27. I Never Knew

As I quietly slipped out of Penny's embrace, the neon numbers of the clock reading 4:15 am glowed in the darkness. I paused, savoring the peaceful sight of her sleeping. Resisting the urge to shower — an action becoming more of a compulsion than a necessity — I headed towards my office instead. I knew there, amidst my technological sanctuary, I could delve into work without disturbing her slumber.

The office in our city penthouse starkly contrasted the one at the estate. Here, the technology was cutting-edge, a testament to my relentless pursuit of perfection and control. As I entered, the room came to life, the overhead holographic projector and rows of screens lighting up, enveloping me in a sea of data and virtual imagery. This was my realm, where I could drown in the endless information streams and momentarily escape the complexities of emotions and relationships.

Each screen told a different story, and each data point was a piece of the puzzle I was trying to solve. The latest,