With my heart pounding, I turn around. "No problem."
Of course, she doesn't buy into my facade. I can clearly see that in her eyes as she studies me intently. "He was surprised that mainly Camilla was handling the contract negotiation … ah, it doesn't matter," she says then with a troubled expression. For a moment, it seems as if this topic is causing her stomachache.
I don't understand this woman. Sometimes we are so close that I feel letting her go would be the biggest mistake of my life. A moment later, she behaves so strangely that I don't know if I'm just imagining all of this.
"Where were we?" she asks now, forcing a smile.
I shrug irritably. "We wanted to see more art studios," I reply, because I can't possibly bring up the question about the essence of love from before.
Suddenly, her smile fades, replaced by a resigned expression. "Right, that's what we wanted." With those words, she turns around and heads toward the nearest alley.
Once again, I look at the message on my phone. The decision is clear; I have to accept the offer. Not everyone gets such a chance. If I don't seize it now, it won't come again.
Still, I hesitate to reply. It's madness, as there is no reason for it. Just a moment ago, I learned that Hanna will never leave Florian. Whatever spark I felt between us was only in my own heart. And there's still my father's irreparably broken heart, which stands as a monument over my life. I promised myself a long time ago that I wouldn't end up like him.
Everything goes against holding on to this fascinating woman with sea-green eyes, and there's nothing in favor of it. Nothing, except my seemingly untameable feelings.
