By that time, the office was nearly deserted. Most of the employees had already gone home, leaving behind only the muted glow of computer screens and stacks of documents on desks. A light scent of coffee lingered in the air, interwoven with notes of paper and metal. The stillness was broken only by the occasional footsteps of the guard down the corridor and the faint hum of the air conditioner.
Auren rubbed her temples wearily and leaned back in her chair. Her eyes burned from prolonged tension, and her thoughts were tangled in numbers and charts. She had long since lost track of time, but she understood that staying any longer was pointless. Taking a deep breath, she stood up, closed her laptop, and decided to step out briefly—to stretch her legs, freshen up, and grab a coffee.
When the elevator doors opened, a young woman was already inside, engrossed in her phone. Auren stepped in, and their eyes met.
The stranger froze for a moment, then her eyes widened slightly—a flicker of recognition passing through. She quickly composed herself, but the corners of her mouth twitched into a faint smile.
"Oh, so it's you..." she said unexpectedly, watching Auren with curiosity.
Auren furrowed her brow, not understanding what she meant.
"What?"
"Well, the girl the whole company is talking about. You do know what they say about you, right?"
Auren rolled her eyes and leaned tiredly against the elevator wall.
"Wonderful. Not even safe in the elevator."
The woman laughed—her voice soft, with a slight undertone of mockery.
"Relax. I don't believe any of that nonsense."
Auren looked at her in surprise, studying her for the first time—and to her amazement, realized how beautiful she was.
Iris Caldera was captivating and immediately drew attention. Her light hair fell in soft waves, framing delicate, almost doll‑like facial features. Her large pale eyes, framed by thick lashes, shone with a lively sparkle, and her lips, tinted with a soft pink shade, curved into a warm yet slightly mischievous smile.
She looked refined, yet radiated incredible energy, as though an aura of lightness and motion always surrounded her. A stylish light‑beige suit accentuated her long legs and graceful figure, while a few tasteful accessories lent an effortless chic to her appearance. Her presence was bright and magnetic, causing people around to involuntarily notice her.
"I'm Iris Caldera," she introduced herself, offering her hand. "I work in the design department."
Auren hesitated, but shook her hand nonetheless.
"Auren. Though I suppose you already know that."
The elevator suddenly jolted and came to a halt between floors. Auren exhaled irritably, while Iris merely chuckled lightly.
"It seems fate decided it's time for us to officially meet."
Auren smirked, feeling a rare lightness for the first time all day.
"Well, if fate insists, it could at least turn the elevator back on first."
A couple of minutes later, the elevator resumed motion. As they were exiting, Iris suddenly asked:
"Where are you headed so late?"
"For coffee," Auren shrugged. "Need to stretch my legs a bit."
Iris smiled slyly, her light eyes twinkling.
"How funny. I was planning just the same."
They exchanged glances before moving in the same direction.
When the elevator gently descended to the ground floor, the doors parted, releasing the two women into an empty building. The reception area was deserted, lit only by the dim glow of night lamps that chased away shadows, while the duty guard lazily scrolled through his phone, barely lifting his head.
Iris stepped forward first, heading casually toward the exit. Auren followed, inhaling the cool night air as soon as they stepped through the glass doors. The office district at that hour was nearly lifeless—empty streets, the occasional car rushing by, its headlights reflecting off the wet asphalt.
"There's a good coffee shop nearby," Iris said, nodding toward a quiet lane. "They stay open late."
Auren simply nodded and walked alongside her.
"By the way, why did you say you don't believe these rumors?" she asked after a short pause, casting a curious glance at Iris.
Iris smirked but didn't slow her pace.
"Because I've worked at this company long enough to know how much people love to gossip. If a woman succeeds—someone must have helped her. If a man—well, he's just talented. It's always the same story."
Auren scoffed.
"You talk like you've been through it yourself."
"Not directly, but I've seen it," Iris shrugged. "And I've learned to analyze people. Take you, for example."
Auren raised an eyebrow.
"Me?"
Iris tilted her head slightly, studying her thoughtfully.
"You're too stubborn and proud to let someone push you forward just like that. People like you don't take handouts."
Auren didn't answer right away, but the corners of her lips curved into a faint smile.
"You're observant."
"That's my job," Iris grinned, then added, "And I know what it's like to give your all, only to hear behind your back that you only got lucky."
"You have a big project, too?"
"Yep—and trust me, if I mess it up, we'll both be in trouble," Iris said jokingly, though a hint of weariness remained in her voice.
Auren looked at her with interest.
"That serious?"
"Very," Iris nodded. "Otherwise, I wouldn't be working this late."
"Then coffee is definitely a good idea."
"Absolutely," Iris smiled.
The café was just around the corner. Warm light streamed through the windows, creating a cozy atmosphere. Iris reached for the door first, letting Auren pass inside.
