Life was going on like it was supposed to be. We were working on projects and now I had completed my 9 months in The Walker Groups. The internship was for a year so that left me with 3 months if we did not get any extension. I was now starting to freak out whether I would be taken in here or I would have to go job hunting. While Allison continuously told me that I would definitely get in here, I couldn't help but freak a little. I mean, TWG was definitely a big company. It was one of the top businesses handled in the country and working here would give away a lot of opportunity so I was working hard to prove myself.

We had our usual lunch every day. Me, Alice, Ian and Stel!

After the incident in the ball, Stel was so much more...outgoing around us all. He obviously was with Ian but maybe I guess he laughed a little more, was happier and he looked happy.

Or it could be simply because of that kiss.

My consciousness has forgot all about its filters and has been giving comments all day.

But it was not exactly a kiss. It was a peck. On the cheeks. Its not even that of a big deal. He must have probably forgotten about it. He would have because why would he remember a kiss from me? But still there was a small part of me that wished that he did remember it and it was not just a faded memory already. I don't even know what came over me to kiss him but I did....and surprisingly, I am happy I did! Because that smile on his face and the blush on mine was all worth it.

But suffice to say, no one was bringing up the tension building between us all because I wasn't ready to handle it. I still needed time.

I knew I was being stupid to rely on time so much. I couldn't buy so much of that but I was not a professional in this field.

Heck, I was just amateur. I never felt attracted to any guy in particular. Well, not as much as Stellan brings home the idea. I knew that feeling were growing within me and it was a matter of time before I just couldn't blame coincidence and get the fact off my back that I was warming up to Stellan. It wouldn't blame myself for that because its not that difficult if you see. But I still wasn't sure and I also had the constant fear that what if he wouldn't react if I did tell him something? What if he hated what would happen? What if it was never meant to happen and I forced it all?

I knew only I could answer them with time but that wasn't now. Specifically because I was terribly hungry and was basically running to the coffee house. I dragged Alice inside and found a lone Ian sipping on something.

"Hello Mr. Bingley! Where is Mr. Darcy? I haven't seen him all day." I asked Ian finding a spot opposite him as Alice slide next to him.

The only book Ian ever got interested in was Pride and Prejudice and so the names. He would call Stellan Mr. Darcy only because he was quiet and like the character. But according to me, Stel was a far cry from such a dark character. As he mocked Stel, he mentioned that Ian was being Mr. Bingley simply because Alice would play a great Jane. Of course, he represented it more like a question but it was enough to make Alice all blushed and Ian scowl at him and comment that no one could play Elizabeth better than me.

And that gave me satisfaction, because her character was headstrong and she was a great role model. But maybe I liked being called Elizabeth because, even if just for a moment,  Stellan would be my Darcy.

I shouldn't dwell on such thoughts but I couldn't help it if the person in context was absent.

"Oh. He has gone for this trip. He went to a conference in London." Ian said, shrugging off the matter.

It was not a big deal considering he usually had conferences over here but desperate times call for desperate measures. He never mentioned going away though but then again, I don't really keep a tab of his work.

"Oh yeah! He said something about being out for what? Three days maybe?" Alice muttered munching on her salad.

As soon as she spoke those sentences, jealousy creept in me. We all were friends and it might have slipped his mind to tell me but I was still not very well with the fact that he didn't tell me. I was busy thinking of how and what happened until Ian broke my chain.

"I know you are missing him Lia. But don't make it that obvious!" He said chuckling to himself.

Missing him?

Please, I wasn't missing him! Well other than a few instances when his name was being mentioned, I was fine.

The doubts clouded my mind if I was really missing him or not. Sure, I couldn't take the lovey dovey flirting of these two but I survived. I ate my lunch in monotone which they both noticed but ignored and I was thankful they did.

I did try to call Stellan and ask about his well being and sudden disappearance but he never picked up. Maybe he was busy. But the excuses couldn't help when I knew that he had talked to Ian every day. I didnot want to be all desperate so I called thrice and then gave up.

I was worried about him but I was even angrier for the fact that he wasn't picking up as the three days passed by. He is an idiot. But he was alright and that was enough.

Then I saw the random news on internet and saw him in a party in London. Parties were common hosting these days. Though it was weird that he could attend parties but not my call, what was even weirder was that his name was being connected with a certain woman. She was a model and she was certainly the beauty everyone had eyes for. They had been seen together in the party. Media photographs and speculations just fueled my fire.

