Freya's desk, positioned to capture the entrance, allowed her to quickly see Johnny arrive. She immediately adjusted the camera angle. Due to the camera's height and angle, other participants only saw a tall, poised man entering—his presence exuding authority, though his face remained unseen.
Initially, some colleagues speculated about romantic tension between Freya and Johnny. Later, they learned she was married with a grown child. However, Freya rarely discussed her personal life, leaving her husband largely unknown to them. Her beauty and competence piqued their curiosity; what kind of man could marry such a woman?
Now, her husband was visible, yet Freya swiftly turned the camera away. Before her colleagues could tease her, Matteo said, "Still working?"
Freya calmly replied, "Mm." Matteo nodded, said nothing, retrieved clothes, and showered. Freya watched him go, then resumed work.
Later, two female colleagues commented, "Your husband's voice is so nice." Matteo's voice, like his appearance, was undeniably attractive. Freya felt embarrassed, managing only a "Thank you..."
It was late. Everyone wanted to continue, but recognized the need to avoid overwork. Johnny decided to conclude the meeting after addressing remaining tasks, leaving the rest for the following day or two. However, the meeting continued; Matteo, having finished showering, had emerged while Freya remained at work.
Just then, Isabella returned. She ran to the door, calling, "Mommy—" Freya looked up, but before she could respond, Matteo said, "Mommy is working."
Isabella paused, watching as Freya approached Matteo. Leaning close, Freya whispered, "Daddy, can I sleep with Aunt Raven tonight?" Matteo nodded, "Sure." Isabella happily hugged him, forgetting to lower her voice: "Thank you, Daddy!"
Seeing the meeting was over, Freya closed her laptop. As she rose to speak with Isabella, she noticed Raven at the door. Freya paused, lips pursed. Matteo and Isabella also noticed Raven. Matteo stood and walked to the door; they left together.
Isabella started to follow, but stopped, noticing Freya's unusual expression. She hesitantly called, "Mommy..." Freya, withdrawing her gaze, began tidying her desk. She asked, "Did you shower?"
"Yeah," Isabella nodded. Freya didn't ask who helped her bathe. Instead, she asked, "Are you tired?"
"A little..." Isabella replied quietly.
"Well, if you're tired, go to sleep," Freya said softly.
"Got it, Mommy. You get some rest too." Isabella sighed in relief.
"Mm, I will. Good night." Freya smiled warmly.
"Good night, Mommy." Isabella replied sweetly.
Isabella hugged Freya before leaving. Freya tidied up, gathered her clothes, and was about to shower. Matteo and Isabella had left the door open. Freya assumed Matteo wouldn't return that night. As she was about to close the door before showering, she nearly bumped into him—he had unexpectedly returned. He had returned to retrieve something; his luggage remained. He entered quietly, indicating he likely wasn't planning to leave. Without speaking, Matteo passed her and entered the room.
As he passed, Freya detected a faint trace of Raven's perfume. Moreover, there were lipstick marks on his neck. His freshly changed pajamas still bore faint traces of their earlier encounter. Freya realized the perfume and kiss marks were fresh, from their time together. Earlier, she'd noticed his lips seemed red, dismissing it as an impression; now, she knew she'd been right.
Matteo had already sat on the bed, seemingly planning to stay. This was unexpected; Freya had assumed he would be with Raven. This made her wonder if Raven had visited earlier, worried about them. The perfume and lipstick marks clearly indicated an intimate kiss before they left. Freya didn't want to think about it further.
Half an hour later, after showering, Freya saw Matteo reading a book—surprisingly, one of her own. Her expression darkened. She disliked his taking her things without asking. Just as she was about to speak, Matteo noticed her displeasure and asked, "Do you mind?"
Freya, slightly bothered, calmed down after realizing the book contained no sensitive information beyond a few of her own notes. She replied, "A little."
Matteo met her gaze. "Okay, I'll ask next time."
Next time? Freya thought. She didn't expect another night sharing a bed away from home.