Elena walked through the university hallways, trying to focus on her studies. The exams were only a week away, and the pressure was immense. Professors were stricter than usual, calling out even the smallest mistakes. Every corner of the library and study rooms was filled with students buried in books. Elena tried to concentrate on her notes, but her mind wandered back to Aiden’s sudden arrival.
She hadn’t expected to see him, yet the moment the secretary mentioned someone looking for her, her heart had leapt. She knew it was him. Aiden was the only person who truly understood her, the only one she could be herself around. His presence had always been a source of comfort, a reminder that she wasn’t alone in facing life’s challenges.
Gabriel and Andrew were seated a few tables away, pretending to study but stealing glances at her. Gabriel was unusually quiet, his brows furrowed as he scribbled something in his notebook. Andrew, on the other hand, was fidgeting with his pen, his usual playful demeanor subdued. They were both clearly curious about Aiden, though neither of them had said a word.
Elena sighed and shook her head, trying to refocus. Just as she started underlining key points in her textbook, Aiden appeared at the door, carrying a bag. He walked in casually, a warm smile on his face that made Elena’s heart flutter.
“Elena,” he called out softly, catching the attention of everyone in the room.
Elena’s head shot up, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw him. “Aiden!” she exclaimed, standing so quickly that her chair scraped against the floor.
Gabriel and Andrew exchanged glances, their expressions hardening as they watched her rush over to him. She barely noticed their reactions, her full attention on Aiden as he handed her the bag.
“I thought you might need a break,” Aiden said, opening the bag to reveal snacks and coffee. “You’ve been working too hard.”
Elena smiled, her cheeks flushing. “You didn’t have to, but thank you. This is perfect.”
Gabriel’s pen snapped in his hand, the sound sharp enough to draw a few looks. Andrew raised an eyebrow, leaning closer to Gabriel. “You okay?” he whispered.
Gabriel didn’t answer. His eyes were fixed on Elena and Aiden, the smile on her face making his chest tighten. He didn’t understand why it bothered him so much.
“Who’s that guy?” Andrew asked, his tone laced with curiosity and a hint of annoyance.
“I don’t know,” Gabriel muttered, his jaw clenched.
Elena walked back to her seat with Aiden, who pulled out a chair and sat beside her. Their conversation was easy, filled with laughter and teasing. It was clear they shared a deep bond, one that made Gabriel and Andrew feel like outsiders.
“I should get going,” Aiden said after a while, standing up. “I’ll see you later?”
Elena nodded, her smile soft. “Thanks again, Aiden. You’re the best.”
As Aiden walked out, he glanced briefly in Gabriel and Andrew’s direction, offering a polite nod. Gabriel didn’t return it, his gaze icy. Andrew managed a small, awkward smile before turning back to his notes.
The room was silent for a moment after Aiden left, the tension palpable. Elena returned to her seat, pretending not to notice the way Gabriel and Andrew were staring at her.
“So,” Andrew began, his tone light but probing. “Who’s the guy?”
Elena hesitated, fiddling with her pen. “Just a friend,” she said quickly, avoiding their eyes.
“Doesn’t look like ‘just a friend,'” Gabriel muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Elena’s head snapped up, her brows furrowing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” Gabriel said, leaning back in his chair. “Forget it.”
Andrew chuckled nervously, trying to diffuse the tension. “Relax, guys. It’s not a big deal.”
Elena glared at Gabriel for a moment before turning back to her book, her heart racing. She didn’t understand why he was acting this way, but she didn’t have the energy to argue.
Gabriel, however, couldn’t focus. The image of Elena smiling at Aiden, the way she had hugged him, kept replaying in his mind. It annoyed him, frustrated him, and he didn’t know why.
Later that day, Adrian stood outside the university, talking to his secretary, Harvey. He glanced up when he saw Elena walking across the courtyard with Aiden. The sight made him pause, his sharp eyes narrowing as he observed their interaction.
Elena seemed happy, more at ease than he’d seen her in weeks. Aiden, on the other hand, exuded confidence and charm, his presence commanding attention even from a distance. Adrian’s jaw tightened as he watched them, a strange mix of emotions swirling in his chest.
“Sir?” Harvey’s voice broke through his thoughts.
Adrian blinked, turning back to his secretary. “What is it?”
“Just needed your approval on these documents,” Harvey said, holding out a folder.
Adrian nodded absently, taking the folder but not opening it. His eyes drifted back to Elena and Aiden, watching as they laughed and talked. He didn’t like the way Aiden looked at her, the ease with which he made her smile.
Gabriel and Andrew stood nearby, their expressions mirroring Adrian’s. It was clear that none of them were happy about Aiden’s presence, though none of them would admit it.
As Elena and Aiden disappeared around the corner, Adrian handed the folder back to Harvey. “I’ll review it later,” he said curtly, walking away.
Harvey raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment, falling into step behind his boss.
The day ended with Elena feeling more confused than ever. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting, not just in her relationships with Gabriel and Andrew, but also with Adrian. Aiden’s arrival had brought a sense of comfort, but it had also stirred up emotions she wasn’t ready to face.
As she lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, she couldn’t help but wonder what the future held.