Seeing Galuh run off in anger, Wildan immediately stood up from his seat. He chased after her, who was clearly consumed by rage. Just as Galuh's hand touched the door handle, Wildan finally managed to catch her wrist. He pulled her back at the same moment the door opened from the outside.
Wildan pulled Galuh close behind the door, their distance so close that Galuh could smell the masculine scent radiating from his body. She held her breath.
"Mr. Wildan?" Arya's voice was heard from outside the door as he peeked inside, only to find no one there. "Did they just leave? They were inside a moment ago." Arya grumbled, unaware that Wildan and Galuh were standing behind the door he was holding. "Fine, I'll give these documents later."
Arya then closed the door from the outside. Wildan, still holding Galuh's arm, broke into a wide smile, revealing the dimples on his cheeks. Because of how close they were, Galuh couldn't help but enjoy the view before her. She was in awe of Wildan's handsome face.
"Are you holding your breath?" Wildan asked teasingly, smiling.
"What's wrong with you?" Galuh said firmly, turning her face away, though she stayed in the same position.
"You're not moving?" Wildan asked again, holding back a smile when he saw Galuh still pressed in the same spot, while he himself was pinned too close to the wall.
Galuh's face flushed as she realized she was still leaning against Wildan's body. She stepped back, giving him space to move. She wanted to leave, but Wildan's grip on her wrist prevented her from going anywhere.
"Why were you so angry? That anger should've been directed at Baron, not me," Wildan said as he dragged Galuh along. "I didn't even know you were this hungry."
Realizing her stomach had growled, Galuh lowered her head in embarrassment. She was starving, and it became material for Wildan's teasing.
"You must not have eaten since this morning." Wildan grabbed his phone from the desk, then dragged Galuh toward the door again. With his free hand, he opened it.
"Wulan, I'm taking a lunch break. Tell Arya to put the documents I asked for on my desk."
"Yes, Sir. I'll let him know," Wulan replied, looking incredulous when she saw Wildan still holding Galuh's wrist. Galuh, realizing the situation, tried to pull her hand free, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't escape his grip.
"I'm leaving first."
"Until what time, Sir?"
"Hmmm… let's reschedule."
"O-okay, Sir."
Wildan walked calmly, his left hand holding Galuh's wrist as they headed toward the elevator.
"You're making people turn me into a clown," Galuh muttered.
"What's wrong with that?"
"Please let go of my hand," Galuh whispered.
"I won't. You'd just run away."
"I won't go anywhere."
"I can't trust that."
They stepped into the open elevator. Inside, Wildan still didn't let go of Galuh's hand, making her feel utterly helpless.
"How can I make you believe me?" Galuh whimpered.
"Why did you suddenly get angry?" Wildan asked casually.
"Who says I'm angry?"
The elevator doors opened to reveal three of Wildan's employees waiting outside. They hesitated to enter, especially when they saw Wildan holding a young woman's wrist.
"Go ahead. It's fine," Wildan said with a broad smile. Hesitantly, the employees entered the elevator, bowing respectfully.
Galuh had been about to speak, but now she pressed her lips together, unwilling to let anyone—especially Wildan's employees—realize that she was speaking disrespectfully to their superior.
The elevator stopped again on the sixth floor, where about six more people were waiting to enter. Once again, they hesitated. But when Wildan gestured reassuringly, they stepped inside, filling the elevator.
The crowded elevator made the distance between Wildan and Galuh uncomfortably close. Galuh felt awkward as every pair of eyes glanced not only at her but also at the hand still held by Wildan.
The elevator finally reached the lobby. Employees who were getting off exited quickly, while those heading upstairs stayed inside, moving aside to give way for Wildan and Galuh.
Now the center of attention, Galuh covered her face with her sling bag using her free hand—especially in the lobby, where every eye watched her with curiosity.
"Can't you let go of my hand?" Galuh muttered again. "I'm embarrassed."
"Shouldn't I be the one embarrassed?" Wildan retorted. "Holding hands with an unfamiliar girl in my own office?"
"Whatever. I promise I won't run," Galuh said, growing irritated by the inquisitive stares of everyone at Cakrabuana Group.
"Good afternoon, Sir. The car is waiting in front of the lobby."
"Thank you, Mr. Broto." Wildan smiled at the security officer who had earlier helped Galuh. The officer bowed respectfully and cleared the way so Wildan and Galuh could reach the front of the lobby without obstruction.
Parked at the entrance was a black sports car. A valet handed the keys to his boss. Wildan took them and opened the door for Galuh to get inside, then walked around to the driver's side.
Inside the car, Galuh finally breathed a sigh of relief as Wildan released her hand. She leaned back in the seat, rubbing her wrist where red marks had formed.
Wildan got in and drove away from the company parking lot. He knew that after his departure, gossip would spread quickly throughout his office.
"You're crazy!" Galuh blurted out, shocking Wildan.
"Me? Crazy?" Wildan asked, puzzled.
"Yes, crazy. You just grabbed my hand in front of everyone. I was embarrassed!"
"I already told you—I should be the one embarrassed, right? Why are you the one getting angry?"
"Look at this!" Galuh showed her reddened wrist to Wildan.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was gripping too tightly." Wildan felt guilty. "You should've told me earlier."
"I did try to tell you, didn't I? You just didn't listen." Galuh pouted in frustration.
"Then forgive me. I'll be more careful."
"Careful? What do you mean?"
"Well, careful when holding your wrist."
"I won't let you hold it again."
Wildan smiled widely, his dimples appearing once more. Galuh was again mesmerized by his sweet smile, left momentarily speechless.
"Are you sure?" Wildan teased, glancing at her. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Galuh staring without blinking. "Is something wrong with my face?"
Galuh quickly shook her head and turned her gaze toward the road ahead. The street wasn't very busy today, allowing Wildan to drive faster.
"I'm sorry…" Galuh said softly.
Wildan frowned and glanced at her. "Sorry for what?"
"I don't know. I don't even know myself. I'm just sorry—and thank you."
"Are you inviting me to play riddles?"
"No, that's not it. I just haven't properly said thank you."
"So, what do you want for lunch?"
"Hmm… anything. I'm not picky."
Wildan grinned. "All right then. That means you have to follow my choice—because I'm very picky."
***