Disruption

It had been a week since Sarah began reviewing manuscripts daily, a new routine that had settled into her life with a peculiar predictability. Every day, like clockwork, she would make her way to Mr. Brigade's office at 12:20 PM and return by 1:10 PM. Initially, she felt a sense of relief at his professionalism; he was all business, no traces of the unsettling past that had lingered in her memory. But as the days went on, confusion crept in.

What had happened during that moment in the library? Had it really been a fleeting impulse, or was there something more beneath the surface? He had expressed a strange possessiveness back then, claiming he looked for her every day. Yet, now, it was as if that entire episode had been wiped clean from his mind. The air between them felt charged with unspoken words, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was left unsaid.

As she sat at her desk, her mind whirled with questions. Was he keeping his distance because his wife worked in the same building? It made sense; avoiding any scandal was a prudent move. Yet, they spent nearly an hour in close proximity every day, completely secluded in his office. Why had he never mentioned the library incident again? The frustration gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the tangled emotions she had yet to untangle.

Today, Sarah decided to change her routine. She had avoided the library ever since that day, but something pulled her back. It was almost like an addiction—the thrill of possibility, the hope that maybe, just maybe, she could rekindle the spark that had ignited between them. Mr. Brigade usually appeared around 5:30 PM, and though she couldn't pinpoint why, she felt a compelling urge to be there at the same time.

At 5:30 PM, Sarah gathered her belongings and headed toward the elevator, her heart racing with anticipation. Just as she pressed the button, her colleague Jake appeared, rushing down the corridor. "Hey, Sarah! Could you please send me the final copy of the 'Darker Wings' synopsis? There's been a mistake, and we need to confirm it with the author."

With a heavy sigh, Sarah nodded, her excitement momentarily dampened. She turned back to her desk, quickly drafted an email, and sent off the document. The clock was ticking, and she felt a pang of frustration at the interruption. Hurrying back to the elevator, she hoped to catch Mr. Brigade before he disappeared into the library.

As she stepped inside, she was surprised to find him already there, poised to descend. They both entered the elevator, and for a fleeting moment, the air crackled with unspoken tension. "Heading to the library?" he asked softly, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Just don't get caught in the act," he added with a light laugh.

Sarah felt her cheeks heat up, but she didn't respond, only nodding sheepishly as they descended. The elevator felt too small, too intimate, and she could sense his presence beside her like a warm, electric current. She glanced at him, catching the playful glint in his eyes, and for a moment, her doubts began to fade.

When the elevator doors opened on the third floor, an unfamiliar aura washed over her. She stepped out first, eager to escape the charged atmosphere of the lift. Mr. Brigade lingered a moment longer, engaging in conversation with an unknown person in the corridor. Seizing the opportunity, she slipped into the library.

The familiar scent of books enveloped her as she made her way to her usual seat, a cozy nook in the back that felt like her sanctuary. She settled into her chair, exhaling slowly, her heart still racing. She felt a blend of relief and nervous anticipation, wondering if he would follow her inside.