With a sigh, I clutched my notepad tighter and recounted all of the things I had done today. I was swimming in a sea of thoughts, each one coming and going like a wave, yet I was unable to catch even a single one of them. There was so much to do, so much I had to learn, even though it had already been two days since I'd begun training. 

Occupied as my mind was, I didn't pay attention to where I was going, so it was no surprise when I bumped into someone. Off balance, I was about to fall when his hand snaked around, resting on my back and steadying me. I felt his hard chest as he pulled me towards him. Once I regained my balance, I stepped away, clearing my throat, "Thank you." 

I raised my eyes to meet him for the first time, recognizing the black ones that met my grey orbs. I drew in a sharp breath when I saw who it was. 

"Adrian." 

"Ava."

I was afraid to breathe. I wanted to talk to him, but what would I even say? He was my enemy and I needed to stay away. Who knew what would happen if I disobeyed that rule? I could be Banished or worse. 

"Ava I-" he began. 

I shook my head, "I should probably go."

What I actually meant was that it was unsafe to talk, there could be eyes everywhere. We couldn't be seen together. It was best if we stayed away from each other. I could tell he understood, his eyes showed regret, mirroring my expression. His lips pressed into a thin line. 

"Right. Yes." 

 For some reason, even though I was the one that suggested we should go, my feet weren't moving, they were glued to the spot. I wanted to take my words back. I wanted to stay and talk. 

"See you around." He said, continuing on his way before I bumped into him. 

And I wanted to call out to him and tell him to stay, but it was just wishful thinking. I shook my head, telling myself to snap out of it. What was wrong with me? I was getting hung up over a boy that I'd talked to just once. I guess it's just the curiosity of forbidden romance. After all, everyone was a romantic somewhere deep inside, even me.

With a wry laugh, I continued on my way. 

I walked to my mentor--Daniel's office, wondering which meetings we had been assigned to for the day. I observed the evenly painted grey walls, the white lights bathing everything in a glaring glow, the perfectly spaced office doors and the sterilized hospital smell all administrative buildings reeked of. I'd been assigned as a Speaker, the Public relations specialists in level two. I was glad I'd gotten to skip level one, they were just glorified assistants for the above levels. Being one of at least fifteen assistants, it wasn't something to be proud of. Being one of thirteen wasn't very different but at least, it would mean I skipped a year after which I would be promoted.

I pushed open the dark grey colored door to Daniel's office, taking a seat on the black couch beside his desk. The room's walls, like everything else in here, were grey and the couches black and white. The desk was sleek, colored blue--the only thing Daniel had customized in the office. His HoloStick hovered at the side, its display and virtual keyboard open. Daniel was wearing his magnetic gloves which operated the HoloStick, he was one of the few people who had forgone the implants. 

"What else is left to do today?" 

"Nothing." Daniel shrugged. 

I narrowed my eyes at him, "There is never nothing to do Daniel." 

It was something he frequently told me. 

He sighed, muttering under his breath, "Why do I even tr-"

"What were you saying?" I asked, a sickly sweet smile on my face. I knew when he was lying. He was a family friend, practically everyone in the administrative circles was--my parents did own one of the biggest law firms in Asticus. The fact that he was my sister's Partner didn't hurt either.

"Forget it." 

"Okay," I shrugged, "now tell me what to do." 

"I told you there is nothing to do!" 

"And I know you're lying." 

"Oh come on Ava, we both know you're excited for your date with Francis today, go home early."

I raised my eyebrows, walking over to him and sitting on the chair beside him, "Is that what this is about? Francis? You know me, work is always first for me Daniel. Oh god, did Francis put you up to this?" I searched his face, sighing when his guilty look told the answer. 

"Well..." He shrugged, "Francis did tell me he had a surprise planned for you..."

I raised my eyebrows, "What surprise?"

"I don't know, he wouldn't tell me!" 

I shook my head, "I swear to the Oracles you're useless!" 

He smiled, "We both know you don't mean it!" 

I had to laugh at that. His joking face softened a little and he had a faint smile on his face, "Just go home Ava, I'll finish up here." 

I rolled my eyes, "I can't change your mind, can I?"

He gave me a flat look. 

"Okay, thanks! I owe you one!"   

"Oh, you owe me way more."

"Don't push it!" I exclaimed as I was almost out of the door. But I couldn't resist turning back once and shouting, "Tell Celine to stop playing matchmaker in my life!'' 

I knew it was Celine who'd orchestrated all this--she was Francis' sister and Daniel's close friend. She loved doing stuff like this.

Daniel's jaw dropped. 

"How did you know?" 

"I have my sources." I smirked, before heading home. 

How ever much I wanted to deny it, I was excited for my first date with my Partner.