Rain poured outside, turning the city into a blur of lights and shadows.
Amara hated rain.
It made everything feel… heavier.
"You're quiet," Adrian said, standing beside her by the window.
"I'm thinking."
"Dangerous."
She rolled her eyes slightly.
But didn't move away.
They had gotten used to this.
Standing close.
Sharing silence.
Existing in the same space without needing to fill it.
"What made you start your company?" he asked suddenly.
Amara froze.
"No one's ever asked you that?"
"Not like that."
A pause.
Then—
"I had to," she said.
"That's not an answer."
She sighed softly.
Then, before she could stop herself—
"My family lost everything," she admitted. "I built it back."
Adrian didn't speak.
Didn't interrupt.
Just listened.
And somehow—
That made it easier.
"I couldn't afford to fail," she continued quietly. "So I didn't."
Her voice didn't shake.
But something in her eyes did.
Adrian's expression softened.
"You're stronger than most people in this city."
"I had no choice."
"You always have a choice."
She looked at him.
"Did you?"
That question hit deeper than she expected.
Adrian looked away briefly.
Then—
"No."
Silence.
But this time—
It was different.
He stepped closer.
Not invading.
Not demanding.
Just… there.
"You don't have to carry everything alone anymore," he said.
Her heart ached at the gentleness in his voice.
"Why do you care?" she asked.
He met her gaze.
And for a second—
He almost said it.
But instead—
"Because we're partners."
Amara nodded slowly.
But something told her—
That wasn't the whole truth.