What lies in the shadow : From university to unexpected love.

Valentine's Day is here, and with it, a totally expected sense of anticipation. I am not sure what will really happen? I had a lot of scenarios going in my head, but I wasn't really expecting this.

I walked into the department this morning, barely registering the usual hustle of the research lab as my mind was still wrapped in thoughts of my gift for David. There was something about the energy of the day, the red roses in the lobby, the pink heart-shaped decorations, the low hum of conversations about dinner plans… That felt like something was in the air. It was strange, most of the people here had their spouse or lover at home. I was the only one to take this secret valentine thing half seriously, giving something to the one man I trully desire.

I came early, then went to sit down at my desk in my shared office with Amy, absentmindedly flicking through a few papers when something caught my eye. A single, red envelope rests on top of my keyboard. My name is written on it in elegant, looping handwriting that isn't familiar to me. I frown, lifting the envelope to examine it.

"Amy, what's this?" I ask, holding it up.

From her desk across mine, she looks at me, her eyes are bright and filled with curiosity. "I was already here when I came. Open it!" she urges me, practically bouncing in her seat. "Come on, this is so exciting!"

I let out a heavy sigh but did as she said, carefully slipping the envelope open and pulling out the card. I was hoping HE would be my secret valentine too. But it is not his handwriting. The front was plain, just a smooth red background with a small gold trim. But when I flipped it open, my breath caught in my throat.

To Deirdre,

I've admired you from afar for a long time. You are intelligent, beautiful, and utterly captivating in everything you do. Every moment spent with you has been unforgettable, and I am constantly in awe of your passion and grace. But words alone cannot express how deeply I feel. All I can say is this:

At 7 pm, you will receive a surprise in your apartment. 

Yours,

Your secret admirer.

I blink, unsure how to process the words. A Valentine's card? For me? And yet, no name, no signature? The words are undeniably flattering, but something about the whole thing feels... off. Why so cryptic? My eyes scan the card again, my mind spinning with possibilities, but none of them seemed to make sense.

Amy is practically leaning over my shoulder by now. "Well? What does it say? Who's it from?" she asks, her voice full of that excitement that only comes from witnessing someone else's love life drama.

"I don't know," I mutter, still staring at the card. "It's anonymous. And it says I'll get a surprise at 7 pm tonight."

Amy's face lit up. "Oh my god, Deirdre! It's so David. It has to be! Who else would write something like this? It's totally his style, don't you think?"

I hesitate. "It's a little... weird, though. Don't you think? The whole 'surprise' thing, the cryptic tone... it just feels off. He was clear that he did not want to go down this path with me…"

Amy waves her hand dismissively. "Come on, that's just him being dramatic. You know he loves a good mystery. And I know for sure he's into you. I've seen the way he looks at you. The way you two look at each other."

I feel my cheeks heat up, but I quickly brush it off. "Maybe. But he still rejected me though. And it is not his handwriting."

Before she can respond, I glance at the clock and realize I am running late for a meeting. "I've got to go," I say, tucking the card into my bag. "But thanks for trying to find who the anonymous guy is."

Amy gives me a wink as I stand. "You're welcome. And I can't wait to see the 'surprise' tonight."

I nod, but the tension in my stomach does not dissipate.