30. Tense Encounter Between Ellen and Paul

**Later**...

Ellen stood in the hallway of her apartment, engrossed in a phone conversation with a college colleague. She paced back and forth as they talked.

"Will you need assistance with your work? We could meet at my place, yours, or a coffee shop. What do you think?"

Lost in thought, Ellen wanted to resolve this matter promptly. She desired to complete the work soon. Leaning against the wall, she closed her eyes, relaxing her body.

"I'll contact you later to finalize the time and place. Let's talk again." Her colleague bid farewell, and Ellen ended the call.

Slipping her phone into her pants pocket, Ellen decided to return to her apartment and rest. However, Paul emerged with a woman clinging to his arm—tall and tanned.

Ellen tried not to stare too intently, though resisting was difficult, as her feelings for him seemed to intensify with each passing second. Several days had elapsed since their heated moment, and both had sensed something between them, even if they denied it.

Now, Ellen observed Paul with a woman attached to his arm, her heart stirred by the scene before her.

Paul glanced ahead, spotting Ellen. He attempted to appear nonchalant, yet the memory of their passionate kiss filled his mind. Despite his thoughts being consumed by it, he hoped she wouldn't notice his gaze fixed upon her.

Constantly trying to distance himself from her, Paul understood Ellen had been avoiding him. She wanted no involvement with him, and Paul mirrored her sentiments—he wouldn't chase after her any longer. That wasn't his style.

He smiled at the woman beside him and continued walking. Ellen turned away, heading toward her apartment.

But then, his voice captured her attention. "Ellen, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

With determination, Ellen forced her eyes to remain focused, still avoiding direct eye contact. "Hello, Paul."

Attempting to concentrate on looking ahead and not at his face proved challenging. Her trembling hands betrayed her nervousness, and she tried to conceal it by running her fingers through her hair.

Her heart raced faster. As she lifted her gaze slightly, Paul stood beside her, his sharp gaze fixed on the woman's face. He turned his head, smiling—a move that wasn't meant to provoke, but perhaps a part of him enjoyed teasing her.

Ellen's attention remained fixated on him. He looked stunning, his shirt's rolled-up sleeves displaying his tan and strong arms. His quiff-styled hair and light brown eyes drew her in.

Unintentionally, Ellen found herself smiling at his face. That charming, attractive, and debonair man captured her attention more than she'd anticipated. Unable to control her words, she blurted out, "It's nice to see you in good company. Well, I must be going. Have a great day."

Before she could turn away, he stopped her in her tracks. Each word he spoke quickened her heart's pace. "I'd like to talk to you later, Ellen. During our last meeting, we didn't manage to discuss everything we wanted to. So, I'll expect you at my apartment in two hours."

With that, he uttered his statement and left with the woman on his arm. Watching them depart, Ellen retreated to her apartment. She couldn't fathom where she would summon the courage to meet him later.