As I pondered whether to join the team building activity,Emily spotted me in the lobby
"Hey Lei,want to join my team?"Emily asked,and I was fringed.
"Uhm.... Kelvin already invited me"I said that because I didn't want to make Kelvin feel bad by the time I told him,I am in Emily's.
"Uhhhh"she left in sadness,I took a deep breath and texted Kelvin:"hey,I'm in,see you at 4pm"
Kelvin's response was immediate"awesome! looking forward to it"
At 4pm,I joined the group at the outdoor pavilion,we were four in the group.
Kelvin welcomed me with a warm smile.
we embarked on the team building challenge-a scavenger hunt-our team dynamics became apparent.
Throughout the activity,I laughed,contributed ideas,and demonstrated my problem-solving skills.
We really made a good team:me,Kelvin,Ryan,and Sophia.
As the sun began to set,our team celebrated our victory with refreshments before retiring to our various rooms.
The next day,tge seminar's collaboration session paired Kelvin and me again.We worked efficiently exchanging ideas.
As the evening drew to a close,I went to my room, changed into comfortable clothes and began reviewing the day's notes.
Suddenly,a knock at the door broke the silence."who is it?"I asked,my voice cautious.
"Kelvin,can I talk to you for a minute?"
My instincts screamed caution,what was he visiting my room?I hesitated,then opened the door, maintaining neutrality.
"Hey, what's up?"I asked, standing in the doorway.Kelvin's eyes fixed onto mine,his expression serious"can I come in?"
I hesitated,unsure if inviting him was wise.
I stepped aside, allowing Kelvin to enter.He sat on the couch,and I settled into the arm chair across from him.
"Thanks for letting me in, Leila"Kelvin said,his voice sincere"I wanted to talk to you about us"he started and this flared me up.
I raised an eyebrow, wary"what about us?"
Kelvin leaned forward,his eyes searching"you've been avoiding me and I want to know why"
I maintained a neutral tone"I don't think I have,we're just focusing on the seminar".
Kelvin's expression turned skeptical
"Leila,we've worked together before.I know when you're distancing yourself, what's going on?".
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal"Kelvin,I think we should maintain professional boundaries".
Kelvin's eyes narrowed"is that all this is about? professional boundaries?"
His intensity made me uncomfortable"what else would it be?"Kelvin's voice dropped into a whisper"I don't know,you tell me".
Suddenly,the room felt too small
"Kelvin,I think we have discussed this enough, you can't just come into my room and start questioning me,you need to leave".
I said, trying to sound calm despite my racing heart.Kelvin's gaze lingered,as if searching for a hidden truth"Leila,i-"
"Kelvin,please"I stood up,my voice firm but polite"I'm tired,and I need some rest,we have another busy day tomorrow".
Kelvin's expression turned disappointed,but he nodded slowly"okay, I'll go"
As he rose from the couch,I stepped back, creating distance between us"thanks for understanding"I said, guiding him towards the door.
Kelvin paused at the threshold,his eyes locking onto mine"Leila,can I ask one more thing?"
I hesitated,unsure what to expect"what is it?"Kelvin's voice was low,his gaze intense"are you and Antonio married?"
My heart skipped, didn't he know...Instead of using my voice,I flaunted my ring at his face.
"I see"he affirmed.Without another word,he turned and left.As the door closed,I released a shaky breath, feeling relieved but anxious.
As I tried to settle into my bed,my mind replayed the conversation with Kelvin.
His searching gaze and gentle tone lingered, making me question my harsh and blunt response.Should I have been kinder?less abrupt?
The what-if's swirled, fueling my restlessness,I tossed and turned, unable to shake the feeling that I'd handled the situation poorly.
My phone's glow caught my attention.Antonio's text still displayed on the screen"hey love,missing you,even Amanda"
I couldn't even reply his text because of my restlessness,my conscience was killing me,was I so mean?
Kelvin's words echoed:"is that all this is about? professional boundaries?"
Maybe there's more to his interest than I initially thought.The more I thought,the more my anxiety grew.Had I misjudged Kelvin?
As the night wore on,my regret deepened.Perhaps I should have listened more and less defensive.
The clock ticked away,each passing hour feeling like an eternity.Finally, exhaustion claimed me,buty sleep was fitful,filled with fragmented dreams and uncertainty.
The next morning,I woke up feeling drained, wondering how to face Kelvin after last night tension and I also called Antonio.
But surprisingly,Kelvin avoided me and I also avoided him too,he probably must have gotten the sign.
Today's activity:The business challenge was coordinated by M.s Patel.
Days passed and Kelvin still maintained a respectful distance but one evening,a day before we were leaving the resort.
I stepped outside into the crisp and calm evening air,walking side by side along the resort's winding path.
The stars twinkled above,casting a magical glow when I heard footsteps behind me"Leila!"Kelvin called out,his voice echoed
I spun around,my heart racing"Kelvin"He caught up to me"I wanted to apologize for the other night..."
"No,I should be the one to apologize,I was rather rude,I was just....."He cut in"it's not your fault, it's me...."his sincerity got to me.
"No,I am sorry"I said,he nodded.I smiled and told him to join me appreciate the atmosphere and he agreed.
We went to sit under a big tree and I ceased the opportunity to ask him a question"Kelvin, what's your past like?"
Kelvin's expression faltered,and for an instant I saw a glimmer of something-pain,perhaps secrecy.
"My past is.... complicated"he said finally,his tone measured"I'd rather not talk about it"I nodded but my suspicion flared.
Was he hiding something?
"Are you ok with me pulling off my shirt,I just want the fresh air?"I was stunned,why was he about to pull off his shirt.
Wait....to seduce me,hell no!I was not going to fall for that but I let him though.
As I nodded,I saw him pulled off his shirt,and tossing it over his shoulder"ah, that's better"
"Hmmmmn"I whispered but as he turned,his shirt rode up, revealing a familiar tattoo on his lower back.
My heart stopped.Wait!what!no way!
The intricate design-a phoenix rising from ashes-was identical to my Kelvin's.
NO!it can't be!This is not true!I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
My mind reeled,about to explode, memories flooding back."Leila, what's wrong?"Kelvin asked, noticing my frozen expression.
I stumbled backward,my vision blurring,my eyes fixed on the tattoo"that... that tatto,where did you get it?
Kelvin's brow furrowed
I increased my voice"Answer me,ARE YOU KELVIN HENSHAW?"