Shadows of passion

The sweet morning song blended with the first rays of sunlight filtering through the light curtains of Léa's apartment. She slowly emerged from her sleep, her eyelids still heavy with dreams. The bedroom, decorated in a minimalist style, reflected her taste for simplicity: white walls, a shelf filled with architecture books, and a green plant that, despite its lack of light, seemed to thrive. Beside her, Thomas, her fiancé, slept peacefully, his face relaxed in a halo of golden light.

Léa got up gently, trying not to wake him. As she made her way to the kitchen, a wave of melancholy washed over her. Every morning felt like the one before, a well-oiled routine that made her feel trapped in an endless loop. She put water on to heat for coffee, the sound of the kettle serving as background noise to chase away her thoughts.

When the aroma of coffee began to fill the space, Thomas emerged from the bedroom, rubbing his still-sleepy eyes. He gave her a smile, one of those smiles that once warmed her heart but now seemed almost mechanical. "Good morning, my beautiful," he murmured, moving closer to kiss her. Léa returned the kiss, but a shadow of sadness crossed her gaze.

They took their places at the table, where a simple breakfast awaited: toasted bread, fresh fruits, and, of course, steaming black coffee. Thomas immersed himself in his phone, checking his work emails, while Léa stared at the wall, lost in her thoughts.

"Is something on your mind?" Thomas asked, his eyes glued to the screen. His tone was distracted, as if his question was merely automatic.

"No, everything's fine," she replied, not really believing it. She forced a smile, but inside, a persistent voice whispered that she wasn't being honest.

The conversation flowed around the mundane details of daily life, but Léa couldn't help but feel more and more distant. She recalled the promises of their early days, those shared dreams of travel and adventure. Today, she felt imprisoned in a predictable routine, an existence marked by work hours and evenings spent in front of the television.

"You know, I have an important project at the office this week," Thomas announced, without looking up from his phone. "I need to finalize the file for the client." Léa nodded, but the words didn't resonate within her. Thomas's projects, though important, seemed entirely his, like a bubble in which she had no place.

After breakfast, Léa got ready for the day. She looked at herself in the mirror, observing the woman she saw: a gentle face, bright but tired eyes, dark circles she was trying to hide with makeup. She changed into a simple but elegant dress that gave her a professional look. She wondered if Thomas had noticed her, but thought better of it, realizing he was already immersed in his concerns.

As she left the apartment, she felt a chill of anxiety. The door closed behind her with a sound like a lock clicking shut. In the elevator, Léa scrutinized her reflection in the mirrors. She saw herself as a version of herself, a shadow of the vibrant woman she had once been. The journey to her architecture firm, located in the heart of the city, was a familiar route, but today, every red light felt interminable.

Upon arriving at the office, she was welcomed by the familiar scent of paper and ink. Architects and designers bustled around her, sketches and models scattered across the tables. Léa settled at her desk, adorned with a few photos from past travels, memories that made her nostalgic. She knew she had talent, that she was recognized for her keen eye for detail, but an inner voice whispered that she didn't belong here.

The clock was already striking ten when her colleague Emma approached her. Always full of energy, Emma had the knack for making any environment shine. "Hey, Léa! Everything okay? We've barely seen you lately."

Léa smiled, but the question troubled her. "Yes, everything's fine. Just a bit of work," she replied, her heart weighing down each word.

Emma, with her piercing gaze, didn't seem convinced. "You know, I heard you talking about Thomas the other day. Is everything okay between you two?"