Chapter 4 LATER THAT EVENING

The phone rang softly in Elma's hand as she pressed it to her ear.

"Hello, Alex," she greeted warmly.

"Hey! How are you doing?" he replied with a smile in his voice.

"I'm good, and you?"

"I'm alright. How was your first day at work?"

"It was amazing, actually-stress-free and smooth. I feel like the Saint Claire family is a blessing in disguise."

"I'm glad to hear that," Alex said. "Where are you now?"

"Heading home."

"Why don't you swing by? I made your favorite dinner."

"Oh really?" Her voice rose with excitement, eyes lighting up. "You serious?"

"Absolutely."

"I'll be there in ten," she said, already smiling.

They ended the call. Elma quickly flagged down a taxi and slid into the backseat. Giving the driver Alex's address, she leaned back, watching the city blur past her window. The hum of the engine soothed her, while her mind wandered, replaying moments from her day.

When the taxi arrived, she paid the fare and stepped out. The familiar street brought a sense of calm. She climbed the steps to the apartment building and pressed the buzzer.

"I'm coming," Alex's voice rang out.

Moments later, the door swung open. Alex stood there with a welcoming grin. Elma walked in and kicked off her shoes, already feeling at home.

"Welcome, superstar," he teased, handing her a steaming mug of coffee.

She chuckled, settling onto the couch. "You know exactly how to treat a tired woman."

"So," he said, taking a seat across from her, "how was the day, really?"

Elma's face lit up as she launched into a story about Mr. Saint Claire, the mansion, and her first impressions of Julian. She described everything with vivid excitement, her hands moving as she spoke.

Alex listened intently, nodding, occasionally throwing in a witty remark that made her laugh even harder. The two of them fell into an easy rhythm, their conversation flowing like old friends who never missed a beat.

As they talked, Alex brought out a plate of food and placed it in front of her. She took a bite and sighed in contentment. "You haven't lost your magic," she said with a grin.

"I aim to please."

Time slipped away, and before they knew it, the sky outside had deepened to twilight. Warm orange light filled the room as they leaned back, both comforted by the shared moment.

"Thanks for listening," Elma said after a pause, her voice soft. "I didn't realize how much I needed this."

Alex smiled. "Anytime. That's what friends are for."

She paused for a moment, then added, "Before I forget... there's news that Saint Claire Empire is urgently looking for a new marketer."

Alex straightened slightly. "Seriously?"

"Yes, and I know you're great at that. You should apply. There's an opening for interviews tomorrow morning."

A spark of interest lit in his eyes. "Thank you, Elma. That means a lot. I'll definitely go."

As the evening wound down, Elma stood and began gathering her things. Alex walked her to the door.

"Thanks for dinner. And for everything."

"Thanks for coming," he replied, gently helping her with her coat. Their fingers brushed, and for a fleeting second, something passed between them-unspoken, subtle.

She smiled. "I had a great time."

"Me too."

They lingered at the door for a brief moment before she gave him a hug-warm, sincere, comforting.

"Take care, okay?" he said.

"You too," she replied, stepping into the hallway.

As she walked away, Alex stood in the doorway watching her go, a quiet smile on his face. Whatever the future held, he knew this evening would stay with him for a long time