Watson and Ariel turned towards the door, “Did you hear that?” Ariel asked.“Yes, it probably came from the hallway. I'll go check it out.” Watson said with a shiver in his voice. Ariel held on to his suit, “I'll come with you.”Ariel footsteps were swallowed by the silence as she crept behind Watson to the door, her eyes fixed on his shoulders. Watson grasped the door handle, his fingers wrapping it like a hold and pulled it open with a soft creak. A gleam of light beaming through the gap, casting shadows on the floor. The waves blended with the rustle of the curtains, he pushed the door wider and the night air spilled in mingling with stale air inside. As the door creaked open, a chill ran down Ariel's spine and the hair at the back of her neck standing on end. She strained her eyes to see what's behind the door as her heart pounded with the waves.“The door might have opened when the wind blew in.” Watson muttered as he glanced at the open window.Ariel nodded as she stood on a s
She nodded slowly and he smiled.“Good girl.”“Why stand there? Who's at the door?” A voice behind the door asked, reaching closer.“Good morning,Mr Blackwood.” Connel greeted as the door opened wider revealing Ariel's father.“Mr Wilder,” he said with a smile on his face. “Thank you for securing our house and refurbishing it.”“Sure, you don't have to thank me.” Connel responded coldly, “it was the least i could do.”The door swung fully open now, the soft clink of tea cups echoing in the background. Inside, her grandma and Elias sat around a table mid conversation.“Why don't you come in for a cup of tea?” Mr Blackwood offered, gesturing to Connel to come in. “Mmhnnn…” Ariel hummed. “We were just about…” she trailed off as Connel cut her short. “I don't mind.” Connel quickly replied, cutting her off as he stepped inside, brushing lightly past her.Ariel stood by the door, her fingers gripping the frame. She didn't follow immediately, something had shifted and she felt it.Connel w
Her heart skipped in a beat, she couldn't move It felt like her feets were glued to the floor.“I… I..” Ariel stuttered.Elias stared at her, contemplating if he had asked the right question. He wanted to take it back, at the same time he wanted to hear the answer.Ariel glanced at Elias but she didn't stop walking, she didn't look at him. She struggled to find the right words, she wished he had stayed, she wished everything could be different. The voice in her head screamed and questioned her. Ariel took in a deep breath, “I really can't say. Maybe things would've been different, we might have grown closer or further apart. Who knows?” She sighed heavily. “We just have to understand that things don't always work out the way we expect, life moves forward and we're where we are now.” She knew her answer wasn't just about his question, it was about her life. No matter how many times she asked and questioned herself; “what if it was all different?” She knew that nothing would go the w
“I can't believe so much time has passed.” Elias uttered.“I can.” Ariel whispered without looking at him. “You left without saying goodbye.”“True, but It happened in the blink of an eye.” He stuttered and Ariel glared at him.She stopped walking and turned to him slowly. “You had time to send a message. To say something, anything. But you didn't.”Elias rubbed his hands at the back of his head. “I know and I'm sorry,”Ariel nodded and kept on walking but didn't respond. Her sandals stomped against the gravel and grass, the garden bloomed with color and serenity, butterflies flew from petals to petals. Everything looked peaceful.Elias trolled from behind until he stopped walking.Ariel turned and noticed him standing at a spot.“What's wrong now?” She murmured, folding her arms.“I'm not moving from here till I'm forgiven.” He replied firmly.“Seriously?” She raised a brow. “You always know how to be dramatic.He didn't reply.“Fine.” Ariel rushed to where he stood, held him by his
Connel sat at the rooftop of the penthouse looking down as he watched the view,the morning sun slipped through the skyline of Brussels casting long reflections against the glass buildings. He needed a moment of silence and a time alone, this time he wasn't going to sit and watch from the sidelines he strategized ahead. Nico stepped into the rooftop, his scent alerting Connel of his presence. “They agreed,” Nico said. “A public statement will be released before noon. Apparently, Ravenco wants to maintain good optics which puts you back in good standing.”Connel didn't smile or respond, he leaned towards the balcony and nodded, no response. “Have the legal team start redrafting the terms, tighter clauses.” Connel finally said.“We're laying down rules now?” Nico asked.Connel glanced at Nico, “we don't leave breathing room for Peterson or anyone else again. We've relaxed quite enough.”Nico raised a brow. “You planning on letting Ravenco know?”“Eventually,” Connel uttered. “Right no
The jet touched down on the Brussels runway beneath the sharp glossy grey sky. The city had looked like a canvas of contrast, where towering glass buildings cast shadows to centuries old brickwork and old cathedrals.Connel didn't wait for the door to fully lower before stepping out. He wasn't here for pleasantries, he was here for business, control, protecting his reputation and making show Peterson paid for crossing the line.He stepped into the waiting car with Nico beside him, they were both silent for most of the drives. They passed buildings in blur stones or glass, the journey lasting longer than expected.The streets were clean, damp from an earlier drizzle with a scent of fresh croissants,damp stones, cigarettes and tram grease hovering through the air. The city was measured, subtle and expensive one you wouldn't notice its power or else you lived in. The city had an unexplainable kind of chill, Connel liked the feel of the weather. It prepared him for the business ahead.The