Between chess moves

ies. Possibilities I knew too well. My life was systematic, mech

had thrown it in my sleep and went

ere almost empty, meaning I needed to restock. I too

st option. I loved cooking-sometime

d making

in the sandwich maker, letting it toast while I went b

e from the bag o

totally forgotten about the broke

the store to retrieve any important inf

end on my phone for them. I didn't have any personal numbers o

real attachment to them. Still, I

d. As expected, there was a

eduled for today, so I de

hanie had gone on a da

hought, a small, amused twitch o

it and made my way

lready gone off, indicat

it with a glass of mi

eded to start the day. I quickly wiped my mouth, set the plate aside, and grabbed my jacket from the back of the chair. The m

he neighborhood was still quiet, with only a few early risers takin

my skin. Each stride brought a sense of clarity, the kind that only came with the peaceful solitude of

breathing, the rhythm of each inhale and exhale matching the steady beat of my feet hitting the pavement. The cool morning air was r

always appreciated this time of morning, when the world felt peaceful and my thoughts were free to wan

s rest a bit before the last stretch back home. The buildings started to blend together in

really paying attention to the road ahea

on the smooth surface as I instinctively

ngly soft, said,

tate, I could tell it was a low taper fade-the kind that's neat yet still effortlessly cool. The fade started low, just above his ears, and the hair on top was ju

regained my balance, a slight half-smile forming desp

kle of his brow. "Guess we both need to pay more atte

little more firmly, my eyes narrowing just

viously alert features. "I'm Joshua." His smile was tenta

. The brief touch felt oddly warm

relaxing further as his eyes conveyed a sincere k

ed. "I'm just heading

king a small step back, his expression returnin

ing him a nod before I tur

I wasn't usually the type to stumble over nothing, but there I was, looking like a fool in front of yet another stranger.

g myself. It was just a small mis

ng the tarred road. There was no need to dwell on it. The irritation began to fade, and I felt my pace q

The quiet of the neighborhood felt comforting after the brief lapse in composure. By the time I reached h

. My assistant, Stephanie, was there, standing near the couch with her phone in hand. I

a silent query. Her expression was compose

utral but the slight tightening around her eyes hi

ed, setting my keys on the

n Prestige Gala, hosted by Sterling Vance on behalf of Vanguard Global." Her voice was ste

e thick cardstock. Formal evening att

of the largest investments in the industry. Attending wasn't just about being seen-it was about positioning. This wa

I asked, folding the invit

perceptible smile that hinted at amusement. "I

asn't

e already adjus

to move fast. Your team will need at least four days to execute a custom design." Her to

inst the armrest. "All red. Simple but commanding. Clean structu

nie asked, her brow lifting in a

g the fleeting lift at the corners of her

, her lips parting slightly almost

, luxury fabric, sharp silhouette," dr

was made clear, typing notes into her phone. "Your team

e dress will

ghtly. "I'll handle the fittings schedule, confirm transporta

hout hesitation. "Pre-approved shots

aid, her tone profe

mes I wondered if she was always like this, or if she was just actin

eat any situations we found ourselves in as a battlefield, hence

d her a

se you'd like me to l

ffort to be more open, to draw my employees closer, and generally to be

designers to make a d

s widening briefly before a slight,

vious declaration, my gaze steady and a small, self-ass

if I m

a partner," I answered, the admissio

partner or rather a

after that, but she also ma

else?" I

er called

per. "Nevermind that, what did she say?" I managed a sm

's been trying

said that you aren'

pression composed but with a slight downtur

nce. "I'd just call her once I replace

to get a new o

icking up the magazine on the side table.

ade her way outside the house, her eyes lingering

I wasn't expecting an invitation this early. As I closed the door behind me, a quiet refl