>Mallory
DNA?
The word stared back at in bold red letters, printed neatly on the front of a white folder. My fingers froze mid-movent as I read it again, slower this ti, as if the letters might change if I blinked.
DNA.
My eyes shifted to the brown envelope beside where it had slipped. The na written on that envelope was my son’s.
A slow, cold doubt crept into my chest.
Why is this inside my son’s envelope?
I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. My legs began to shake lightly as I sat there, the movent barely noticeable but impossible for to stop. Curiosity pressed against my chest, tight and heavy, while anxiety wrapped around it like a vice.
I shouldn’t open it.
But my fingers had already tightened around the folder. My heels tapping anxiously at the floor.
"Sister-in-law?"
I flinched at the voice.
My head snapped up, and I t Vale’s gaze. He was standing in front of , tall and calm as ever, but his eyes darkened for a split second when he noticed the envelope in my hands. The change was so fast that I almost doubted myself.
Did I imagine that?
"Oh?" He tilted his head slightly, surprise flashing across his face before it softened into a gentle smile. He stretched his hand out toward . "Is it there? I’ve been searching everywhere for that file."
I looked down at the white folder again.
Is he talking about this?
My lips parted. I wanted to ask him why it was with my son’s docunts. I wanted to ask what DNA had to do with anything. The questions were right there, sitting on the tip of my tongue.
But Vale spoke again before I could get a word out.
"I’m sorry," he said calmly. "Could you hand it to ? It’s a confidential client record."
"Oh..." I murmured.
My grip loosened slightly as I hesitated. "I’m sorry. It was tucked inside my son’s files, so..." I trailed off, handing the folder to him slowly, as if giving it up ant letting go of sothing important.
He took it from with an easy motion.
"So that’s where I placed it?" He let out a relieved sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I thought I completely lost this."
His shoulders relaxed, and he looked genuinely thankful.
"It would’ve been a big problem if soone else saw it," he continued. "I need it for my next client."
I forced a smile. "I’m glad I could help." letting out a small sigh.
Why am I even doubting him? He goes out of his way to treat my son, I should be thankful instead.
I’ve t enough people in my life to know when soone is lying. I’ve dealt with fake smiles, false kindness, and hidden motives more tis than I can count. And yet, standing here now, Vale didn’t feel like any of those people.
He felt honest.
The guilt settled deep in my stomach, it was heavy and uncomfortable.
"I’m sorry for touching it," I said quietly.
Vale sat down beside , placing his bag on his lap. He opened it and slid the white envelope inside, making sure it was secure before closing the zipper.
"You don’t need to apologize," he said. "It was my fault for bringing confidential files and letting you look through the bag."
He paused, then smiled again, softer this ti. "Besides, you helped a lot by finding it."
I nodded, my hands folding together in my lap.
I was about to respond when the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway.
We both turned toward the noise.
I almost gaped.
Venz was walking toward us, dressed in a black suit with a fitted waistcoat underneath. His hair was brushed back neatly, exposing his sharp features. Every step he took made him look elegant.
He looked... really good.
Not that he didn’t always look good. Even in casual clothes, his build made everything sit perfectly on him plus not to ntion with his face. But there was sothing about a man in a suit especially when it’s him.
Sothing dangerous and unfair.
n in suits were my weakness. Always had been, I internally nodded.
They sat right at the top of my list.
"Are you still not done with your business here?" Venz asked, stopping in front of us.
"Yeah," Vale replied easily. "I still have things to discuss regarding my nephew’s treatnt."
"Okay." Venz nodded once. "I’ll go ahead then."
He turned toward the door. That’s when I noticed it.
His tie was crooked. Just slightly.
It must’ve been because he was in such a hurry.
But it bothered more than it should have.
"Wait. Co back here."
The words left my mouth before I could stop them.
Both n turned to look at . I sighed, already regretting it, and stood up. My legs carried forward before my brain could catch up.
"Lean down a little," I said when I stood in front of him.
"Okay." He bent forward obediently.
I almost bit my tongue.
This was exactly why I shouldn’t get close to him. His face always ruined my ability to think properly. All logic shut down the mont he looked at like that.
His expression was confused, but his eyes were focused on , I felt like I might lt.
Argh. Just get this over with.
He wasn’t leaning low enough for my height, I groaned.
Without thinking, I grabbed his tie and pulled him down just enough for to reach. My fingers worked quickly, straightening the fabric, smoothing it into place.
My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it.
"There," I said, tapping his shoulder lightly. "I fixed it. You can go now. Take care."
I turned around imdiately and went back to my seat, pretending like nothing happened.
"Alright," Venz said behind , his voice lighter. "I’ll see you when I get back."
I risked a glance at him.He was smiling.
My heart nearly bursted out of my chest.
I kept my face neutral, forcing myself to breathe normally. But inside, everything about was ss.
Why is my heart reacting like this?
This is bad.
I feel restless every ti he’s near . I swear, I should get checked by a doctor at this point.
Vale and I watched as Venz left, the front door closing behind him with a soft thud.
"All right," Vale said once the room was quiet again. "Now that he’s gone, let’s get down to business."
The brown envelope with my son’s details rested in his hand now. His tone had changed completely. His voice calm and serious, his work voice.
My back straightened on instinct.
I’m nervous.
"Ah... yes," I replied. "What would you like to discuss?"
He opened the envelope and scanned the papers. "Based on his records, your son’s condition started when he was in the middle of kindergarten, correct?"
I swallowed, my fingers twisting together.
"Yes."
"That ans he hasn’t finished kindergarten despite being six years old?"
I nodded slowly.
This is why I never reveal his age. People always look at the sa way after they find out. Like I failed him.
"T-that’s right."
Vale lifted his gaze. "Then he’ll fall behind when he returns to school. Your son understands things better than most children his age. He won’t fit in with students far below his level."
His words hit exactly where it hurt.
"I know that," I said quietly. "But—"
I didn’t get to finish.
"Then what about enrolling him in our specialized school?"
My breath caught between my lungs.I looked up at him, my heart racing.
"A specialized... school?"
Reviews
All reviews (0)