The scent of soy sauce and spices greeted Alex and Bambi as they stepped into the Chinese restaurant, its warm, ambient lighting casting a cozy glow over the tables adorned with red lanterns.Alex held the door open, gesturing for Bambi to enter. "After you."Bambi grinned, "Thank you, sir." The clinking of porcelain and the low hum of conversation surrounded them as they found a cozy corner booth. The menu, an array of delectable choices, lay before them.Alex studied the menu thoughtfully. "How about we start with some spring rolls and sweet and sour chicken?"Bambi nodded in agreement, "Sounds perfect, boss."As they waited for their order, their conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving between work anecdotes, shared interests, and the occasional laughter. The dim ambiance of the restaurant created an intimate atmosphere, enhancing the sense of camaraderie.Their dishes arrived, Alex served a portion of sweet and sour chicken onto Bambi's plate. "Dig in."Bambi took a bite, savori
As they walked from the restaurant, the night air seemed to hold a mixture of tension and understanding. Bambi spoke first, a tone of regret in her voice, "I'm sorry about earlier."Alex, still processing the encounter with Solomon, responded firmly, "He is disrespectful, so disrespectful. How can you allow him to talk to you like that? What happened between you two? Am I allowed to ask?"Bambi sighed, a weight lifted as she decided to share her past. "Solomon is my ex. I used to be in serious debt then, before my mom passed. For her hospital bills, Solomon used to help me sort the bills, as long as I was with him and did his bidding. I didn't have a choice then. I'm sorry for putting you in this mess."Alex, understanding the complexity of Bambi's past, replied, "You don't have to apologize. Are you still owing him?"Bambi nodded, a touch of vulnerability in her expression. "Yes, just two grand, and I will pay it from my salaries."Alex, his perspective shifting, softened. "Two grand
As the moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the city, Alex checked the time on his phone. "We should head home; it's getting late. We both have work tomorrow," he remarked.Bambi, nodding in agreement, replied, "Okay, we should." The city's nocturnal magic seemed to intensify around them as they prepared to leave the serene rooftop hideout."I have meetings... several," Alex added, glancing at his packed schedule.Bambi, considering the logistics of her new journey into academia, inquired, "About school... when am I supposed to start?""Next week," Alex assured her. "I'll get the details ready before the end of the week and get you all set. But we'll have to go to the school before then."Alex stood up, extending his hand to help Bambi up. A warm smile played on her lips as she accepted his hand, rising gracefully."Now that we left the car at the restaurant, how do we get it now?" Alex questioned, his eyes glancing around the urban landscape.Bambi, with a pla
The night air was crisp as Alex parked the car in the serene compound of his house. Bambi marveled at the well-lit façade adorned with ivy, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, your house is so beautiful."Alex smiled, "Thanks. Come on, let's head inside." He guided her through the pathway, the soft glow of outdoor lights casting a gentle ambiance.They entered the house, greeted by a subtle fragrance of vanilla candles. "Fortunately, it looks like everyone's turned in for the night," Alex remarked. Bambi nodded in agreement."Time must have slipped away," Alex said, glancing at the clock. Bambi checked her watch, "It's almost midnight.""Indeed," Alex replied. "Let me show you to your room." He took her hand, leading her through the hallway. They arrived at the guest room, its soft hues and cozy decor creating a welcoming atmosphere."The guest room," Alex said with a smile. "Feel free to make yourself at home. If you need to freshen up, the bathroom is right there." He pointed t
As the family gathered for breakfast, the air was charged with a mix of anticipation and a sense of duty. Bambi, however, was notably absent, still ensconced in her room.Seated at the table, Alex inquired, "Mum, where is your trainer?"Grace, sipping her tea, replied, "She should be on her way, but I told her to join me for tea. No training today.""Okay," Alex nodded. "Just be religious with your routines. I'll be at the Harringtons after."At that moment, Bambi descended the staircase, her presence drawing everyone's attention. Alex smiled at her, "Morning. Join us for breakfast."Grace, noticing the unfamiliar face, remarked, "You didn't tell me you have a guest."Bambi, ever polite, greeted Grace, "Good morning, Mrs. Fitzgerald.""Good morning," Grace responded, studying Bambi for a moment. "Your face looks familiar."The butler chimed in, providing an introduction, "She works at the company."Alex clarified, "She's one of my friends."Grace nodded, understanding dawning on her.
Becca's sarcastic comment hung in the air after Bambi's fall. As Bambi stood up, nursing her slightly hurt arm, Alex rushed in, concern etched across his face."What happened to your arm?" he asked.Bambi replied, "I fell."Concern deepening, Alex immediately took charge, helping her stretch her arm gently. Becca, standing by, rolled her eyes dismissively."I'm here, sir, I'm here," Becca chimed in sarcastically.Alex, focused on Bambi, redirected the conversation, "You said the accounts, right?"Becca affirmed, "Exactly, the accounts.""We'll address it when we get to work," Alex assured her.Becca, attempting to assert herself, suggested, "Okay. Can I ride with you to work?"Alex hesitated, "Umm... I'll stop by at some places before I come around."Unfazed, Becca responded, "Then I can't wait. I'll see you at work." With that, she left the room.Alex turned his attention back to Bambi, asking, "What really happened? How did you get your arm this hurt?"Bambi explained, "I fell. Becc
Isabella engaged in a lively phone conversation with Kia, who was rounding off her time on Influencer Island."So, when will you be coming back?" Isabella inquired.Kia's voice, filled with excitement, came through the phone, "This weekend! We have to turn uppppp. Damn, your proposal is the talk of the town."Isabella's tone shifted, a hint of contemplation in her voice, "Umm... about that, Kia. It's fake. I did it to get Mama Christina and my uncle off my back on the project. There's a lot going on here."Kia, momentarily silent, absorbed the revelation. "Girl, how much have I missed?"Isabella sighed, "A lot, but I'll fill you in once you're back."Kia, undeterred, declared with conviction, "Alright, but that proposal is no fake.... Isabella, you're marrying this dude, you hear me?"Isabella couldn't help but smile at her friend's enthusiasm, "I hear you, girl."Kia continued, "And I'm your best lady on the big day."Isabella chuckled, "Just come home this weekend, and go heavy on t
"I said... we will get married this weekend," Isabella declared firmly, her decision cutting through the air. Mama Christina, seemingly pleased, responded, "Well then, that's good news. I should call your mother; we should start the wedding plans real quick." With that, Mama Christina excused herself, leaving Isabella to grapple with the sudden acceleration of events.Her uncle remarked, "You are just looking for ways to get me off as the lead, even if it's rushing a marriage. I just hope you know what you're doing."Isabella met his gaze, unwavering, and replied, "I know what I'm doing, thank you, Uncle." He gave her a side-eye and left, leaving Isabella to contemplate the whirlwind she had set in motion.Ruben, who had been silent through the exchange, finally spoke up, "Wedding this weekend?"Isabella sighed, "I know, I know. I just... I'm sorry. If you don't want to, I totally understand."Ruben, looking at her with a mixture of surprise and amusement, responded, "Are you kidding?