I was clearly jealous. Its okay for him to meet other woman but he could atleast pick up my call. I was mad, obviously but a second later I realized I had no right to be. He was not mine to hold. He could live his life his way. Dance, stay or marry any woman and I had no right to speak up. As the realization dawned upon me, I suddenly felt really tired and kissed the night good bye with a sleep.

The next day, we all were having lunch and it was the third day of Stel's absence. I did miss him but no one had to know that. I even pretended I wasn't missing him.

"Stellan will be back tomorrow and his sisters are bugging to go to carnival that they couldn't go last time. Nat is legit shouting at me all day...." Ian muttered in exasperation. I gave him a glance and continued with my lunch.

"Will you guys come? I mean last time you couldn't, how about this time?" he continued.

Allison pretended to think but agreed in the end with a cheeky smile. They both then turned to me. Here we go again!

"I don't know guys. I won't come actually! I gotta paint and read!" I gave them a small smile.

"Oh come one now Lia! Enjoy a little!" Allison gave me her puppy dog eyes and a pout.

"Yeah. I mean Stellan is coming as well and yesterday when we talked, he told me to convince you to come as well." Now, the dam broke down.

"If he wants me to come, he can ask himself. And I thought he was busy with his work, considering he isn't picking up calls." I felt bad for snapping at them but what was done...was done! Ian and Allison were silent for a few seconds.

"Well, then accompany us and his siblings. Natalie has grown very warm to you." Ian said with a little uncertainty, which was alright because I had just snapped.

"I don't know Bingley. I am not promising but I might come. But no high hopes. Plus, you really wouldn't want me nagging you the whole time about what not." I wiggled my eyebrows and the tension disappeared.

I wasn't really planning to go and I was suddenly very, very interested in paintings.

I was pretty busy in projects and painting. Oh how much I missed holding a brush! I have been kind of stressed lately, leading to me giving up on one of my hobbies which is a shame if you ask me. I painted a few scenes and a few figures but was too tired.

Saturday came along and I was resting on my couch when I heard a bell. I opened my door to find a very casual looking Stel waiting at my doorstep. I really was shocked to find him there. Wasn't he in London? But then I realized that the three days were over. Before I could comprehend anymore, he gave me a flashing smile and embraced me. I was still awkwardly standing in my pyjamas and bun but I adjusted myself and hugged him back.

"The almighty is back! So tell me, Mr. Darcy, you alright?" I asked him finally breaking the embrace.

"Oh it was alright, my lady! I missed our lunch though!" He said giving me a small smile. Unable to handle the intensity of his eyes, I ushered him in. I had no idea why he was here but whatsoever, if I was getting to enjoy his company, I might as well do!

"I was expecting to meet you on Monday. Dont you have jet-lag or something?" I asked filling a glass of water as he took support of my kitchen stall.

"Its not that bad. Plus, I had to meet you!" I looked at him, silently asking why.

"Well, you are not coming to the carnival!" He retorted back.

"What is with me accompanying you guys everywhere? Don't you get bored of me?" I asked giving him a smirk.

"Oh trust me, your company is anything but boring." He replied.

"Ah, so that's why we run all along. I have heard that quite a few times. Tell me something new!" I said being all cocky.

"I like your company. I like spending time with you and that's why I missed you." I wasn't expecting that and I might have blushed or maybe not but I just cleared my throat a few seconds later.

"Hm. You don't know how difficult it was to handle those two alone. I really don't know how I did it when you weren't there." Mounting myself on the kitchen platform, I gave him wiggling eyebrows.

"So, how was London? And the party? Was the food good?" I asked as he suddenly started laughing. I gave him a confused look.

"Goddess Lia! Here I poured my heart out to you and all you think about is food. You are obsessed." Why not though?

"Ah, a girl's gotta eat! Where do you think all this fat comes from? I have to keep up with my dietary needs!"

And he scoffed.

"You aren't fat Lia, you know that!"

"Of course! That's why I am here in my pajamas and bun, hosting one of the hottest people of the States." I did not even realize what I said and it was long gone.

Its not like he wasn't hot. He was hot and handsome and smart and sexy and handsome and yeah, I could continue but he didn't have to know that.

"You think I am hot?" He said with amusement swimming in his eyes.

"You already know what you are Mr. Walker. It shouldn't be new to you. I really don't need to enunciate!" I said giving him a pout at his laughing fit.

I hadn't even realized that he had come so very close to me that he was just a few inches away. One step closer and we would be at our nose levels.

