By the third day, Maya understood the pattern of the place more clearly. Nothing was random, and nothing was overlooked. Every task had a standard, and every mistake had a consequence. It wasn't said out loud, but it was felt in everything around her. The way people worked, the way they spoke, even the way they moved carried that same pressure.
She adapted quickly because she had no other choice. Her movements became more careful, and her decisions more controlled. She no longer rushed through anything, and she avoided making changes unless she was completely sure. The memory of being called in stayed with her, and she had no intention of repeating it.
The whispers didn't stop. If anything, they became quieter and more controlled, but they were still there. Maya ignored them the same way she always did. She didn't come there to belong. She came to work, and that was enough for her.
Later that morning, another set of files was placed on her desk, heavier than the ones before. Maya glanced at them and started working without asking questions. She already understood how things worked. You didn't question anything. You simply did your job and delivered.
Time passed slowly, and the workload didn't ease. Her fingers moved steadily, but her mind was starting to feel the strain. She hadn't rested properly in days, and it was beginning to show. Still, she didn't stop because she couldn't afford to.
Across the room, Caspian entered again without drawing attention, yet the atmosphere changed the moment he stepped inside. Maya didn't look up this time because she didn't want to. She already knew what would happen if she did, and it was easier to focus on her work and ignore his presence.
As she continued working, she made a small mistake. It was not obvious at first, but when she noticed it, she understood immediately that it mattered. Her hand paused for a second as her eyes stayed on the page. The measurement was slightly off, enough to affect the structure.
She corrected it quickly and carefully before anyone could notice.
But he already had.
Caspian approached her desk and told her to bring the file. Maya picked it up and walked toward him, aware of the attention around her. She handed it over without speaking.
He went through it in silence before pointing out that she corrected it after making the mistake. Maya answered simply that she had fixed it. He looked at her briefly and told her not to repeat it. She told him she wouldn't. He handed the file back and dismissed her.
Maya returned to her desk and continued working without saying anything. The looks around her returned again, quiet but present. This time, it didn't feel the same as before. It wasn't fear that settled in her chest. It was tension.
The rest of the day felt heavier, not because of the workload, but because of him. Every time he was near, the pressure increased. Every time he spoke, it stayed with her longer than it should have.
Maya didn't like it.
She didn't like him.
To her, he wasn't just cold. He was difficult, controlling, and unfair.
By the time the day ended, she packed her things immediately and left without delay. Outside, she stopped for a moment and took a breath, but it didn't ease the weight in her chest. She was tired, not just physically, but mentally as well.
Still, one thing remained clear in her mind. No matter how long she stayed there, she would not get used to him.