Chapter 3 UNSPOKEN WORDS.

Sasha sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her hands folded on her lap, trying not to look back at the company. She could still feel Xavier's stare between her shoulder blades.

But she'd made her choice. wearing such a dress.

And now she was riding home with a stranger, who she now recognized as MARTIN LARK. The senior manager of the engineering department.

He was a great guy, so far she had known, he's a gentleman.

Martin adjusted his cufflinks before starting the engine. "You look tense," he said smoothly.

She gave a small, polite laugh. "Just tired."

"I'm not surprised. The CEO can drain the life out of a room."

She blinked, caught off guard.

He smiled. " I usually stay quietly around to not get noticed but...." His eyes flicked to her, "You killed the whole room with that dress"

"I did?" Sasha looked away quickly. "i wasn't thinking, I didn't know why I wore it."

"It's alright..." he said, turning the car onto the main road. "no offense, but I was kinda surprised why the CEO didn't fire you after seeing what you wore."

She didn't answer.

"I mean... it's not like you two have something...." His voice dropped, playful.

"No we don't" she hurriedly said.

He shrugged. "that's unlike him... as long as I know, he doesn't tolerate that kind of act..."

"Can we not talk about him right now?," she whispered.

He chuckled. "Anything you say, princess"

They drove a while in silence.

Sasha admired the City through the window. It looked beautiful. For a second she was lighthearted. She was wondering how she'll face him tomorrow. Curse this stupid dress.

She breathed in again, trying to take in the view, pushing Xavier to the back of her mind.

Then he spoke again, softer this time.

"You're not like the others."

Sasha stayed quiet.

Martin glanced at her, slowing the car near her building. "Look... I really like you and if you have anything with him..."

She turned sharply. "Excuse me?"

"I told you. I know that everyone says I'm just doing this to impress or sleep with the CEO but... I'm not really like that."

"Then why did you wear that dress today?" he asked, staring hard at her.

She rolled her eyes. "it's not for him... I promise."

He gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Alright, whatever you say.."

Sasha suddenly felt bad for lying to him. She knew much well that she wore the dress for Xavier.

He parked in front of her apartment gate.

Sasha reached for the door handle, but he touched her wrist...light, casual.

"Don't be nervous. I'm harmless."

She gave a tight smile. "Thanks for the ride."

"I'd like to see you again," he said.

She hesitated.

He held her hand, soft but firm."I'd love to give you a ride again. And I'll love to see that pretty face again."

Sasha smiled, what a gentleman. "I'll love to see you again too"

Martin bit his lips and started leaning towards her...

Sasha's heart was pounding and beating really fast. Was he going to kiss her? they barely knew each other..

His lips landed on her cheek lightly. and then he pulled back and looked at her.

"I'll see you at work tomorrow or some other time then"

She smiled, nodded before coming out from the car. She waved at him as he drove off.

Wait, what was that? Sasha was already having butterflies in her tummy. Martin is a good guy, though she doesn't know him quite well.

Maybe... just maybe, she could replace Xavier in her heart.

★★★★

The apartment was dimly lit, smelling faintly of lavender oil and old books. Her mother was curled up on the couch under a blanket, soft jazz humming from the corner radio.

"You're back late," she said, looking up with tired eyes.

Sasha leaned down to kiss her cheek. "Work."

Her mother smiled. "You look exhausted."

"I am."

Sasha slipped out of her shoes and sat beside her.

"I thought you'd eat out," her mother said, gesturing to the untouched bowl on the table.

"I wasn't that hungry," Sasha murmured. "Too tense."

There was a pause.

Her mother reached for her hand.

"The hospital called again today. They're waiting on the second half of the payment."

Sasha closed her eyes briefly. "I'll figure something out."

"I hate seeing you push yourself this hard."

"I'm fine."

"You're not."

Sasha smiled faintly. "You're the one in pain, Mom. I'm just tired. That's easier."

Her mother squeezed her fingers gently. "You're doing everything you can. I know that. Just promise me, Sasha... you're not letting anyone treat you badly just because you need the money."

Sasha was quiet for a long moment.

Then she whispered, "Do you ever get the feeling someone's watching you... not because they care, but because they want something they won't admit?"

Her mother blinked. "What do you mean?"

"My boss. He... he saw me in this dress, and stared at me like... I don't know, but it was kinda strange..."

"Did he say anything to you?"

"No. Not really. But it's there. I don't know if it's hate or something worse. You know what? Just forget it."

Her mother frowned. "Sasha..."

"I'm fine," she lied. "Really."

They sat in silence for a while, the radio soft in the background.

Then her mother stood. "Come. You need to rest."

Sasha followed her to the room, the weight of the day still pressing against her chest.

She crawled under the sheets, after a warm shower and turned off the lamp.

The room went dark.

But her thoughts didn't.

She lay there for hours, staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the feel of Xavier's eyes... cold, quiet, and watching.

Even when they weren't.