79. "just acquaintances? That's it?"

Dario’s POV

I heard her voice before I saw her.

Isla.

“Hey boys,” She said to my guards and walked into my study.

I pushed away the tray and cleared my throat. The maid rushed in, picked up the kettle and plates, bowed, and walked out.

“Dario,” She said in a calm tone. I gave her a stiff nod and looked away.

Her eyes followed the maid with the tray and it softened. I observed her look and said, “Have you eaten? I can get her to make something for you,”

“I have. I have eaten.”

“Good,” I looked down at my files and began to try to work.

I read the sentences over and over again but the words refused to stick to my head. All my attention was on her and her movement.

She shuffled on her feet. Stared at me. Cleared her throat too but I did not look up.

“Dario,” She called. I paused looking through the papers when she continued. “How are you?” The softness in her voice does not only thug at my heart, it also made me realize how much I had missed her. So I do the next best thing.

Put