HopeThe moment we stepped into Ryan's apartment, I was taken aback. The space was a mix of class and minimalism with a touch of minimalism luxury. The clean lines, neutral tones, and subtle lighting created an ambiance that was both inviting and sophisticated."Wow," I murmured, taking in the artful decor. "Your place is... impressive."He flashed a modest smile. "Glad you like it. Can I get you something to drink?""Something strong, please," I replied, and then winked at him. Of course, we both knew what was going to happen and looking at how eager he was, I knew I needed a strong drink to match his energy.As he prepared our drinks, I wandered through the living area, appreciating the curated art pieces. When he returned, we sat to drink while having soft conversation to set in the mood. The chemistry between us was smooth and I wasn’t expecting that. I mean, for a man who got on my bad side on a first impression, I expected worse. But then, he turned out to be a perfect gentlem
TonyThe moment Daisy stormed out of my office, I knew I’d messed up. She fought hard to keep the tears from coming but I could see through her. I could see the tears even though none rolled down her eyes. Her heart was broken and that hurt me. It should have been me doing that to her, not after she poured her heart out to me the other night and I comforted her. How then would that same person break her heart just two days later.I felt guilt taking over my being, I didn’t have to be that harsh, I could have handled it better. I only meant to create distance, to draw a hard line and protect both of us from going down a path we couldn't return from. Especially her, I was trying to protect her and her gentle heart from me. She’s been through a lot, she deserved a love with nomore drama and stress. But what I said… what I said… it wasn’t just cold, it was cruel and saw it in her eyes before she turned away. The hurt and disbelief. I had told her she meant nothing, that the kiss was no
DaisyI made my way inside and standing close to the entrance, I gave the huge place a full scan. I was looking for Hope but none of the faces there looked like hers. “Maybe she went to the restroom,” I thought to myself as I took my phone, ready to call him but then, it beeped right before I could.It was a text message from her.Hope wasn’t there.“Hey, I just saw you. I’m so sorry, babe. Got caught up. Talk later? Love you.”My thumb hovered over the screen, but I didn’t respond. I didn’t even know what I’d say. I couldn’t be mad… not really. She had her life, her moment, whatever that was. And I… I just needed to forget mine for a while.“I guess you’re all by yourself, Dee.” I muttered under my breath as I turned off my phone and shoved it into my bag. I looked around again and luckily, I found the right spot for myself. A table was ticked away in a dark corner and I quickly claimed it for myself. It was all I needed to get my sanity back in check. Some quiet and peace. The mu
HopeThe moment I ended the call with Daisy, I quickly sent her the location of the bar. My fingers moved fast, like they were trying to make up for how heavy my heart felt after hearing her voice. I didn’t even need the details to know something had gone very wrong. She tried to hide it so well but I could hear it in the way she spoke. Her voice was a little quiet and shaky, like she was holding back a flood of tears. “Is she really okay? Or do I call my dad? I’m sure he can find out if something happened at the office.” I thought to myself as I stared at her name on my phone. I later decided not to do anything… yet, at least not until I hear the whole gist. She said it’s nothing serious, I guess I’d have to wait to find out then.I told her twenty minutes, but honestly, I don’t even know how that’s going to work. But then, I’m not even sure if my own plans were still standing. My supposed date hadn’t shown up yet and that’s really getting on my last nerve. I’m not the one who wai
DaisyI stood there in Tony’s office, trying so hard to keep my breathing steady while every word he said kept slicing through me like a dull blade.“That kiss didn’t mean anything.”“I’m a single man so I do what I want, with who I want.”“It won’t happen again.”The words kept coming and each sentence hit harder than the last.I wanted to say something and I did open my mouth but no words came. Instead, I just stood there like a fool, staring blankly like I understood, like I wasn’t falling apart inside.God, I felt so stupid.Just the other night, I was fantasizing about him. About us. I let myself believe for one second that maybe… maybe there was something real between us. That the way he kissed me, touched me, looked at me... was because he felt it too.But no. It was just me. Of course it was just me.I bit the inside of my cheek to stop the tears from coming, and I refused refused to let him see me cry. I was too embarrassed to do that in front of him. Not after everything he
TonyThe moment I stepped into the office, Raine came over and reminded me of the meeting I had in about ten minutes. I barely sat to go over the presentation when she came back to call me into the conference room. The meeting ran longer than I’d planned, and by the time I stepped back into my office, my head was already pulsing but I still had a lot to sort out. My table was stacked with files I hadn’t touched all day, and the last thing I wanted was to carry them home, especially now that Daisy was around. I needed to keep my focus sharp, keep things clean and professional.“Raine, wait a second,” I said, just as she was about to leave.She turned with that usual perk in her posture, her sharp pencil skirt hugging her hips too tightly for the kind of office we ran, but I let it slide… again. She was fond of doing that and besides that it’s not decent enough for work, I always wonder if it was even convenient for her. I can’t imagine going up and down all day in a clothing so tight