Valeria's POV
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the cityscape as I leaned against the balcony railing of my penthouse. It felt like the world outside was moving on without me, the pulse of the city vibrating beneath my feet while I remained frozen in place. The echoes of Adrian's concerned voice replayed in my mind, each syllable reminding me of the fracture that had formed between us after that night on the beach.
I had retreated into myself, burying the burgeoning power I felt rising within me—power that I hadn't tapped into for so long it had become almost foreign. Yet, the moments of stillness brought with them a familiar hum, a flicker of energy dancing just beneath the surface of my skin. It scared me how much I wanted to let it out, to embrace what I was instead of hiding from it. But could I trust it? Could I trust myself?
"Valeria!" Sara's voice sliced through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality. "Get ready! We have that meeting with the investors in an hour."
"Coming!" I called back, my voice echoing hollowly against the glass walls. The meeting was crucial, but my mind drifted back to Adrian. I couldn't shake the feeling that his presence had shifted something within me, like the tide drawn by the moon.
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Adrian's POV
The days following my encounter with Valeria had dragged on, each moment feeling like a struggle against an unseen current. My thoughts were consumed by her—the way she had looked at me, the flicker of power I had sensed that night. It was as if a part of her wanted to break free, but she held back, buried under layers of resolve.
"Adrian, you're staring into space again," Rachel said, her tone teasing yet laced with concern as she entered my office, files in hand. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, just thinking about the meeting," I replied, forcing a smile. But deep down, I was wrestling with the urge to reach out to Valeria, to pierce through the walls she had built.
I was going to be in the same room with her again soon, and the thought sent an electrifying thrill through me. I had to see her, to understand what was going on behind those guarded eyes.
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Valeria's POV
As I stood in front of the mirror, I applied the final touches to my makeup. I couldn't deny the way the light caught my skin; even with the layers of foundation, there was a glow beneath, an ethereal shimmer that pulsed softly as if in rhythm with my heart. I had avoided using my powers, but they had a way of surfacing when I least expected it. I needed to keep them contained—at least until I could figure out how to control them.
"Are you ready yet?" Sara called again, pth slight fear threading her voice.
"Just about!" I shouted back, taking a deep breath to steady myself. I had to go out there and own this meeting.
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Adrian's POV
The conference room buzzed with energy as investors mingled, but my focus remained solely on the entrance. I leaned against the wall, watching as Valeria walked in, exuding an air of confidence that took my breath away. She was a force of nature, and even as she smiled at the room, I could see the shadows lurking behind her eyes.
"Thank you all for being here today," she began, her voice smooth and commanding. "I'm excited to share our latest project and how it positions us as leaders in the industry."
As she spoke, I couldn't help but notice the subtle glow that seemed to emanate from her skin, a light that flickered at the edges as she gestured. Was it just the overhead lights playing tricks, or was something more significant unfolding within her?
I leaned forward, curiosity piqued. My heart raced as I contemplated the possibility that she was more than she let on—something extraordinary that the world outside couldn't even begin to understand.
"Valeria," I called out after she finished a particularly dynamic segment. The investors turned their heads, curious about my interruption.
Her gaze snapped to me, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of surprise or perhaps something deeper. "Yes, Adrian?"
"I think we need to delve into the potential implications of the new regulations," I said, trying to steer the conversation to keep the focus on her while showing my support.
She raised an eyebrow, a hint of challenge in her expression. "I assure you, I've considered the regulations thoroughly, and I have a strategy in place."
The room buzzed with murmurs as she took control of the discussion, and I marveled at her ability to command the attention of everyone around her. But as she continued, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was holding something back—like a dam waiting to burst.
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Valeria's POV
After the meeting wrapped up, I felt a mix of relief and exhaustion wash over me. I had managed to keep my composure, but I could still feel the energy crackling beneath the surface, threatening to spill over.
As I stepped out of the conference room, I spotted him leaning against the wall, a thoughtful look on his face. "Valeria," he said, stepping closer. "Can we talk?"
"About what?" I replied, my defenses instantly rising.
"About you," he said, his gaze steady. "I can sense there's something you're not sharing. You don't have to do this alone."
My heart raced at his words, and for a moment, I considered opening up, letting him in on the chaos swirling within me. But fear clamped down on my throat. "I'm fine, Adrian. Just busy with work," I managed to say, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
"Are you really?" he pressed, stepping even closer, the intensity of his gaze piercing through my carefully constructed facade. "Because I can see it in your eyes. You're holding back. You're hiding something."
I took a step back, crossing my arms over my chest defensively. "I told you, I'm fine. Just focused on the business."
But even as I said it, the faint glow of my powers flared at my fingertips, and I fought against the urge to let it shine, to let him see the real me.
"Valeria," he said softly, his voice a low murmur. "Please. I'm not going anywhere. You can trust me."
In that moment, I felt the walls I had built around my heart begin to tremble. The desire to reach out, to let him in, threatened to overwhelm me. But fear held me back, and I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to look away.
"I have to go," I said, turning on my heel and walking away, the faint glow in my skin dimming as I stepped into the shadows.