After hours spent reorganizing Richard's schedule and sifting through old files, Maya was told to leave early to pack. His words had been brisk and clear. She obeyed without question.

The moment she got home, she packed a slightly oversized handbag with exactly what she thought she'd need: one corporate gown, a white T-shirt, and a pair of light blue jeans—courtesy of her android helper's strong suggestion.

Maya also remembered Richard's instructions about dressing casually. After a moment of indecision, she slipped out of her work clothes and into a yellow floral gown. It was light and soft and felt, somehow, more like herself.

She tied her hair up, then waited in front of the apartment complex the second she was done, standing like an obedient soldier ready for inspection.

Minutes passed.

She turned around restlessly and found herself peering through the window of the nearby coffee shop. The cozy warmth inside seemed to embrace her even from a distance. She hadn't been on Earth long, but she already knew—this place would be one of her favorites.

It smelled like safety. Like peace. Like home.

Richard had gotten her address from her employee records—Jay had made sure of that. After finishing a final meeting with staff, he packed a small bag, swapped his usual dress shirt for a plain white T-shirt and blue jeans, then slipped on a pair of dark shades.

The drive to her place was brief, maybe twenty minutes. Her apartment wasn't far from the company building, and locating it was easy.

He pulled up in front of the complex and stepped out of the car, sliding the shades off as his gaze scanned the area.

And then—he saw her.

She stood just outside the coffee shop window, completely absorbed in something. Her yellow dress glowed under the sunlight, complementing the golden undertones of her skin. For a second, she didn't seem real.

He found himself walking toward her without fully realizing it, curious about whatever held her attention so completely.

He glanced at the coffee shop, squinting. Nothing unusual.

"It's impolite to stare," he said flatly.

Maya spun around so quickly she lost her footing and stumbled—straight into his chest.

Richard reacted on instinct. His hands reached out and steadied her, one resting gently but firmly at her waist.

Touch. Again.

She looked up, startled, her wide blue eyes meeting his. His breath caught.

There was something about her gaze—radiant, innocent, impossibly clear. He had the strange feeling that she was seeing far more of him than he was comfortable with.

Time slowed.

Then it snapped.

Maya blinked, horror washing over her. This was the second time—second—that she'd initiated unnecessary contact with her boss. On her first day.

She immediately stepped back, flustered. "S-Sir, you frightened me."

The stumble had surprised her, yes—but the pull she felt in that instant, the magnetic tug between them, that was something else. Something she didn't understand.

There was a depth to his presence. A strange aura. Confidence, yes. Authority, definitely. But something else lingered beneath the surface, something inexplicably hollow and aching.

"It wasn't my intention," Richard said, voice smooth and calm, though he paused a moment longer than necessary—recomposing himself. "You were staring so intently, you didn't notice when I arrived."

Color flushed her cheeks.

"I was waiting out here, sir. I... got distracted." Her voice trailed off, her embarrassment compounding. This day had not been her best.

She knew how important first impressions were. And this wasn't just any job—her test depended on it. Her entire existence depended on it.

Richard didn't respond. He just kept watching her, unreadable as ever. The silence stretched between them like a taut wire, vibrating with every second.

Maya swallowed.

Finally, he glanced at his watch, face tightening with irritation. The delay had already disrupted his carefully planned schedule.

Without another word, he waved his hand sharply—dismissive, annoyed.

Maya fell silent, eyes darting down. But then she noticed how different he looked in casual clothes. A plain white shirt, jeans—and yet, somehow, he still radiated the same stern energy. Stripped of his usual formality, he seemed slightly more human... but no less intimidating.

"Maya."

His sharp voice sliced through her thoughts.

She blinked. "Sir?"

"Stay focused, will you?" he snapped.

He turned abruptly and headed for his car. Maya followed, chastised but obedient.

He walked around to the driver's side and gestured for her to get in the passenger seat. She climbed in quickly, and he settled into his seat beside her, checking his watch once more.

"Seatbelt," he said curtly.

She nodded and reached for it, trying to move quickly, but in her nervousness, she yanked too hard, and the belt jammed.

She tugged again. Still stuck.

Richard sighed.

He leaned toward her to help—but carefully, keeping a gap between them. Still, the closeness made her freeze.

Her fingers tightened around the belt instinctively.

She wasn't sure why her mind always went blank in these moments. She knew how to put on a seatbelt. But right now, all she could think about was how close he was. How composed. How unreadable.

He raised an eyebrow at her, clearly waiting.

Maya realized—she needed to let go. He couldn't help if she was still holding it.

Embarrassed, she slowly released the strap.

Richard pulled it across her smoothly and buckled it with ease. Then, without a word, he leaned back into his seat, started the ignition, and drove off.

Maya turned her face to the window, trying to steady her breathing.

It was going to be a long ride.

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