Nathalie Spencer sat at her desk, the soft hum of her computer filling the quiet lull of the office. She had just finished a long meeting and was focused on an overdue report when her boss, Miles Tyler, sauntered over, leaning against the edge of her desk with his usual air of confidence.She barely looked up at first, assuming he was there to discuss work. "Something I can help you with?" she asked, tapping away at her keyboard.Miles’s voice was calm, almost teasing. "Actually, I think it’s time to call in that favor you owe me."Her fingers froze mid-typing, her breath catching slightly. That favor. The one she'd half-forgotten. Months ago, when she asked him for a leave even when she knew the company was at a tight schedule, Miles had generously granted her request. She’d thanked him profusely at the time, but he told her he was doing it for a favor and one day he'd come to collect. But she never imagined he’d actually hold her to it.She leaned back in her chair, crossing her a
Nathalie Spencer stood in front of her mirror on Saturday evening, nervously fussing over her dress. She’d spent hours debating what to wear, knowing fully well that her boss, Miles Tyler, had high expectations for just about everything, including appearances. She wasn't about to risk him thinking she hadn't put any effort into this dinner, even if the entire situation still left her feeling conflicted.She’d settled on a sleek black cocktail dress, simple yet elegant, paired with silver heels and a matching clutch. Her makeup was subtle but flattering, with a touch of red lipstick that added just enough boldness to make her feel confident. Nathalie glanced at her reflection, adjusting a stray curl of her hair, and took a deep breath.This wasn't just any dinner; this was with Miles, the man who commanded attention in every room he entered. She could already imagine the sharp look in his eyes if she showed up looking anything less than her best.At precisely seven o’clock, a knock at
Derrick adjusted his glasses for the tenth time in as many minutes, staring at the dining table he’d painstakingly set up. His apartment looked nothing like the lavish spaces Karina was used to, but he’d done his best to create something special. Candles flickered on the table, casting a warm glow over the dishes he’d spent hours preparing. A bouquet of roses sat in the center, and soft jazz played from his the speakers in the background.Still, doubt gnawed at him. Would it be enough?Karina wasn't just beautiful, she was dazzling. She came from wealth and elegance, with a life full of high-end restaurants, designer clothes, and trips to exotic places. Derrick, on the other hand, was the guy who spent his days in a front of computers and his evenings immersed in obscure coding projects. When Karina started dating him, he’d been equal parts thrilled and terrified.Tonight, though, felt like a test. She’d insisted on a simple, quiet dinner, saying she wanted to spend time with him, not
Albert stood in the dimly lit study, the room filled with the scent of old leather and the faint hum of the city outside. He stared at the window, lost in thought. His mind was consumed by one thing revenge. Theodore had humiliated him, and now it was time for payback. But the plan had to be perfect, something that would make Theodore feel it, make him regret ever crossing Albert. His hand clenched around a glass of whiskey, his eyes narrowing as he muttered to himself."Karina," he said softly, the name slipping off his tongue like a snake's hiss. "She’s the key. I'll take her, make him watch as she suffers. He’ll come crawling to me then."His unrequited love for Karina had turned into hate, he hated the fact that Karina was with some low life. He might not have been so hurt had Karina found someone better than Derrick. Derrick was handsome he'd give him that but he doesn't believe he was the right person for her. Of course he didn't tell his grandfather about his feelings for Ka
Ivan could hardly believe his reflection as he stood in front of Chloe's front door. His pulse thudded in his ears, and the bottle of wine in his hand felt heavier than it should. He had spent the entire day obsessing over tonight, trying to comprehend how the biggest crush of his life actress Chloe had suddenly invited him to her home for dinner.For years, Chloe had been a figure out of reach, her name gracing headlines and her face lighting up movie screens. They had been friends for long even before Chloe became so popular. He had always wished they could be more than friends but that seemed out of reach. He had always secretly wished he could be part of her world.And yet, here he was, his finger hesitating over the doorbell as doubts crept in. What if she’s just being polite? What if tonight’s a fluke? Or she just wanted to thank him for helping her put Max and Summer in their place? His thoughts were interrupted when the door opened suddenly, revealing Chloe standing there, r
Theodore asked Janelle to meet with him. He had left the office earlier but told Janelle to meet up with him. He had sent a car to pick her up. The evening unfolded slowly, like the turning of a page in a cherished book, each moment feeling timeless, precious. The restaurant, a hidden gem with its soft, ambient lighting and charming decor, was the perfect place for a memory that would last a lifetime. A quiet corner table by the window, draped with white linen, set the stage for what was about to happen. The gentle hum of the city beyond the glass was a soft reminder that the world continued on outside, but inside, in their small, intimate bubble, the night belonged to Theodore and Janelle.Janelle smiled across the table, a glass of wine resting in her hand, the soft red hue catching the light. Her eyes were warm, radiant, and there was a calmness to her expression that always made Theodore feel at home. He had always known that she was the one, the woman who fit seamlessly into his
Theodore told Janelle he was going to I introduce her to his mother after their engagement the day before. Janelle Ryder adjusted the hem of her dress as she stepped out of Theodore Wyatt’s sleek car. The mansion loomed before her, a testament to wealth and grandeur. Every glowing window seemed to radiate history and power, and Janelle’s nerves tightened with each step toward the ornate oak doors.Theodore noticed her hesitation and placed a steady hand on her lower back. "She’s going to love you." he said with quiet confidence."I hope so." Janelle murmured. The truth was, it wasn't just meeting Kendra that had her on edge. It was knowing how everyone had once thought she was dead, a woman spoken about in whispers. To meet her now, in this setting, was surreal.The doors swung open before Theodore could knock, and there she was. Kendra stood tall and composed, her elegance effortless, her smile warm but guarded, like someone who had mastered the art of greeting strangers."Theodore
Charles had officially asked everyone to come over for dinner. He had a lot on his mind to prepare for but be wanted a bit of normalcy in his life even if it was just dinner. The Wyatt estate was a picture of opulence and elegance, its towering facade bathed in the soft glow of the evening. The gardens were alive with subtle, flickering lanterns, their warm light casting intricate shadows against the marble terrace. Charles Wyatt stood at the head of the grand table set for the evening, ensuring everything was in place.He smoothed his tie as he glanced at the silverware gleaming in the soft light of the chandelier above. Every detail mattered tonight, though his mind was a battlefield of emotions. He loved Kendra more than words could express, but proposing at a dinner surrounded by family felt... off.He looked down at the pocket where the velvet box rested and sighed. No, not tonight.Kendra appeared, her gown a deep emerald that complemented the shimmering diamonds at her neck. S