The Fine Line Between.

A few days passed, and Evelina and Leone hadn't been able to speak to each other.

Evelina had been so busy trying to prove her worth, pouring all her energy into her tasks, that she hadn't found the time to approach him. On the other hand, Leone thought she had finally stopped trying to get closer to him and assumed she had given up.

This morning, as Leone and Edoardo walked into the office, Leone's gaze instinctively searched the room. His eyes landed on Evelina, seated at her desk, focused on her work. She came earlier than me today, he thought, his steps slowing briefly.

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw Alessio approach Evelina, holding a simple, generic disposable coffee cup. Leone froze, his jaw tightening as Alessio casually touched the cup to Evelina's cheek. She flinched, startled, and looked up at him. Alessio smiled warmly at her.

"What was that for?" Evelina asked, touching her cheek in surprise.