He watched her intently, then edged closer, his presence filling the space with the faint scent of mint.
His eyes were calm and penetrating.
When their eyes inadvertently met, Karinaâs breath hitched, and her heart thudded wildly against her chest.
She stepped back swiftly, pressing against the elevator wall.
âWhat are you doing? If you have something to say, say it.
Why get so close?â she demanded.
Observing her flushed ears, a glint of amusement appeared in Carlowâs eyes.
âIâm gauging your reactions.
Just now, you blushed, your heart raced, and you couldnât meet my eyes.
Doesnât that suggest you feel something for me too?â he challenged.
Her heart fluttered anew at his words.
She shot him an angry glare.
âStop making things up.
How could you possibly see any affection for you in me?â
âI saw it clearly,â he replied, his smile widening.
Karina was at a loss for words, still glaring.
Just then, the elevator reached the ground floor.
Eager to escape, Karina moved to exit.
But as she stepped out, her hand was suddenly grasped and she was yanked back into the elevator.
The doors slid shut.
Karinaâs eyes widened in shock.
âWhat are you doing, Carlow?â
Carlow pressed her against the wall, his arm braced beside her head, effectively caging her within his arms.
âI donât like leaving things unresolved.
Letâs sort this out before you leave,â he stated firmly.
As the elevator resumed its ascent, Karina, pinned by the proximity of the man before her, involuntarily swallowed.
âSort out what?â she demanded.
âDo you have feelings for me, Karina?â he inquired softly.
Looking directly at him, she retorted, âYouâre being absurd, Carlow.
Why would I have feelings for you?â
âYou donât like me, huh? Is it because of my disability?â he pressed on.
Karina scoffed, âIâm not that superficial.
I thought you knew better.
My heart belongs to someone else, and it always will.
â
His smile didnât falter.
âI know, but heâs gone, isnât he? Can you really pledge eternal fidelity to him even after he is gone?â he probed.