Notice Me

Bella James adjusted her glasses, the glare from her computer screen bouncing off the lenses. The hum of conversation, the rhythmic clicking of heels, and the occasional ring of the phone surrounded her as she typed out a final email for one of the managing partners of Lansing & Associates.

"Good morning, Bella," came a familiar, cheerful voice.

She glanced up to see Marcus Harper, the head of the tech department, leaning casually against her desk. His navy suit jacket hung open, revealing a sharp shirt-and-tie combo that somehow made him look effortlessly put together.

"Morning, Marcus," she replied, her voice calm, though his easy confidence always struck a small chord of envy in her.

"Busy already?" he asked, nodding toward her computer screen.

"When am I not?" Bella quipped, offering a faint smile.

"True," Marcus said, smirking as he adjusted his watch. "Don't work too hard. We need at least one person around here who's sane."

Before she could respond, Marcus winked and strolled off toward the elevators, his footsteps echoing. Bella found her gaze drifting toward the sleek glass doors, her heart giving an involuntary flutter as Adrian Zhang stepped into the office.

Adrian.

There was something about him—his immaculately tailored gray suit, the purposeful way he carried himself, the sharp line of his jaw. He walked like he owned every inch of space, and everyone in his orbit noticed. Most women in the office straightened their backs or tossed their hair when he passed, but Bella stayed still, quietly admiring him from a safe distance. She was convinced he didn't even know she existed.

"Earth to Bella," Diane's voice cut through Bella's thoughts.

Startled, Bella turned to find her co-receptionist, Diane—a tall blonde with a penchant for gossip—watching her with an amused expression.

"Still dreaming about Mr. Perfect?" Diane teased, tilting her head in the direction Adrian had just disappeared.

"I wasn't staring," Bella mumbled, her cheeks warming.

"Sweetheart, you're about as subtle as a neon sign," Diane said with a laugh. "But hey, maybe one day he'll look over here and notice you."

Bella scoffed softly, shaking her head. Adrian didn't notice her because men like him didn't go for women like her—curvy, quiet, and more at home in the pages of a book than in the high-energy buzz of an office like this. She pushed the thought away and returned her focus to her screen.

By noon, Bella was downstairs at the office cafe, her usual sanctuary from the chaos of the day. She tucked herself into the corner booth with a sandwich and a book, hoping to finish a chapter before heading back to her desk.

She was halfway through the next page when Rachel an appeared, dropping her salad container onto the table with dramatic flair. "Alright, spill," Rachel said, plopping down across from her.

"Spill what?" Bella asked, though she knew where this was going.

"You know what," Rachel said, narrowing her eyes. "Adrian. What happened today?"

Bella sighed, setting her book down. "Nothing happened. I just...saw him, like I always do."

Rachel gave her an exaggerated eye roll. "Bella, you've been crushing on this guy for months. How do you expect anything to happen if you don't, you know, speak?"

Bella glanced down at her sandwich. "He's not exactly the kind of guy who notices me, Rach. You've seen the women he talks to—confident, glamorous, perfect."

"Stop it," Rachel said firmly. "You are amazing, Bella. You're smart, funny, and gorgeous. If Adrian doesn't notice you, it's his loss."

Before Bella could respond, the cafe door swung open, and Adrian walked in, heading straight for the coffee machine. His presence filled the small space instantly, and Bella felt her heart rate pick up.

Rachel leaned closer, whispering, "Say something. This is your chance."

Bella's mouth went dry as Adrian turned toward them, a fresh cup of coffee in hand. His dark eyes flicked briefly over to Bella, and for the first time, she thought she saw something—recognition? Curiosity?

"Morning, ladies," Adrian said politely, his voice smooth.

Rachel didn't miss a beat. "Morning. Big day today?"

"Just another trial," Adrian replied casually, his gaze briefly meeting Bella's again before he headed toward the door.

When he was gone, Bella let out a shaky breath, her hands gripping the edge of the table.

Rachel smirked. "You could've said something."

"I couldn't," Bella whispered. "What would I even say?"

Rachel rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Bella. You're too smart for this. He's just a guy. Next time, try saying hi."

The rest of the day passed uneventfully, though Bella couldn't stop replaying the brief exchange in the break room. Did Adrian really look at her, or was it wishful thinking?

As the office began to empty out in the evening, Bella caught sight of Marcus leaning against the reception desk, waiting for her.

"You're still here?" she asked, surprised.

"Couldn't leave without saying goodbye to my favorite receptionist," Marcus said with a grin.

Bella rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help smiling. "Goodnight, Marcus."

He gave her a two-finger salute before disappearing through the front doors. Bella watched him leave, feeling a small sense of gratitude for his easy camaraderie.

As she turned back to her desk, the elevator doors opened, and Adrian stepped out, his tie slightly loosened. Bella's pulse quickened as he approached, holding a slim folder.

"Bella," he said, his tone softer than usual. "I need these sent to Mya's office first thing tomorrow. Can you handle that?"

"Yes, of course," Bella said, taking the folder from him.

"Thank you," Adrian said, his eyes lingering on her for just a moment before he walked away.

Bella stood frozen, the folder clutched in her hands. For the first time, she allowed herself to hope. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't invisible after all.