As soon as they entered, the café's warmth gently enveloped them, a comforting contrast to the cool outside air. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with vanilla and something chocolatey.
Iris confidently made her way to the counter while Auren lingered, taking in the inviting interior. Despite the late hour, a few customers remained—some focused intently on laptops, others lazily scrolling through phones while waiting for their orders.
"What will you have?" Iris asked, pulling Auren from her thoughts.
"A black americano," Auren replied.
"Classic," Iris grinned. "I'll have a latte."
While the barista prepared their orders, Auren studied her new acquaintance. Under the warm lighting, Iris's features seemed even more striking: flawless porcelain skin, expressive pale eyes, long lashes, a neat nose, and soft, naturally rosy lips. Her light hair was held in an elegant low bun, and delicate earrings sparkled in her ears.
"You're very beautiful," Auren said suddenly, not looking away.
Iris blinked in surprise, then smiled.
"Well, thank you," she said, propping her chin on her hand. "Funny—you know, I was just thinking the same."
Auren raised an eyebrow in question.
"In what sense?"
"You look stunning too," Iris said, giving her a once-over. "Honestly, when I saw you in the elevator, my first thought was: 'Wow, just wow—what a look.'"
Auren smiled, a trace of shyness flickering in her gaze.
"So you're not one of those people who think I was promoted just for looks?"
"No. But if you turned out to be hired as a model, I wouldn't be surprised," Iris winked.
Auren laughed.
"Well, thanks. Though I still prefer to earn success with my skills, not my face."
"I believe that," Iris nodded. "But you know, having both talent and beauty—that's a real advantage in our world."
Auren took her coffee from the barista and nodded slightly.
"You might be right."
Iris also took her drink, took a sip, and smiled mischievously.
"Alright, compliments are nice—but I'm really glad we met."
"Me too," Auren replied honestly.
Iris took another sip, then looked at Auren with a gentle smile.
"So, feeling better now that you have at least one person who doesn't buy into all this nonsense?"
Auren looked down at her cup, thoughtfully clasping it with her fingers. She wasn't used to sharing her feelings out loud—but in that moment... she truly wanted to be honest.
"Yes," she confessed, lifting a serious gaze to Iris. "It... it really helps. I hadn't realized how much I needed someone who wouldn't look at me with suspicion or curiosity."
Iris nodded, understanding exactly what she meant.
"Sometimes all it takes is one person by your side—even if the whole world is against you."
Auren gave a rueful smile.
"That sounds a bit dramatic."
"But it's honest," Iris shrugged.
Auren looked at her and suddenly felt grateful. This unexpected connection felt meaningful already. She didn't know how long their friendship would last, but in that moment, Auren realized she didn't need to pretend around this girl—and that meant something significant.
***
Thursday morning dawned cool. The air, fresh from the night's rain, invigorated her and cleared her mind. Auren stepped out of the taxi, adjusting her bag strap, and looked up at the company building. Sleep still clung to her thoughts, but after a deep breath, she forced herself to gear up for a new day.
Last night left a strange aftertaste. She had to face the rumors—but now she had Iris: someone who not only rejected the gossip but effortlessly offered her support. That mattered more than Auren expected. Even now, walking through the office and catching glances from colleagues, it felt easier to ignore them.
Passing through the spacious lobby, she heard a familiar voice behind her:
"So, ready to conquer the office again?"
Auren turned and saw Iris. She looked fresh and energetic, despite the late night before. Her hair was neatly styled, light makeup accentuated her expressive eyes, and a sly smile played on her lips.
"If 'conquer' means not letting myself get eaten alive, then yes," Auren replied with a smirk.
Iris snorted.
"You're doing great at that. Come on—I'll walk you to your office before someone intercepts you along the way."
They walked down the corridor, chatting as they went.
"How's your morning?" Iris asked.
"It's too quiet—for now. Either it's the calm before the storm, or I'm just imagining it," Auren answered honestly.
Iris shook her head.
"Probably the latter. People like to talk, then get bored and move on to something new."
"I'd like that to happen as soon as possible."
"Give them some time," Iris shrugged. "By the way, if needed—know that I'd be ready to spread a rumor in return."
Auren laughed.
"What kind of rumor, for instance?"
"That you're actually the daughter of some millionaire, and Mr. Dantes* is your bodyguard."
"Oh lord, let's skip that."
They both smiled. Conversations with Iris really helped.
When they reached Auren's office, Iris winked goodbye:
"Alright, I won't keep you, marketing genius. But if you need anything—just call."
"Thanks, Iris," Auren said warmly before entering the office.
She closed the door behind her and exhaled. The day had just begun—but for the first time in a long time, she felt like things might not be so bad after all.
Auren turned on her computer, pulled out her notebook, and opened the project files. Now was the time to truly show everyone what she was capable of.