While I was busy calculating our proximity, Stel sobered up and I saw that all the hint of amusement were gone from his eyes. He cleared his throat to bring me out of my possible trance.

"I missed your snarky comebacks, Ms. Hale." And then it came back to me of what all had happened in the past three days. I could have huffed or puffed but I simply narrowed my eyes.

"Well.....didn't seem like it. You did not call me back while I was worried about you. And then I see you in a party swanking your Armani piece. Yeah...great job!" His faced suddenly convulsed into a grimace.

"I...I.. was really very busy! I had called you once but you were unavailable. I did talk to Ian and would have picked up yours but god knows where I was when you called."

I snorted.

"Dancing with models....!" I cringed inwardly at my own words but I can't really control my tongue when I am trying not to be angry and I am though.

Stellan looked at me confused until realization dawned upon him. And while I thought he would be angry or freak out or still continue to be confused, he gave me a small smile.

"She was just an old friend. I think I better not name her, as you might as well go after her. Are you jealous, Ophelia?" Oh, he was so enjoying this!

"Green never suited me, Walker and that's why I don't even wear it! I am not jealous. I don't have the right to be. But yeah, you could have called because we are friends and at least I deserve that. 'Too busy' is just a myth. People make time for things that are really important to them." I gave him an exasperated look.

"I know I should have but I just couldn't...I never had the time! Between consistent meetings and flights, I felt I just wanted to be here. That's why Cole hates when I go abroad because we can't really talk. I only expect you to believe." I never knew what he meant by 'here'. It could simply be Brooke Falls or here, at my house, but I wished I knew. He gave me a trustworthy look and I couldn't hold it much longer. I sighed down.

"Well.....okay! You better handle your phone better though!" I gave him a frivolous glare.

"That I will....and trust me, green looks awesome on you! And you have every damn right to wear that color." He said leaning closer and his voice a bit more husky.

I couldn't make out whether he meant me wearing the green dress that has never been worn and is rotting away in my wardrobe or the fact that he liked me jealous.

I guess its the former. Yeah, lets go with that!

But for a Greek god of man to look at you like that, and say something in that sweet, sexy voice, you can't really comprehend much. I loved his voice and the undertone of huskiness to it just started a whole lot of sensations within me which I did crave for but I wasn't supposed to.

An emotion flickered through his eyes which I desired to catch but lost the very opportunity but I guess I already did because the position we were in; there aren't a lot of emotions around. He was just a few breathes away from me.

I could just pull him closer and kiss the life out of him.

Ah! If it isn't consciousness again!

Suddenly aware of the tension very much present, I moved my eyes away while he straightened a bit. There was a pregnant pause which was enough for me to gather all me senses which had just been very wickedly taken away.

"You have to come to the carnival. Natalie might have threatened me a bit! And with her state, I can't really trust her." With the way he said it, I was actually worried but amused.

"Well....wear some safety gears because I am not going." I said with a sigh. I really was not in the mood to go anywhere except McDonald's and library that is.

"You sure you don't want to come or you can not come?" Cryptic dumbhead.

"Whats the difference Stel?"

"Well, you might be angry with me so you don't want to come or you could just be too tired to come."

"Trust me Stel. Its the latter! I really put everything in work and I even want to paint. I haven't painted in a long time." I said giving him a straight face.

"When was the last time you painted?"

"The night you unlocked your soul to me!" I said giving him a small smile.

It was true. Although I had sat to draw rain that night, I ended up making something I never even started off at the first place. It was a blend of rain and pain. My world often influences my paintings and so that night, the pain that I shared with Stel was very much visible but I never told him what the painting meant, even if he asked. I didnot want him to go through that all again but I guess I did it today anyway. But this guy never fails to astonish me. He gave off a hearty laugh.

"You serious! I thought you paint everyday!"

"Not everyday, but I used to every week when I was more....uhhmmm free!"

"That's not a valid excuse though!"

"It isn't an excuse, Stel! You are very well capable of looking through me. I am just too tired. Humour me, please!"

"I don't know. I guess I have to prepare for those defense moves. And I can't decipher you Ophelia, even if I tried my hardest. I am applauded for being observant but you are some of the few I can't look into and you don't know how weird it is but thrilling at the same time. I wish I unlock you one day."

"One day, Stel. One day!"

I hope you guys are doing great!
I am in the middle of examinations. Exams suck😂 No offences to any Hermione Granger out there.

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