The evening air was cool enough to offer a reprieve from the bustling noise of Caroline's wedding reception inside. You stood on the terrace, indulging in the peaceful moment — a momentary escape from the whirlwind of conversations and forced smiles that came with the Roy family events.

"Quite the view, huh?" a voice said beside you. Someone from the party — you couldn't remember their name — but they seemed unusually keen on engaging in conversation.

You nodded politely, but you could tell this talk wasn't just friendly anymore. They leaned in, their eyes fixed on you with more interest than before.

From across the terrace, Roman watched with narrowed eyes. He had been keeping tabs on you all evening, ever since you slipped away from the reception. Seeing someone hover so close to you made his chest tighten in a way that felt embarrassingly possessive.

He knew he had no claim over you, especially because you were colleagues, but that didn't stop the sudden flood of irritation.

Without thinking it through (which seemed to be a regular habit for Roman), he strode over, interrupting the conversation with the urgency of someone who had the world's most pressing question to ask.

"Hey, there you are," Roman said, his voice sharp. He plastered on a crooked smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Been looking for you — got something important we need to go over."

The other person blinked, surprised by the sudden intrusion. "Uh, we were just—"

"Yeah, I'm sure whatever it was, it's not important," Roman interrupted again, waving his hand dismissively. "Real shame, though. But, hey, corporate stuff, right? So, y'know... shoo."

He didn't give them much of a chance to respond. Roman stepped closer to you, his body language subtly staking a claim — though he'd never admit that. "Come on. Urgent. Really."

The other person, clearly sensing the tension, muttered something about catching up later and quickly excused themselves, leaving just you and Roman.

The silence lingered for a beat too long.