SWNOVELS Chapter AFTER I LEFT, ALPHA 71
Chapter 71
Their
met across the room.
A slow tension filled the space between them.
Neither of them spoke.
Arnold's gaze dropped briefly to the towel wrapped around her body before rising to meet her eyes again. Nora's fingers tightened around the wardrobe handle.
The air felt heavier now, thick with something unspoken.
Neither of them moved.
Neither of them looked
away.
It was the first time in a long time they had truly **seen each other.
And neither of them knew what to do with it.
Nora stood motionless, gripping the edge of her towel as the warmth from her shower still clung to her skin. She had not intended to create this situation. The towel barely covered her thighs, and a single movement could make it slip. She pulled it tighter around herself, suddenly self-conscious under Arnold's gaze.
"I just forgot to grab my pants," she said, her voice steady but rushed.
She wasn't trying to seduce him. She just wanted to avoid any misunderstandings.
Arnold's sharp gaze flickered over her for the briefest moment before he looked away, unreadable. A quiet nod was his only response.
his expression
Something unspoken stretched between them.
Nora turned quickly and walked back into the bathroom, her heart pounding unexpectedly. She shouldn't feel this nervous. They had shared the same space for years, yet now, after so much time apart, she felt the weight of his presence in ways she hadn't before.
When she returned, dressed in her nightgown, Arnold was still in the room. He was leaning against the window, his phone in hand, looking like he had just finished a call.
Chapter 71
Neither of them spoke.
She climbed into bed, pulling the covers over herself. The familiar comfort of the mattress did little to soothe her. Sleep came slowly, her thoughts tangled in everything that had happened between them. Just as she began to drift off, she felt movement beside her.
A firm arm wrapped around her waist.
She inhaled sharply, her body tensing.
The morning sun was already rising when Nora woke. The bed beside her was empty. The space where Arnold had lain was cool, as if he had left long ago.
She sat up, rubbing her temples.
**What are we even doing?"
She didn't have time to dwell on it. She had work.
Dressing quickly, she grabbed her bag and stepped outside, only to see Arnold and Alex already sitting in the car.
Alex spotted her immediately, his face lighting up. He rolled down the window. "Nora! Get in!"
She hesitated.
Arnold said nothing, his fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel.
Nora shook her head. "I'll take a cab."
Arnold turned to look at her, his face as expressionless as ever. "Get in."
His voice was calm, but there was an underlying authority that made refusal feel pointless.
Nora hesitated again, then let out a small sigh and opened the car door. She slid into the seat beside Alex, who grinned happily.
Arnold started driving.
Silence filled the car.
Alex talked about school, about his friends, about a game he wanted to play later. But between Nora and Arnold, there were no words exchanged.
Chapter 71
When they reached the office, Arnold's luxury car immediately attracted attention. Nora felt the weight of curious gazes on her and quickly unbuckled her seatbelt.
"Thanks for the ride," she said curtly before stepping out.
Arnold said nothing, simply watching as she hurried into the building.
At Work:
Nora quickly immersed herself in work, pushing aside the lingering emotions from the morning.
Today was important. The studio's key project for the year had been finalized. She and Leo sent the proposal to Professor Colton, a renowned figure in their field.
To their surprise, he responded the same day.
"He actually read it already?" Leo asked, disbelief in his voice as he scanned the email.
Nora leaned over. Colton had given a high evaluation but noted that she needed to work harder.
She exhaled. That's fair. I've been out of this industry too long.*
She typed a response. "I'll make up for the years I lost. I won't disappoint you."
Leo glanced at her. "Want to invite him to dinner? Maybe we can discuss some details in person." Nora nodded and made the call.
But Colton declined. "I already have plans tonight."
Nora didn't think much of it-until he casually added, "Arnold invited me to dinner. He wants to introduce someone to me."
A pause.
Nora and Leo exchanged glances.
Arnold was bringing someone?
The first name that came to mind was **Linda**
Linda had a design background. She had once considered joining their company. If Arnold was
introducing her to Colton, did that mean she was trying to get into their field?
Chapter 71
Leo frowned. "If she manages to get his support, that could be bad for us."
Nora shook her head. "The professor has his own standards. If she has real talent, he'll decide for himself."
Still, the idea left an uneasy feeling in her stomach.
That evening, Leo took Nora to a high-end hotel for a social event.
The entrance was lined with luxury cars. The atmosphere buzzed with chatter and laughter as well- dressed guests arrived.
As Nora stepped out of the car, she instinctively glanced toward the entrance.
And froze.
A sleek black luxury car had just pulled up.
The driver opened the door, and out stepped Arnold.
And beside him-
Linda.
Dressed elegantly, her hand resting lightly on Arnold's arm, she looked effortlessly poised.
Nora felt a strange, sharp sensation in her chest.
Linda turned her head and saw them. A smile curved on her lips, one filled with something unreadable.
Arnold, however, hesitated for just a fraction of a second. His gaze landed on Nora, pausing as if he hadn't expected to see her there.
Chapter 72
Chapter 72