The restaurant shimmered with candlelight and glass reflections, one of those high-end places where even the silence seemed expensive.
Alina arrived five minutes early. She didn't know why she cared. Maybe she wanted to look composed. Maybe she wanted to prove something—to herself, not to him.
Sophie had insisted she wear something softer tonight, a pale ivory dress that contrasted her usual sharp suits. It annoyed Alina that she'd actually listened.
Then he walked in.
Adrian Vale.
Black shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to look unbothered, the kind of quiet confidence that filled a room before he even spoke.
"Ms. Ross," he greeted, voice low, smooth. "You're early. Impressive."
"Unlike you?" she shot back.
He smiled faintly. "I like to make an entrance."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't help noticing how the warm lights softened his usual cold expression.
---
A Tense Start
They talked business first—about sponsors, marketing projections, public response. Every sentence was laced with polite professionalism… and something sharp underneath.
"You handled the press better than I expected," he said, almost teasing.
"I always do," she replied, taking a sip of water. "I had to learn, especially after the last time."
He tilted his head. "The last time?"
Her tone cooled. "You don't remember?"
---
The Flashback — The Beginning of Hate
It was two years ago.
The New York Global Hospitality Expo.
Alina had just launched Aurora's first international campaign—a presentation she'd spent months perfecting.
Minutes before her slot, Adrian's company presented… the exact same concept with a different name.
And his version won.
When she confronted him backstage, her voice had shaken with anger.
> "You knew about my pitch. You used it."
He'd looked at her then—expression unreadable, voice calm.
> "If I did, Ms. Ross, then maybe your idea wasn't as original as you thought."
Those words had burned themselves into her memory.
They'd followed her through every late night, every sleepless plan, every win she fought to earn after that.
That was the day she vowed to never lose to him again.
---
Back to the Present
She snapped out of the memory, her eyes hard.
"You humiliated me. In front of everyone," she said quietly. "I built everything after that moment just to prove you wrong."
For once, Adrian didn't smile. His expression softened—just a little.
"I remember that day," he said. "But you were wrong about one thing."
Alina frowned. "What?"
"I didn't steal your idea," he said simply. "One of my junior strategists leaked it before the presentation. I used what was already public, but… I should've stopped it. I didn't. That was my mistake."
Her heart skipped. "Why are you telling me this now?"
"Because," he said, leaning back slightly, "for the first time, it feels like you'd actually listen."
The silence between them thickened—not angry this time, but heavy with years of misunderstanding.
---
When the Ice Cracks
Dinner continued quietly. They talked about safer things—hotels, travel, favorite cities.
She even laughed once, softly, surprising both of them.
And when the waiter brought dessert, he said casually, "I never apologized."
She looked up. "No, you didn't."
He met her eyes. "Then I'm sorry, Alina."
Her name on his lips made something flutter inside her chest, unwanted and unfamiliar.
She nodded slowly. "I'm… not sure if I forgive you yet."
He smiled faintly. "That's fine. I'm patient."
---
A Shift in the Air
When they stepped outside, cool night air brushed against her face. The city lights reflected off the river below.
"Good night, Ms. Ross," he said softly, almost sincerely.
"Good night, Mr. Vale."
As she walked away, her heart felt strangely unsteady. For the first time, the hate that had fueled her for years didn't burn—it… trembled.