Reynold continued down the road, with no destination. He had been running because he wanted to get away from the young lady.‘Was I overreacting?’ He asked himself. But didn't think so, he clearly had sensed something up with the way the lady talked to him. And it was good he dismissed himself quickly, for his own sake - the lady was not as beautiful as his wife but she was beautiful for any man to get tempted, her curves accentuated by her tight pants could make any man momentarily forget his wife.So, he made a run for it.“Hmm, it was a good call.” He mumbled and nodded, coming to a stop as he slowly was running out of breath.He bent down with both his hands resting on his knee then stood up and turned around to search for where he could take a rest.The morning sun was beginning to harshly lick his skin.Squinting through the blinding rays of sunlight, he noticed the faded sign first - "Ren's Self Defense - All Styles Welcome."Odd for a second floor establishment. He looked up pa

Tate leaned back in the butter-soft leather executive chair, steepling his manicured fingers as he surveyed the sleek minimalist office. Floor-to-ceiling windows displayed a breathtaking panorama of the city skyline while recessed lighting illuminated abstract paintings on raw brick walls."More scotch, Tate?" Sean murmured, pouring three fingers worth from a crystal decanter into an identical glass. Tate accepted it with languid grace, taking a slow sip as he stretched his long frame."I must say, Lloyd's behavior recently has me...concerned, brother." Tate swirled amber liquid meditatively. "All those excuses and awkward pauses. The boy's clearly hiding something."Sean grunted agreement, scrolling irritably through emails on his tablet. "Or lack thereof. He always was spineless. Should never have trusted him to monitor that gold-digging worm Kayla calls a husband." Tate opened his mouth to reply when sudden raised voices and scuffling erupted outside his office. Before he could r

The words tinged in his throat and foaster his imagination to roll wide and unfold within his head.In his mind's eye, Hamish unleashed years of pent-up frustration. In that single moment but in reality, nothing but a sweet-nighty silence ensued between the two.“Do you have a problem with my actions towards your sister?”Hamish lowered his gaze, hiding the contempt that formed on his face for a few seconds before responding. “No sir. I trust your decisions and actions. I have no right to question them…”“And so why are you here?” The chairman inquired.“...” Hamish spent a few seconds of silence, his gaze however was unwavering. He stared at his father in those few seconds with a stone cold ferocity.“Nothing sir. I just wanted to confirm it is true.”The chairman smiled and crossed his hand, “Well, you have. It is true.”The heavy oak door swung inward and Kayla strode in, fixing Hamish with an icy stare. "Well, dear sister, congratulations seem to be in order,” Hamish said quietly

Rey leaned closer to her, “If you are not hungry for cheese or fruit. Then I'll bring meat”Kayla curled deeper into the couch cushions, gazing at Reynold helplessly as he hastily went away to bring meat.Reynold returned with a sizzling platter of steaks, the aroma filling the parlor. As they indulged in the hearty meal, laughter echoed, dancing between tales of high school escapades and quirky memories.At a time, Kayla nearly even snorted champagne through her nose. She listened intently, her eyes fixed on Rey's face, absorbing every nuance of his narrative. She marveled at the play of emotions in his eyes and the resonance of his voice.Unbeknownst to the Storyteller. Kayla's attention wandered, tracing the contours of his biceps, lingering on the broad expanse of his shoulders. She became entranced by the movement of his lips as he spoke, and the atmosphere thickened."Oh my word," she gasped in an attempt to distract herself when he almost caught her seductive gaze."I can perfe

The astringent scent of disinfectant couldn't mask the underlying odor of sickness permeating the hospital hallway. Reynold paused outside room 428 steadying his breathing before entering. Visiting his mother here never got easier, though her doctors remained optimistic about a full recovery post-surgery.Inside the small utilitarian room, sunlight streamed through half-open blinds highlighting his sister Tia slouched in a chair absorbed in her phone. She glanced up as Reynold entered, relief breaking across her face."Oh thank god you're here," Tia exclaimed, stretching stiff muscles as she stood. "Mom woke up about twenty minutes ago,”Reynold pressed a quick glace to his sister, his heart clenching at remnants of recently shed tears tracking her cheeks.Approaching the bed, Reynold took his mother's slender hand mindful of the IV line and pulse monitor clamped to her index finger. Her skin felt like crinkled parchment, though a hint of familiar fire still glowed in her eyes floatin