The bus rumbled through the highway, carrying the excited chatter of students who pressed their faces to the windows as the city faded into hills and sleek corporate buildings. The day's "educational trip" had been branded as a way to expose students to real-world applications of their studies, but the truth was everyone treated it like a break from the monotony of lectures.
Elena sat by the window, chin resting on her palm, pretending to be interested in the passing scenery. Beside her, Selene leaned back in the seat, legs stretched, earphones dangling but not playing anything. She was watching Elena in that quiet way she had—like she could read more in the curve of her lips than in a textbook.
"You look like you'd rather be anywhere else," Selene murmured.
Elena sighed. "It's not exactly a trip to the beach, Selene. It's… corporate presentations and boring speeches."
"Depends on who's speaking." Selene's tone carried a note of mystery, her smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
Elena glanced at her. "You know something I don't?"
"Maybe." Selene shrugged, cryptic as ever.
The bus pulled into the long driveway of a gleaming building with glass walls that caught the sunlight like mirrors. The logo at the top read in bold silver letters: Aerum Designs.
Elena froze.
Selene noticed immediately. "You okay?"
Elena forced a smile, her voice tight. "Yeah… just didn't realize we'd end up here."
The students spilled out of the bus in a rush of chatter, craning their necks at the grandeur. Guides in formal attire ushered them inside.
Selene slowed her pace until she was walking beside Elena again. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Not a ghost." Elena's tone was clipped, like she was holding something back.
Selene narrowed her eyes but didn't push.
---
Inside, the building was a work of art itself: spiraling staircases, walls lined with models of futuristic architecture, and a massive chandelier that caught the light in crystals. Students murmured in awe, snapping photos.
Selene, however, was focused on Elena's unease. Her friend's fingers fidgeted with the strap of her bag, eyes darting like she was bracing for something.
It wasn't long before something arrived.
From the far end of the lobby, a woman emerged with deliberate steps. Her presence shifted the air. Her heels clicked against the marble with authority, her sharp suit hugging her frame in a way that demanded attention rather than invited it.
Her face was striking — elegant lines, piercing eyes, and a composure that spoke of control, power, and a refusal to be questioned. Yet, beneath that iron exterior, there was a softness — not weakness, but something carefully buried.
"Good morning," her voice cut through the noise, steady and cool. "I am Celestine Marlowe, CEO of Aerum Designs. Welcome to our headquarters."
Selene straightened in surprise. Her? Recognition flickered — she'd seen this woman once before, at the project submission with Elena. Back then, Celestine had looked like any powerful business figure. Now, seeing her command a hall of students with a single glance made her seem like something more.
She's… stunning, Selene thought before she could stop herself. The thought jolted her, forcing her eyes away.
And then — Celestine's gaze landed directly on Elena. For the briefest second, the CEO's coolness faltered. Her eyes softened, her lips curved — not into a professional smile, but something warmer.
And then, before anyone could process it, Celestine walked straight to Elena and pulled her into a hug.
The hall went silent.
Selene's jaw clenched.
What the hell? Why did she hug Elena? Do they… know each other?
Students exchanged whispers. Elena flushed crimson, mumbling, "Hi, Mom," against Celestine's shoulder.
Selene froze. Mom?! No. That's impossible. That woman— that powerful, gorgeous woman— is Elena's mother?
Her chest tightened in a way she couldn't name. She forced herself to look away, but her thoughts refused to quiet.
She's Elena's mom. She's untouchable. And yet… I can't stop looking at her. No, no, stop it. This isn't what you're thinking.
---
The tour began, led by Celestine herself. Elena walked close by her mother's side, whispering explanations here and there as if trying to make Selene understand without words.
At one point, Celestine's hand brushed Selene's as she handed over a stack of documents for the students. The contact was brief, professional — yet something in Selene's stomach twisted.
"Thank you… Selene, was it?" Celestine's eyes lingered, cool but assessing.
"Yes, ma'am." Selene's voice was steady, though her heartbeat betrayed her.
For a moment, silence stretched. Something unspoken hummed in the space between them — something neither dared acknowledge.
Elena, noticing the tension, tugged Selene's sleeve and whispered quickly, "That's my mom. Don't… don't read into it."
Selene scoffed under her breath. "I didn't ask."
"Good," Elena snapped back, cheeks flushed.
---
Later, while the group dispersed to explore the exhibits, Elena excused herself to join some classmates. Selene lingered behind, drawn to a model of a futuristic skyscraper. That was when she heard a voice behind her.
"Hey. You're not from around here, are you?"
She turned. A tall boy with dark hair and sharp features smiled at her, confidence dripping from every angle.
"I'm Adrian."
Selene raised a brow. "And?"
"And you're interesting," he said smoothly. "Can I get your number?"
Selene smirked faintly. "You don't waste time, do you?"
Before Adrian could reply, a pair of eyes burned into the moment.
From across the hall, Celestine stood watching, her expression unreadable — but her gaze sharp, unrelenting, as if measuring every inch of the boy daring to approach Selene.
Selene felt it. A shiver ran down her spine.
Adrian leaned closer. "So… number?"
Selene's lips parted, half amused, half unsettled — and in that second, Elena reappeared, catching sight of them.
Her brows furrowed. "What's going on here?"
The tension between all three of them hung heavy, the air buzzing with confusion, jealousy, and something far more dangerous.
And Celestine, still watching, tightened her grip on the folder in her hands.
Adrian leaned closer. "So… number?"
Selene's lips curved, half amused, half unsettled. She opened her mouth to respond — but a sharp voice cut in.
"Selene!"
She froze. Elena was striding toward them, her eyes flashing as they darted between Selene and Adrian. She plastered on a tight smile, but the stiffness in her jaw betrayed her.
"What's going on here?" Elena asked, her tone light but edged like glass.
"Just talking," Selene replied casually, though she caught the way Elena's arms crossed, her foot tapping against the marble floor.
Adrian grinned, oblivious to the storm. "I was asking Selene for her number. Harmless, right?"
"Harmless," Elena repeated, voice flat. She looked at Selene, not Adrian, as though daring her to answer.
Selene smirked faintly, enjoying the heat rising in Elena's cheeks. "Relax, Elena. It's just a number."
But she didn't give it. Not yet.
Because out of the corner of her eye, Selene caught another expression — one far more dangerous.
Across the hall, Celestine still stood, her gaze locked on them. To anyone else, she looked like the composed CEO overseeing her guests. But Selene noticed the way her fingers tightened around the folder in her hand, the slight narrowing of her eyes when Adrian leaned too close.
Jealousy. Controlled, buried beneath poise, but jealousy all the same.
Selene swallowed, her smirk faltering for just a second. What the hell is happening here?
Elena looped her arm through Selene's abruptly. "We should go," she announced firmly, tugging her away from Adrian without waiting for a response.
Adrian called after them with a cocky laugh, but Selene barely heard it. She was too aware of Elena's grip on her arm — possessive, almost protective — and Celestine's burning stare following their every step.
The three of them, tangled in a web none of them dared name yet.
And for the first time, Selene realized this trip wasn't about architecture, or competitions, or even Aerum Designs.
It was about something far more complicated.