Scarlett's laptop chimed with an incoming message, and she saw Noah's name appear on the screen. Her heart felt heavy, burdened by the weight of her emotions. Reluctantly, she clicked on the notification, hoping that Noah's message would provide a brief moment of distraction from her sorrow.

Noah: Hey there, my favorite study buddy! How's the academic superstar doing? Any new business conquests or world domination plans?

Scarlett stared at Noah's message, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She wanted to play along, to engage in their usual mischievous banter, but her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She took a deep breath and tried to respond, her face filled with tears.

Scarlett: Hey, Mr. Jetsetter! No world domination plans just yet, but I definitely will. How about you? Any secret business ventures I should know about?

As she hit the send button, a pang of sadness crossed her face, but she quickly regained her composure. Scarlett knew she had to keep her pain hidden, to not burden Noah with her sorrows. She wiped away a tear that had escaped her eye, determined to maintain a façade of cheerfulness.

Noah: Haha! Well, I won't reveal my secret business ventures just yet. Gotta keep you guessing. Just don't forget to conquer those textbooks too!

Scarlett chuckled at Noah's response, grateful for the momentary distraction from her inner turmoil. She typed her reply, her words laced with a mixture of light-heartedness and a hint of playfulness.

Scarlett: Oh, trust me, Noah, I won't let those textbooks win. So, How's Italy treating you? I hope you're not too busy indulging in delicious gelato(Gelato is the common word in Italian for all kinds of ice cream) and forgetting about your meetings.

She hit send and awaited Noah's response, already anticipating the playful retort that would surely come her way. Moments later, her laptop pinged with a new message from him.

Noah: Ah, Scarlett, you caught me red-handed! I confess I may have had one or two (or maybe a dozen) gelatos already. It's impossible to resist their creamy goodness. But fear not, my dear, I haven't forgotten my responsibilities. I'm attending meetings, sealing deals, and making sure the world knows who's the boss. 😉

Scarlett chuckled, feeling her mood lighten as she read Noah's playful reply. She quickly typed her response, eager to keep the lively conversation going.

Scarlett: Well, Mr. Boss Man, just make sure to save some gelato for me when you return. It's only fair! I can't let you have all the fun without me. You better save the best flavors for me, Noah. I don't settle for anything less than extraordinary. Pistachio, hazelnut, and of course, the classic Italian vanilla. I want it all!

Noah: Consider it done! I'll be your gelato guardian, ensuring you get a taste of the finest Italian frozen delights.

Noah: So, tell me, diligent student, what exciting things are you studying in college these days? Any mind-boggling business theories or groundbreaking discoveries?🤩

Scarlett: Oh, you know, Noah, just your typical mind-boggling stuff. I'm currently diving deep into the mysteries of financial management and unraveling the complexities of marketing strategies. Riveting, I know! 😏

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Noah: Haha, sounds absolutely riveting indeed! But hey, while I've been away, have you found any potential suitors in your college adventures? Are any heartthrobs vying for your attention?💖?

Scarlett's smile faltered for a brief moment, a hint of sadness lingering in her eyes. She played along, determined to keep the conversation light.

Scarlett: Suitors, you say? Oh, Noah, my life is just one big romance novel!😒 But alas, no heartthrobs have managed to steal my attention🙄. They must be intimidated by my stellar business skills, you know😎?

Noah: Ah, I see! Well, don't worry. Your time will come when you least expect it. Just remember to save some space in that busy schedule of yours for a little romance💘. It's good for the soul.👀

Scarlett's heart ached but as she replied her tone became sarcastic.

Scarlett: Don't worry, Noah, I'll make sure to schedule some romance between exams and case studies. Who needs sleep, right? But enough about my non-existent love life. What about you? Any romantic escapades in the romantic land of Italy?

Noah chuckled, unaware of the true depths of Scarlett's emotions behind her playful words.

Noah: Oh, Italy is a romantic paradise, principessa. I have to admit, Scarlett, there is one woman in Italy who has caught my eye. She's intelligent and beautiful. She's also a master in the kitchen. Her pizza-making skills are out of this world. I swear, every bite feels like a slice of heaven.

Scarlett forced a laugh, her voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness.

Scarlett: Well, it seems like Italy has truly found its culinary queen. I'm sure your taste buds are in for a treat, Noah. Don't forget to save a slice for me in spirit.

Recognizing her unfavorable tone, Scarlett swiftly rectified her mistake by sending another message.

Scarlett: Well jokes apart! She sounds amazing, Noah. Truly. I can imagine how her presence lights up you. It's... it's wonderful.

Her lips quivered slightly, betraying the pain she tried so hard to conceal. Scarlett felt a mix of emotions—happiness for Noah's apparent connection, yet an overwhelming ache that gnawed at her soul. She wished she could be that woman, the one who brought joy and passion into Noah's life.

Noah: She is, Scarlett. She is. And I can't help but feel drawn to her like a magnetic force pulling me closer. I want to explore this connection and see where it leads.

Scarlett's breath hitched, her chest tightening with indescribable anguish. She managed a strained response, her voice barely above a whisper.

Scarlett: You should, Noah. Follow your heart, and explore the possibilities. Don't let anything hold you back.

Her words carried a bittersweet weight, a mixture of encouragement and a tinge of pain. She wished she could confess her true feelings, and lay her vulnerability bare. But instead, she remained in the shadows, concealing her anguish beneath a mask of support.

Noah: Thanks, Scarlett. Your words mean a lot. I'll see where this journey takes me. And hey, if things work out, I'll have to introduce you to her.

Scarlett: I'd love that, Noah. I truly would.

She mustered the strength to bring their conversation to a close because she can't continue it anymore

Scarlett: Noah, as much as I'd love to keep chatting, I have a lot of studying to do. You know how these business courses can be. But hey, keep me updated on your Italian adventures, especially the Italian woman. Take care of yourself.

With a heavy sigh, she reluctantly pressed the send button, tears glistening in her eyes.

Noah: Haha, will do, Scarlett! Don't worry, I'll keep you posted on all the exciting details. Just remember, she's nothing compared to my favorite study buddy. Now go conquer those books! I'll make sure to keep you entertained with my Italian tales. Take care too, and remember, I'm just a message away if you need anything.

She bid him a quick farewell and closed her laptop, feeling the weight of her unspoken emotions press upon her chest. The room felt suffocating as her tears fell freely, mingling with the unspoken words of her heart.

She buried herself in her books, attempting to drown out the ache that pulsed within her. With a determined sigh, Scarlett wiped away her tears and focused on her studies. She would bury her feelings, bury them deep within her soul, and continue to support Noah from afar. The pain may linger, but she vowed to keep it hidden, a secret she would carry alone.