Tears threatened to spill over, blurring her vision. She bit her lower lip to stifle a sob, her heart heavy with unshed tears.

Unexpectedly, a tissue appeared in her line of sight. A man's voice, soothing and kind, filled the silence around her.

“Don't be sad."

Surprised, Selina glanced at the man who offered her the tissue.

Recognition dawned on her face as she managed to murmur, "Aldrich."

Aldrich returned her look, his dark eyes steady on hers.

"It's been a while, Selina."

Selina dropped the used tissue into a nearby bin and took a moment to collect herself. She took a deep breath, putting on a composed facade. ndeed, it's been ages. What brings you here, Aldrich?"

“Just meeting a client," Aldrich answered casually.

Selina offered a courteous smile.

“Good Luck with that. Until next time."

Turning to leave, she was stopped by Aldrich, who grasped her hand and swiftly Led her into a nearby side passage.

In the seclusion of the corridor, Aldrich pinned her against the wall, his eyes focused intently on her.

“Selina, he's taken. Shedding tears for him is fruitless. He's not the only man out there worth your time. Someone out there loves you more than he ever will."

The hushed corridor amplified his words, the echo resonating around them.

Under the dim light, Aldrich's eyes glittered with sincerity.

Selina, who had been courted by many since her youth, grasped the implication behind Aldrich's words.

“Aldrich, are you in love with me?"

Aldrich, studying her ruby lips, gently held her chin.

"Yes. From the first time I laid eyes on you, I was captivated. It pained me to see you had eyes only for him. Selina, he's not yours anymore. Forget about him. Be with me."

His proposition caught her off guard.

Selina, gathering her strength, freed herself from his hold.