lacing her voice.
"Can you drive?" he asked, his voice strained.
"I learned a little… but it's been years," she admitted.
"Then take the wheel," he instructed, getting out and moving to the passenger seat. "I'll guide you."
Following his instructions, Shelly began driving. "I'll take you to your home," she said, "and then go to mine from there."
But Denial's voice was growing deeper… harsher. Something about it made her nervous.
Halfway there, he said through gritted teeth, "Shelly… stop here. Leave me. Take a taxi and go home. I'm… losing control."
Fear flickered in her eyes. "What's happening to you all of a sudden?"
"There's no time to explain. Get out of the car," he ordered.
But Shelly shook her head. "No. Put on your seatbelt in the back. I'll drive you straight home."
She pressed harder on the accelerator, bringing him to his house quickly. Somehow, she unlocked the door and helped him onto the sofa.
"Shelly…" His voice was low, almost dangerous now. "You need to leave. Right now. Or… it could get dangerous."
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