650: NO, NO, NO

LUKE'S POV Elsa's gaze dropped to her fidgeting hands as she hesitated. "Well... Luke, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time." I leaned forward, intrigued by her sudden seriousness. "What is it, Elsa?" She took a deep breath, her blue eyes locking onto mine. "I have feelings for you, Luke. I've had them for years, ever since we started working together. I've tried to hide it, to just be your friend and colleague, but I can't anymore." Her words hung in the air like a heavy fog, shock rendering me momentarily speechless. I'd always regarded Elsa as a friend, a talented assistant, and a constant source of support, but never had I considered that her feelings might run deeper. "Luke, say something," she pleaded. I swallowed hard, searching for the right words to let her down gently. "Elsa, I... I'm truly flattered, and I care about you deeply, but I've always seen you as a friend." Her eyes dropped to her lap; disappointment etched in every feature. "I