Chapter 27: A New Beginning
The Device Activation
Late at night in her room, Aelira sat cross-legged on the floor, holding the crystal device in her hands. Her assistant’s voice echoed in her mind.
"Activate the device. Let’s see if we can finally make it work and get you home.”
She hesitated, her mind clouded by thoughts of Arthur. Did she really want to leave Earth? Her life here was entangled with his now. She sighed, half-heartedly pressing the activation button.
For a moment, the device hummed and glowed with alien energy, but then it sputtered and died.
“What happened?” her assistant asked, its tone tinged with concern.
Aelira stared at the now-dull device. “I don’t know... Maybe it’s broken?”
“No,” her assistant replied. “I think we’re missing a component. It must be in Arthur’s research center.”
Aelira glanced at the lifeless crystal in her hand and felt a strange relief. If the device wasn’t working, she could stay here longer. She smiled to herself, thinking about Arthur, though she didn’t realize she was smiling.
---
A Bold Move
The next day, fueled by the doctor’s words and her assistant’s theory, Aelira decided to return the crystal device to Arthur. Maybe this was her chance to get closer to him while also finding the missing piece.
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She strode into his cabin without knocking, startling him.
“Aelira?” he said, standing up.
“I need to give this back,” she said, placing the device on his desk. “It belongs to your research center.”
Arthur picked up the device, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he walked to his safe, opened it, and placed the crystal inside.
“Why are you giving this to me now?” he asked, closing the safe and locking it.
She shrugged. “I thought it would be safer with you.”
Arthur’s lips curved into a sly smile. “You know, you’re full of surprises.”
She straightened her posture, trying to sound firm. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I’m leaving this office for good. I’m going back to Nancy’s restaurant.”
Arthur leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Hold on, girl.” His voice carried that commanding tone she both admired and resented. “You’re not going anywhere.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
Arthur smirked, pulling out a folder from his drawer. “I just received your signed agreement to work here. You’re officially an employee.”
Her jaw dropped. “What? I never signed anything!”
Arthur leaned forward, his tone teasing. “Maybe I had some help.”
Her mind screamed, What kind of man is he?! But outwardly, she clenched her teeth and forced a polite smile. “Fine, boss.”
She turned to leave when Edwin barged in, grinning from ear to ear.
“Congrats, Aelira! You’ve been promoted.”
She froze. “Promoted?”
“Yes!” Edwin continued. “From now on, you’re officially Arthur’s personal assistant.”
Her heart sank. She turned back to Arthur, who wore a triumphant smirk. “Oh, no. No, no, no. This isn’t happening!”
---
Her New Role
Reluctantly, Aelira entered Arthur’s cabin later that day, fuming internally. What now? she thought, preparing for the worst.
She slammed a stack of papers on his desk. “Look, I don’t want this job! I just want to go back to Astron’s department!”
Arthur calmly stood, walking around the desk until he was standing inches from her. “Aelira,” he said, his voice soft but firm, “you’re not going anywhere.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but before she could utter another word, Arthur cupped her face and pressed his lips against hers.
The kiss caught her completely off guard. Her thoughts scattered as her heart raced. For a moment, she resisted, but his warmth and the intensity of the moment melted her resolve.
When he pulled back, his gaze locked onto hers, he whispered, “This is where you belong. With me.”
Aelira’s face flushed, and she stepped back, trying to steady her breathing. “Y-You can’t just do that!”
Arthur chuckled. “I think I just did.”
Her mind was a whirlwind as she stormed out of the office. Her lips still tingled from his touch, and her heart felt heavier than ever.
---
Her Inner Turmoil
Back in her own office space, Aelira paced back and forth, her assistant buzzing in her ear.
“What just happened in there?”
“Shut up,” she muttered, touching her lips absently.
“Do you know what this means?!” the assistant continued. “You’ve fallen for him! And he’s clearly—”
“Enough!” she snapped, silencing the device.
Aelira sank into her chair, her thoughts racing. She hated to admit it, but her assistant was right. She was falling for Arthur, and she didn’t know how to stop it—or if she even wanted to.
One thing was certain: her life on Earth had just become infinitely more complicated.