Lilian flipped through the magazine in her hands, barely registering the glossy pages as her thoughts floated elsewhere. The soft ticking of the clock on the wall suddenly felt too loud in the quiet room.
She had been waiting for Xavier to return from his meeting with Mr. Dravin. She knew it was an important one, he had mentioned it several times, explaining how critical the contract was for his company.
It was just business.
It always was with Xavier.
Still, she had called him earlier, but he hadn't picked up. Not unusual, but somehow, it annoyed her tonight.
Her phone buzzed beside her, breaking her spiral.
Melanie.
Lilian picked it up quickly, grateful for the distraction. Melanie was a mutual acquaintance more Xavier's friend than hers but occasionally, they exchanged information.
"Hey, Lilian," Melanie's voice came through, light and casual as always. "I just ran into someone who said Xavier's company finally sealed that big contract with Mr. Dravin. That's huge, right?"
Lilian's lips lifted slightly. "Yes, it's been on the table for a while now."
"Well, looks like the meeting was successful. Oh, and guess what? I heard he didn't go alone."
Lilian's fingers paused on the armrest. "What do you mean?"
"He was seen with that designer… Amara, I think? Apparently, she followed him to the meeting. Quite an interesting choice, right? I mean, usually his assistant would handle things like that."
Lilian's heartbeat faltered for just a second, but she quickly steadied her tone. "Oh… Amara?"
"Yeah. I mean, no big deal, right? Maybe it was just business. Still, some people thought it looked a little… I don't know, close?"
Melanie laughed lightly as if brushing it off, but the words had already settled heavily in Lilian's chest.
Lilian forced a soft laugh in return. "Oh, I'm sure it was nothing. Probably just convenience. He's working with her on the wedding clothes, after all."
"That's true," Melanie agreed. "Anyway, just thought I'd pass it along. See you soon, babe!"
"Sure, talk later," Lilian said, ending the call with a smile that immediately dropped the moment the line went dead.
The room suddenly felt colder.
Amara followed him to the meeting.
Lilian told herself not to read too much into it. It's just work. Just a dressmaker. Nothing more.
But something about it… something about Amara's presence in his business space his personal wins bothered her more than she expected.
Why her?
He had assistants. He had other staff.
So why bring her?
She crossed her legs, tapping her fingers slowly against the fabric of the couch, her gaze distant.
Xavier hadn't mentioned taking Amara along. And he usually told her everything.
It was probably nothing.
Probably.
And yet… her thoughts lingered.
Her plan was already on track and if Amara was going to be a hindrance, she will have to take care of her.
But for now she was going to take like it was nothing, afterall she hasn't crossed the line yet.