In Officer Ethan's office, Officers Matthew and Becky were seated across from him, going over documents spread across the table.
Becky tapped one of the highlighted sections. "These are the areas where security needs to be extremely tight. Envoys from other countries are arriving—our country is carrying a huge responsibility."
Matthew added, "Exactly. And after the murder incident involving the senior officers, we need to be even more cautious."
Ethan nodded. "Becky, finalize the plan and share it with Head Ace. We'll review everything with him afterward."
Becky nodded in acknowledgment.
Just then, Matthew's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and rose from his chair. "I'm heading back to my office. You two can continue discussing this."
Ethan nodded again as Matthew left.
Once the door closed, Becky lifted her eyes from her iPad and looked at Ethan with a small smile. "It's been a while since we had coffee together."
Ethan nodded casually. "I'll order."
He picked up the intercom and asked for two coffees.
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Officer Nick stepped out of his own office and spotted Bella walking past.
"Cadet Bella," he called.
Bella turned around. "Officer Nick?"
He walked up to her and handed her a file. "Please take this to Officer Ethan's office."
Bella smiled politely. "Yes, I'll deliver it."
Nick returned the smile. "Thank you."
Bella nodded and headed toward Ethan's office, file in hand.
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Becky stood up from her chair, gathering her notes. "I'll finish this plan within the week, then share it with Head Ace. We can discuss everything together before the week ends."
Ethan rose from his seat as well and walked toward her, handing her an additional file. "There's a meeting this Saturday. All SID departments will be present. We need the plan completed before then."
Becky nodded and stepped forward—only to bump her leg against the chair behind her. She stumbled, losing her balance.
Before she could fall, Ethan caught her by the arm, steadying her.
And that was the exact moment Bella knocked once and entered the office.
Neither Ethan nor Becky had time to move apart.
Bella froze, eyes widening as she saw them so close—Ethan holding Becky, Becky still leaning into him. Her face drained of expression for a second before she stammered,
"I… am… sorry. I just—Officer Nick asked me to—"
Ethan immediately stepped away from Becky, straightening himself.
Bella hurried forward, placed the file on the table with a shaky hand, and turned to leave almost instantly. Her steps were fast, almost panicked.
Ethan opened his mouth to call after her—but seeing Becky still standing there, he quietly closed it again.
He turned to Becky instead. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Becky answered softly.
Ethan nodded, but his eyes lingered on the door Bella had just walked out of.
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Bella ran all the way up to the rooftop, her breath uneven, her face flushed with anger and humiliation.
"God, I'm such an idiot," she muttered, pacing back and forth as her eyes burned. "What was I even thinking? How stupid could I be?"
She wiped at her eyes, but the tears kept spilling.
"How could I ever imagine that Officer Ethan would like someone like me?" Her voice cracked. "Of course he wouldn't. He… he clearly likes Officer Becky."
Her chest tightened painfully. She pressed both hands over her face, trying to hide the tears even though no one was there to see.
"Officer Ethan…" she whispered, her voice trembling, "he..... likes Officer Becky."
Saying it out loud broke something inside her. She sank down to the floor, hugging her knees as tears rolled freely down her cheeks, her heart aching with every breath.