Chapter 50 Reluctant To Leave
Christina felt the eyes of her colleagues on her, their questions probing and eager. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, but she maintained her composure, forcing a smile that didn’t reveal the unease inside her.
“I don’t think there’s anything particularly special about how we met,” she answered diplomatically, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. “We met through work, like most people do.”
Anna, however, wasn’t satisfied with that response. Her curiosity was palpable. “Come on, you must have something more to say than that. He’s Mr. Hadley! Everyone talks about him at the office. His reputation, his style, his… presence.” Anna winked as she emphasized the last word, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Christina felt a brief, almost imperceptible tension in the air as her coworkers leaned in, waiting for her next answer. She could see the insatiable curiosity burning in their eyes, each one more eager than the last to get the inside scoop.
“Well, he’s just… him,” Christina said, trying to sound nonchalant. She reached for her drink, taking a small sip to calm her nerves. “As for dates, we keep things low-key. Sometimes we just have dinner and talk, other times we enjoy going to quiet places.”
The truth was, Christina hadn’t expected her personal life to become the subject of conversation at the office, but here she was, trying to navigate the gossip with grace.
One of the other designers, Pearl, who had been sitting quietly up until now, joined in. “I heard you were with him during his business trip. Was it as glamorous as everyone says? Did you get to see Hallsbay’s famous coastline?”
Christina chuckled lightly, trying to keep the mood casual, though inside, she was beginning to feel more than a little uncomfortable. “It was nice, but honestly, I was more focused on work. Hallsbay has some great spots, but there was a lot to get done.”
“Sounds like a dream trip,” another colleague piped up, her tone filled with envy. “I’d love to travel with someone like him. Must be amazing.”
Christina shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She hated this—people prying into the most private parts of her life just to satisfy their own curiosity. Still, she kept her tone polite, even as she felt the walls closing in. “It’s not always as glamorous as it sounds, but it was a nice break. A change of pace, I suppose.”
Anna wasn’t about to let it go, though. “Okay, okay, but what about the real juicy stuff? Do you two—” She gave a knowing look that made Christina’s skin tingle with discomfort. “—you know, have any crazy stories?”
Christina’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her composure. “I think that’s enough personal talk for one night, don’t you think?”
Her colleagues exchanged looks, but the topic was dropped, at least for the moment. The conversation veered off to other matters, but Christina couldn’t shake the feeling that they were all still curious about the same thing—the real details of her life with Nathaniel.
When the meal was over and they all got up to leave, Christina paid for the dinner, trying to shake off the awkwardness. As they walked out of the private room, Anna leaned in slightly, a teasing smile on her face.
“You really don’t give much away, do you, Christina?” Anna whispered in her ear, her voice playful yet slightly probing.
Christina smiled in return, though it was more of a polite gesture than anything genuine. “Some things are better kept private.”
As the group left the restaurant and made their way toward their respective taxis, Christina couldn’t help but reflect on the evening. The conversation at the table had left her feeling exposed, as though the boundaries of her personal life had been blurred without her consent. She didn’t mind the occasional teasing or curiosity, but there was something about the way her coworkers had cornered her that made her uneasy.
The truth was, she didn’t need anyone’s approval or validation. The only thing that mattered to her was her connection with Nathaniel. That, she was sure, was all that mattered.
As she climbed into a cab and headed home, her phone buzzed with a message from Nathaniel.
Nathaniel: How was dinner?
Christina smiled at the simplicity of his message. She quickly typed a response.
Christina: It was fine, but I’ll tell you more about it later. A lot of gossiping and prying. You know how it is.
She couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of how everyone at the table had leaned in, hanging on her every word. She loved Nathaniel’s straightforwardness, his constant check-ins, and the way he always made her feel valued—no matter how many people surrounded her.
A reply came almost instantly.
Nathaniel: I hope they didn’t get too nosy. If they did, tell me and I’ll send a message to Gina. I’ll make sure they get the message about respecting boundaries.
Christina smiled again, feeling the weight of the night’s events lift a little.
Christina: Don’t worry. I handled it. Just a bit too much curiosity, that’s all.
Nathaniel: You’re amazing. I’m glad you can handle it. I’ll be home soon, can’t wait to see you.
As she read his words, Christina felt her heart warm. No matter how challenging things got with work or her colleagues, it was moments like this that reminded her where her true strength came from. And no matter what happened, she knew she had someone who would always have her back—Nathaniel.