The Archives were perfectly quiet, with towering shelves lined with endless research files and scientific literature.
Eleanor walked over to the neuroscience section and began searching for the documents she needed. Her fingers trailed across the binders, quickly pulling one out, flipping through a few pages, sliding it back, and moving on to the next.
lan didn't step into the aisles. He simply leaned against the doorframe, watching her.
The white lab coat gave Eleanor an indescribable charm. The collar of her crisp white shirt peeked out from underneath, and a few loose strands of hair framed her face. She was completely engrossed in the materials, her expression serious, occasionally furrowing her brows in deep thought, looking just like a dedicated student.
Eleanor pulled out a file and walked toward him. "Found it."
lan took the folder from her hands while his other arm naturally slipped around her waist.
Eleanor tried to pry his hand away. "Stop messing around, I still have work to do."
lan smiled. "No one's looking."
But he relented, shifting his grip to intertwine his fingers with hers instead.
***
Eleanor returned to her office and dove back into her work.
lan sat on the sofa, casually flipping through a scientific journal.
Suddenly, Eleanor felt thirsty. She reached for her mug, only to find it completely empty. She decided to hold off and wait until she finished her current task to get some water.
However, lan didn't miss a thing. He stood up, walked over to the water dispenser, filled a glass, and placed it right beside her hand.
Eleanor looked up, took the glass, and brought it to her lips, an involuntary smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
She didn't say a word, naturally accepting his quiet devotion.
By 8:30 PM, Eleanor finally finished her work. She massaged her stiff neck and shoulders, looking over at lan. "Let's go for a walk."
"Alright. I'll take you to get something to eat so you can relax," lan said, his heart aching at her exhaustion.
On their way home, they drove past a cozy dessert shop, and Eleanor asked him to pull over. She was craving something sweet.
lan parked by the curb and walked in with her.
The shop's interior was warm and elegant. The soft yellow lighting cast a relaxing glow over the wooden tables and chairs, It wasn't busy, only two or three tables were Occupied.
After Eleanor picked out her desserts, she went to the counter to pay while lan found a seat by the window.
At the next table sat three young women in their early twenties. Dressed fashionably, they were deeply engrossed in gossiping about celebrities.
Suddenly, one of them looked up and spotted lan sitting by the window. She gasped, slapping her hands over her mouth, and immediately elbowed her two friends.
"Look, look! That guy over there, he's so gorgeous!"
The other two girls followed her gaze and instantly froze in awe.
lan sat by the window, his dark gray coat casually unbuttoned to reveal a perfectly tailored shirt underneath The warm lighting cascaded over han, highlighting his sharp, chiseled jawline. He was looking down at his phone, his eyes slightly lowered, while his graying hair caught the soft glow of the room.
He radiated the distinct, irresistible charm of a mature, successful man—composed, aristocratic, and effortlessly untouchable.
"Oh my god, his aura..." one of the girls whispered. "You can just tell he's incredibly successful."
"And he's so distinguished. That gray hair-did he dye it, or is it natural?"
"I'm going to ask for his number," the boldest of the three said, gearing up to make a
move.
"You wouldn't dare."
"Why wouldn't I?" The girl raised a confident eyebrow. "Just watch me."
Right at that moment, Eleanor finished paying and started walking toward the table. lan looked up, and the instant he saw her, his eyes flooded with a deep,
tender
warmth,
his gaze locking onto her with absolute devotion.