The spa’s lobby smelled faintly of lavender and eucalyptus, the kind of scent that tried a little too hard to promise serenity. Soft instrumental music floated through the speakers—harps and piano—and for a moment, Anna wanted to believe she could dissolve into the plush chair she’d sunk into.Her robe cinched tightly at the waist, hair piled into a messy bun, bare toes peeking out of the spa slippers. She had every reason to relax. But her mind refused.Vivian, on the other hand, was buzzing like she’d downed three espressos on an empty stomach. She flipped through the spa menu as though it were a holy text, grinning ear to ear.“Bestie,” Vivian gushed, “this is literally the start of your superstar era. We’re talking facials, massages, mani-pedis—then maybe you practice signing autographs in the mirror. You gotta prepare for the paparazzi, babe.”Anna groaned, letting her head loll back against the chair. “Viv, I swear, one more word about record labels and I’m throwing myself headf
The first blush of dawn slipped quietly through the curtains, spilling pale gold across the room. Dust motes drifted lazily in the glow, almost as if time itself wanted to linger in the serenity of the moment. Anna lay curled against Gerald, her cheek pressed against the warmth of his chest, her breath rising and falling in rhythm with his steady heartbeat. His arm was slung protectively around her waist, anchoring her to him. Their legs tangled together under the sheets, bodies still humming with the intimacy of the night before.The silence felt sacred—until a sharp knock shattered it.Knock. Knock. Knock.The sound was brisk, too firm to be casual. It carried impatience, even urgency.Gerald’s eyes snapped open, his gaze narrowing at the door. His jaw flexed, but he didn’t move right away. Instead, his thumb brushed along the curve of Anna’s waist as though unwilling to surrender the moment to the world outside.Anna stirred with a sleepy murmur, her lashes fluttering but not quite
The shift in Gerald’s face was so sudden it made Anna’s stomach twist.His easy smile evaporated like smoke in the wind. His jaw locked, brows furrowing so deep she thought they might never smooth again. He just stared at her, unblinking, and the weight of his silence pressed against her chest.Anna’s heart stuttered. Why is he looking at me like that? What did I do? He was fine just a second ago—smiling, teasing me—and now he looks like I ran over his dog. God, I’ll never understand this man. He changes moods like the damn weather.“Gerald… what’s wrong?” she asked carefully, her voice soft as sea foam.Still nothing. His eyes burned into her, dark and unyielding, until finally, his groan broke through the crashing waves of silence.“You resigned?”The words smacked into her like a slap.Anna blinked, her breath catching. Her lips parted but no sound came out. Suddenly, her mouth felt desert-dry despite the salty ocean breeze brushing against her damp skin. Heat flushed her cheeks, p
“Oh my God, I still can’t wrap my head around this—we’re actually in the Bahamas!” Vivian flung her hand dramatically out the window as the car glided past rows of palm trees swaying lazily in the warm ocean breeze.The salty tang of the sea clung to the air, mingling with the sweet perfume of hibiscus flowers lining the driveway. Ahead, the resort revealed itself like something pulled straight out of a dream—glass catching the light, whitewashed walls curving gracefully, balconies dripping with bougainvillea in pinks and purples so vivid they looked painted.Gerald had chosen this slice of paradise for his company’s after-party. Every employee was allowed a plus one, and Anna, of course, had brought Vivian along. Gerald had been generous enough to let them fly with him on his private jet, which only added to the thrill.As soon as they arrived, uniformed attendants rushed forward, whisking away their luggage with smooth efficiency while giving quick, cheerful rundowns of the resort’s
After the ceremony, the crowd mingled, champagne glasses in hand. Gerald moved through the guests with ease, shaking hands, smiling, charming everyone—but his eyes kept finding her, even if only briefly.Anna stared at him nervously.Vivian nudged her. “Go on. Talk to him. Before someone else steals your moment.”Anna’s hands trembled slightly, her pulse hammering. She took a deep breath and approached him. Every step felt heavy with anticipation and fear.“Congratulations,” she said softly, her voice barely rising above the hum of conversation.Gerald turned, blue eyes locking onto hers. A small, almost imperceptible smile curved his lips. “Thank you,” he said, voice low, measured… yet warm in a way that made her heart squeeze.They stood there, a quiet bubble amidst the gala chaos, the distance between them filled with unsaid words, desire, and regret. The crowd could have been gone, and it wouldn’t have mattered—they were the only two people in the room.For a fleeting moment, Geral
Anna’s fingers brushed over the sequined fabric, the smooth threads cool beneath her touch. Her eyes, though, weren’t on the dress—they were somewhere else entirely, distant, lost in thought. The boutique’s chandeliers hung like frozen constellations, scattering light across rows of satin, silk, and lace, glinting off the metallic threads of gowns that promised confidence and power.Vivian twirled in front of a mirror, holding a crimson cocktail dress against her frame. “Now this,” she said, striking a pose with a tilt of her hip, “screams classy… dangerous. What do you think?”No response .Vivian turned around, her smile disappeared, replaced by a frown. “Anna , I just asked a question”.Anna forced a smile. “ Oh…It looks perfect on you.”Vivian’s frown deepened. She knew Anna’s masks all too well—the practiced smiles that hid storms. Her best friend had been quiet ever since they stepped into the boutique, the excitement for shopping smothered under a heavy blanket of something da