The evening sky is turning dark, and Hardin is rushing to his next meeting, one that could be crucial for the future of his company. His car is giving him trouble, so he flags down a taxi and hops inside, feeling the pressure of being late. "Weston Avenue, please. I need to be there soon."The driver nods without a word, pulling the car smoothly into the street. Hardin leans back, glancing at his phone to check the time and sending a quick message to the investor. A few minutes pass, and he notices the car is taking an unexpected turn.Hardin frowns. "This isn’t the right way."The driver doesn't respond, the car continuing down an unfamiliar road. The city lights start to fade, replaced by empty streets and abandoned buildings. Unease begins to creep into Hardin’s mind. He leans forward, trying to make eye contact in the rearview mirror.Hardin speaks more firmly. "You’re going the wrong way."Still no response. Hardin’s pulse frowns as the taxi moves deeper into a deserted area.

Dario is sitting at his desk, going through some documents when the door suddenly swings open with a loud bang. Karina storms in, her face flushed with fury and frustration."Dario! We need to talk. Now!"Dario barely looks up from his papers, clearly annoyed by the intrusion, but the tone in Karina's voice is unmistakable. He sets down his pen slowly, leaning back in his chair.Dario coldly replies. “You know, you could knock first. I’m in the middle of something."Karina ignores him, pacing the length of the room with her arms crossed tightly across her chest. Her high heels click angrily against the floor, the sound echoing in the spacious office.Karina spits her words. “This is more important than whatever you're doing right now. Do you have any idea what just happened?"Dario raises an eyebrow, though he maintains his calm demeanor. He’s seen his wife like this before, but something about the way she’s pacing makes him realize it’s serious.What did Hardin do this time? "Alri

It’s a quiet Saturday morning, and Hardin sits in his home office, hunched over a pile of documents sprawled across his desk. His mind is preoccupied with plans to counter Dario’s latest business move. The weight of it all presses heavily on him, but his focus is absolute.The sound of his front door swinging open abruptly pulls him out of his thoughts. Footsteps echo through the hallway, followed by a familiar voice calling out his name.Natalie shouts loudly. "Hardin! We’re here! Get out of your cave!"Hardin sighs, pushing back from his desk. The door to his office swings open with a bang as Natalie bursts in, dragging her boyfriend, Travis, along with her. Travis, casual and laid-back as always, offers a small wave.Travis chuckles. "Hey, man."Hardin raises an eyebrow, his confusion obvious. He hadn’t expected anyone to visit today, let alone Natalie and Travis together.*Hardin retains a calm composure. “What’s going on? I didn’t think I’d see you guys this weekend. Especia

The music thumped louder as the night progressed, the energy at Natalie’s birthday party hitting an all-time high. The beachside club had transformed into a colorful blur of lights and laughter. Natalie danced in the middle of the crowd, her arms thrown around Travis as they laughed and swayed to the rhythm. Hardin watched from a distance, sipping his drink with a faint smile. Layla, meanwhile, was clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol. Her usual composed, reserved demeanor had melted away into something lighter, more carefree. She had been laughing more freely, her cheeks flushed from both the heat of the crowd and the drinks she’d consumed. For once, she wasn’t hiding behind her professionalism.Natalie shouts over the music. “Come on, Hardin! You have to dance! No excuses!”Hardin shook his head with a grin, waving her off from where he stood leaning against the bar.“I’m better off here. Someone has to keep an eye on you all.”Natalie pouted but was too caught up in the pa

The early morning sun barely filtered through the windows of the airport terminal as Hardin leaned back in his seat, his mind still replaying the events from last night. Natalie’s birthday party had been lively, filled with laughter, drinks, and lighthearted moments. But Layla… Layla had been different.He glanced across the aisle of the plane where she sat now, slumped in her seat, a pair of oversized sunglasses shielding her eyes from the world. She looked miserable, hungover from last night’s drinking spree, and Hardin could still feel the awkward tension lingering between them.Her hand had brushed against his as she tried to steady herself while drunk, the scent of alcohol heavy on her breath as she’d almost kissed him. Hardin had pulled away, laughing it off like it was nothing—just a drunken mistake—but the uneasiness in the air refused to disappear.He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze flicking over to her again. Layla hadn’t said a word since they boarded the flight