When the light fades

ments slow, almost mechanical. "Your breakfast is ready," she said, her v

replied, his tone fla

ead-a habit he never abandoned, no matter how distant he seemed. "See you l

ing was wrong. She had sensed it for weeks now-the way he carried himself, the distant look in h

. Kai had always been steadfast in his devotion to her, giving her no reason to doubt him. Then was it work? Was the company stru

eturn. Tonight, she would try to talk to him, to understand what was troubling him. He h

rk and took a bite of her breakfast, though the f

--------

oor with a force that echoed in the silence. His hands gripped the ste

ained, his thoughts a tangled mess. "I've always had a solution for ever

a deep breath, trying to suppress the emotions threatening to surface. After a moment

ough the streets, his mind elsewhere. The usua

like a monument of power-he barely registered the automatic glass doors slidi

onist greeted him with practiced politeness, as did several staff members he passed along the way. The

ay, he

elevator and stepped inside. He pressed the butto

al his office, a space desi

, smart desk, crafted from dark oak and fitted with the latest technology, dominated the room. A single executive leat

table, where he occasionally entertained clients or colleagues. The walls behind it were adorn

esso machine, and crystal glasses. Beyond that, a bookshelf lined with rare first editions and busine

for anything other than monitoring market trends or news updates. The room itself w

e space was, it could not si

s he ran a hand through his hair. The silence of the office felt

me in a long tim

r, no amount of contr

pped inside with an air of impatience. His sharp gaz

me?" Ray asked, his voi

d up. "I'm not ignoring you, Ray," he said tiredly. "You

for- is it too much?" His voice softened slightly, bu

do anything for you," he said, his voice laced with exas

st want you to give me some attention," he admitted. "Ever s

him on the sleek black sofa. "Calm down," he s

into the spot next to him. There was a tense silence betwee

Let's figure this out together, so we don't lose whatever this is between us." His voice softened. "I'll adjust

. "Well... maybe," he finally said, dragging out

this too. It's not my fault that it's harder to make it work this time." He

s face replaced by excitement. "Ouuuu... now that'

ed. "I th

nsion between them eased, replaced by