PAIN

Rachel did not remember how she completed the rest of her work that afternoon. She answered emails, arranged documents and attended to every task on her desk exactly as she always did, but none of it truly registered in her mind. Vanessa's words refused to leave her. They followed her everywhere, echoing in the quiet moments between conversations. She wondered if she ever looked like poverty. When the office closed, she packed her bag more quickly than usual. She avoided looking towards Joseph's office as she walked out of the building. She wasn't sure she could look at him without remembering every word Vanessa had spoken. For the first time since she had started working at Sterling Tech, she wanted nothing more than to go home and hide from the world. The journey home felt unusually long. She sat by the window of the bus, watching the evening traffic move slowly through the streets of Madrid. Around her, people chatted, laughed and complained about work, but their voices faded into

FAMILY AFFAIR

That same night, Joseph had no idea that Rachel was lying awake in her apartment, staring at her phone and waiting for a reply that would never come. He had just finished dinner and was sitting in the study, going through a few documents he had brought home from the office. His jacket lay neatly over the arm of the sofa, his phone still tucked inside one of the pockets. He had intended to look through his messages after finishing the last file on his desk. A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts. One of the housekeepers stepped in."Sir, your father is on the phone."Joseph looked up immediately."My father?""Yes, sir."She handed him the cordless telephone before quietly leaving the room. Joseph frowned. Carlos rarely called him at home unless something was important. Their conversations usually happened during the day, and even then, Carlos was never one to sound anxious.Joseph lifted the receiver."Good evening, Dad."There was no cheerful greeting from the other end."Joseph, whe

FEAR

Rachel woke before her alarm the next morning, but she remained in bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep had come in short, restless moments, and each time she woke, the same thoughts returned. She wished she could erase the previous evening from her memory. She wished she had never allowed herself to believe that what existed between her and Joseph was anything more than mutual respect. Most of all, she wished she could forget Vanessa's words. They had settled somewhere deep inside her, refusing to leave. She closed her eyes and drew in a slow breath. Benjamin had told her not to let another person's opinion define her, yet it was easier to believe his words at home than it would be inside Sterling Tech. Today, she would have to walk through the same corridors, sit at the same desk and pretend that nothing had happened.Benjamin was already making breakfast when she stepped into the kitchen. He looked at her for a moment before offering a gentle smile."You look better.""I don't know i

SECRETS

The gates of the estate opened as the car approached. The security guards recognised the vehicle immediately and waved them through. Lights were still on in the main house despite the late hour. That told Joseph the meeting had not been delayed because of him. Everyone had been waiting. Antonio stepped out first and opened the rear door."We're here, sir."Joseph nodded before taking a slow breath."I don't think this will end quickly."Antonio gave a small smile."I'll wait as long as you need.” Joseph placed a hand on his shoulder for a brief moment."Thank you."He walked into the house without another word. Antonio moved to staff’s quarter. Carlos was standing beside the fireplace when Joseph entered the sitting room. Isabel sat on one of the sofas with a file resting on her lap, while Joseph's uncle stood near the large windows with his hands behind his back. The atmosphere was heavier than Joseph had imagined."Good evening," Joseph said quietly.Carlos looked up."I'm sorry t

QUESTIONS

It was a few minutes past three when Joseph finally arrived home. The meeting had ended barely an hour earlier, but it still felt as though he had never truly left it. Every conversation, every document and every unanswered question followed him through the front door. He dropped his travel bag beside the sofa and loosened his tie, rolling his shoulders in an attempt to ease the stiffness that had settled into them. It's been two days since he left the house. The silence have him much peace compared to what they had been dealing with. Antonio placed the bag beside the staircase before turning to him. "You should get some sleep, sir."Joseph nodded faintly. "I intend to.""You've hardly rested since you left.""I know.""We'll continue after you've had some sleep."Joseph managed a tired smile. "That was the plan."Antonio studied him for a moment. Even after years of working together, he could still tell when Joseph was carrying more than he admitted and now, a family problem."I'll

JOSEPH'S RETURN

Rachel stood in front of her wardrobe for minutes that morning. Her hand was resting on one of her blouses without really seeing it. She had barely slept. Every time she closed her eyes, the same thoughts returned. She believed that she was in a problem or about to have a problem. Vanessa's words still echoed in her mind, and Joseph's silence had only made them louder. She had tried to convince herself that it did not matter whether he replied or not. After all, he had never promised her anything. They were not together. They had shared one unexpected moment, and perhaps he regretted it now. Perhaps he had realised it should never have happened. The thought hurt more than she wanted to admit, but she had accepted it. There was nothing else she could do.Benjamin noticed the distant look on her face while she buttered a slice of bread."You didn't sleep well again. You just keep stressing yourself over irrelevant things.” Rachel forced a smile."I'll be fine.” "Definitely! I guess i