Cassie paused at the door of her room. She inhaled in some air, grateful to be alive before shutting the door and heading downstairs. She had'nt heard Reggie's door open so she assumed that he was still sleeping, after all he was the CEO. She thought about leaving but decided to grab a snack and milkshake last minute. Her tastebuds were yet to adapt to the food at the office restaurant. On her way, her eyes caught her well-put together image. She stood there for a second, marveling at the glow of her cheeks and the light beaming in her eyes. The green blouse with puff sleeves really accentuated her breasts. She loved pencil skirts as they gave modest but classy. She had promised to get herself a few more once they were paid."I really look good," she said to herself as she adusted the necklace that once belonged to her mum."You really do," a voice said near her left ear. She almost fell from the shock and surprise."Goodness! You almost gave me a heart attack." Cassie laid a hand on
The sun rays spilled through the living room windows, filling the apartment with a soft, golden glow. Cassie moved slowly, savoring the freedom of a lazy Sunday. She wore a light floral dress and flat sandals. The day’s plan was simple: wander through the new town, then return to her new home.Her phone buzzed just as she wanted to enter a local café. “Hey, Ash!” she answered brightly.“Hey, kiddo,” Asher replied, voice warm. “How are you settling in?”Cassie glanced around the street she hadn’t walked much yet. “It’s nice. I feel like I am really going to love living here. I still cannot believe that Reggie let me stay."“That’s good news. I am glad you love it,” Asher said. “Listen, I’m coming by later. I’ve got a little something for you.”"It would be nice to see you. I know it hasn't been that long but..." she faltered.“But you miss me, right?” Asher cut in, grinning through the phone. “I miss you too little sis. I was getting used to having you around."Cassie laughed softly. “
Cassie paused at the doorway to the bathroom. The walls were pale and crisp white towels were neatly folded on a cream rack. It felt homely, an invitation she was hesitant about, yet she needed to shower. Her fingers brushed along the soft cotton. The bathtub gleamed in the corner, a soothing promise beckoning.She turned the faucets on with a flicker of nerves-hot water spills and her own thoughts mixing in a steam-drenched haze. Forty minutes later, she emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her body, another one covering her damp hair. Her bags were still not here. She wondered what Reggie was upto and if he had forgotten to help her with the bags. Lucky for her, she had dragged one of the suitcases up so she rummaged through it to find something decent to wear. She found a pair of clean sweatpants. It was red with black flowers. She paired it with a faded baggy top that Emily had gotten her. It was from her favorite actor.A soft knock on the door made her jump.“Cassie
Cassie stood in the center of the living room, her duffel bag slipping from her shoulder and landing with a soft thud on the polished hardwood floor. Ken had just dropped her off and helped her get her bags inside before leaving for an errand. Asher had already shipped her car but she had decided against driving it here. Besides, her place of work was just five minutes away; she could do with walks to and fro. She also did not want to crowd Reggie's garage. He was already charging her low rent.The apartment was stunning; airy, modern, and filled with warm light that filtered through sheer curtains. The scent of sandalwood lingered faintly in the air, mingling with the smell of fresh linen.She wandered through the open-kitchen, her fingers trailing along the cool granite countertops. The stainless-steel appliances gleamed. There was not even a fickle of dirt. Dishes were well stored, except for a bowl of fruits which sat prettily on the kitchen counter. Moving to the living area, she
Cassie stirred awake to the soft hum of bird-song filtering through her window. The morning sun cast a golden hue across her room, signaling the start of a new day. She reached for her phone, noting the time; 5:30 AM. A sticky note on her bedside table caught her eye: "Had to leave early. See you tonight. – Asher."She stretched, feeling the remnants of sleep fade away. The thought of the previous day's conversation with Asher about Reggie's apartment offer lingered in her mind. The prospect of a shorter commute was really tempting.After a quick shower and breakfast, Cassie dressed in a crisp white blouse and navy slacks, opting for comfort and professionalism. She tied her hair into a neat bun and applied minimal makeup, ready to face the day.At the office, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. Cassie settled at her desk, reviewing her tasks for the day. The day's assignment was to draft and send emails to all stakeholders regarding the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) and what
The pub was warm with low amber lighting and the familiar clink of glasses as patrons laughed and shared stories over drinks. Asher slid into a booth by the window, moments before Reggie appeared with two cold beers in hand.“Welcome back, man,” Reggie said, handing one over.“Thanks,” Asher replied, lifting the glass. “To surviving another business trip.”Reggie laughed, taking a sip. “No rest for the wicked, I tell you," Reggie joked."Indeed.""Onto serious matters; I owe you an apology," "For?" Asher asked. He had known Reggie since college and he had never been a man of many words. When he first met with him, Reggie had no friends: He was a loner who kept to himself and his books. He bloomed after college."I’m really sorry I missed your mom’s memorial. I wanted to be there, but that last-minute supplier situation in Chicago blew up.”Asher waved him off. “Don’t worry about it. You sent flowers and a note. That meant a lot to me.” The two friends were not overly sensitive, but t