Here's the revised version, making it more engaging and grammatically smooth while tying it better with the earlier dynamics between Aelira and Arthur:
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A Moment to Remember
Aelira stepped out of the office after a long, grueling day. The city's chaotic evening traffic greeted her at the crosswalk, an overwhelming flow of honking horns and flashing lights. She hesitated, standing at the edge of the sidewalk, her eyes scanning the endless stream of cars speeding by. Though she prided herself on her composure, Earth's chaotic traffic was one thing she hadn't quite mastered.
Across the street, Arthur sat in his car, caught in the same rush hour jam. As he absentmindedly glanced out the window, his gaze locked on Aelira, and he couldn't help but be drawn to her. The way she shifted nervously from one foot to the other, the slight crease of worry on her usually confident face—it was a rare, vulnerable side of her he had never seen before. It was oddly endearing. He found himself smiling, intrigued by this small crack in her armor.
Just as he was about to get out and help her cross, something strange happened. The noise around him suddenly faded into eerie silence. The cacophony of engines and honking horns disappeared. Arthur blinked in confusion, his senses dulled as the world seemed to freeze.
When his eyes focused again, Aelira was no longer on his side of the street. Somehow, without him seeing her move, she had crossed to the other side. A strange shiver ran down his spine, and he wondered if he was imagining things. Was his mind playing tricks on him?
Feeling rattled, Arthur fumbled for his phone, dialing his old friend Dr. Wells as he slowly drove away from the scene.
"Hey, Arthur," Dr. Wells answered, his voice casual. "Everything alright?"
Arthur hesitated before replying, rubbing his temples. "I'm… not sure. I had another one of those episodes. I was watching someone across the road, and then… it's like time stopped. Next thing I know, she's on the other side. It doesn't make sense."
There was a brief silence on the other end. "Arthur, it sounds like stress to me. You've been running the company by yourself for a while now. Maybe you're pushing yourself too hard."
Arthur exhaled slowly. "It felt so real though. Could it be something more? My memory issues—could they be getting worse?"
Dr. Wells's voice softened. "Look, I'll run some tests just to be safe. But for now, I think it's fatigue. You've been all work and no play. You need to find some balance in your life—something, or someone, to keep you grounded."
Arthur let out a dry laugh. "Are you suggesting I need a relationship, Doc?"
"Maybe. You'd be surprised how much it could help."
Arthur didn't respond immediately, his mind wandering back to Aelira, and the strange moment he'd just experienced. He tried to shake the thought, but her face lingered in his mind as he ended the call.
---
The next morning, Arthur entered the office with renewed focus but still couldn't shake his unease. He sought out Aelira to give her a new task, only to find that her desk was empty. His assistant informed him she was in Astron's office. A flicker of irritation shot through him. Why was she with Astron again?
Curiosity, and perhaps something else, urged him to check the office CCTV. He pulled up the feed and saw Aelira inside Astron's office, the two of them talking animatedly. Astron was smiling as he spoke to her, and Arthur's jaw tightened.
"Aelira, I'm entering the annual art competition this weekend," Astron said, a mischievous grin on his face. "I need a muse, and you're perfect for the role. Sit here, and strike a pose for me."
Aelira's laugh was soft and melodic, sending an unexpected pang through Arthur's chest as he watched. "You're going to draw me?" she asked, amused.
"Absolutely!" Astron pulled out his sketchpad. "Just try to look serious for once."
Arthur clenched his fists, a strange possessiveness creeping over him. As Astron sketched, Aelira's expression softened, the two of them laughing as if they were completely at ease. The sight of their easy rapport hit Arthur harder than he expected.
Without waiting any longer, he summoned Aelira to his office. When she arrived, he handed her a stack of files, avoiding eye contact.
"I need these documents organized by department," he said brusquely.
Aelira nodded and stepped forward to take the files. But as she reached out, her heel slipped on the sleek tile, and she pitched forward, arms flailing.
Before she could hit the ground, Arthur's hands shot out, catching her in one swift motion. He pulled her close to him, their bodies pressed tightly together. For a brief moment, they froze, their eyes locking. The world around them faded, the air thick with an unspoken tension. Arthur's heart pounded as he held her, his hand lingering protectively on her waist.
Aelira's pulse quickened as well, her breath catching in her throat. She could feel the warmth of his body, and for the first time, she wasn't sure what to say. Her gaze softened as she looked up at him, her thoughts muddled by the sudden, intense closeness.
Arthur's hand gently moved to her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin. He leaned in, his face just inches from hers. Their breaths mingled, their lips so close they could feel the tension pulling them together. For a moment, it seemed inevitable—until—
"Ahem."
They jolted apart as if struck by lightning, both turning to see Luna standing in the doorway, arms crossed, her expression cold and irritated.
"Oh, am I interrupting something?" Luna asked icily, her gaze flicking between them with clear disapproval.
Aelira took a step back, feeling the weight of Luna's presence. Arthur quickly straightened, his demeanor shifting back to businesslike coolness.
"No, Luna," he said, though his voice sounded a touch more strained than usual. "We were just… finishing up some work."
Luna's expression was unimpressed. "Well, I came to invite you to my family's art exhibition this weekend. All of our key partners will be attending."
Arthur nodded absently, his thoughts still lingering on Aelira. "Of course, I'll be there."
Luna's eyes narrowed. "And you don't have any other plans, right?" There was a sharp edge to her words, a clear warning beneath her polished tone.
Arthur hesitated but knew he couldn't refuse. Luna's father was a critical business partner. "No, I'll be there," he confirmed, though reluctance tugged at him.
Satisfied, Luna cast a pointed look at Aelira. "I assume you won't be attending. It's a… private event."
Aelira met Luna's gaze calmly, unflinching. "I wouldn't dream of intruding," she said, a polite smile masking her irritation.
"Good," Luna replied with a smirk. "Arthur, I'll see you on Saturday."
With that, she swept out of the room, leaving behind a frosty silence. Aelira handed Arthur the files, their fingers briefly brushing in a lingering moment.
"Thank you," Arthur murmured, his gaze following her as she left his office, his mind still stuck on their almost-kiss.
As Aelira walked down the hallway, her heart raced, replaying that fleeting moment. She barely noticed her surroundings, lost in thought.
Arthur, back in his office, leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. He couldn't stop thinking about the intensity of that moment with Aelira. Despite Luna's interruption, that brief connection with Aelira had ignited something in him—something he hadn't felt in a long time.
Maybe Doctor had been right after all.