y,in a place where time

f his skin, making every drop shimmer as it slid down his chest. He pushed his hair back wi

no missing him. The way he moved was too confident, too natural. His swim trunks clung to h

a towel, hands shaking just a little as she held it out. He took

e a whisper but his voice had this calm,

at him. He gave her a small smile,not flirty, j

hair with the towel, leaving nothing but sil

ry to make a

was the i

eyes downcast in quiet respect. He didn't acknowledge them; he

on a loose shirt, the fabric hanging effortlessly over his toned frame. His movements were calm, almost as if h

o open his laptop, a kn

calm, like a command, but th

on," came

ome

rying a file in one hand. He set it down on hi

ake a look at it soon. Better be early," Jason s

slight smirk. "Early? I'm Nathaniel Hawthorne. This is m

's response. "Of course. Just making sure you're

ck to the window, the view of the busy city below.

now we have to hit the club later, like we used to, right? W

into a small, amused sm

is head as he turned to leave. "

hair, the silence of the room settling around him. He was

--

. The investors sat around the sleek, dark wood table, hanging on to his every word. Nathaniel stood at the front

his words. "We're talking about creating landmarks, things that will stand for decades, maybe even centuries. Our co

eactions. Nathaniel could feel the shift, the moment

We'll turn this project into something that sets the bar for everyone

s seat, clearly impressed. "You're

knowing smile. "It's not j

papers, shaking his hand without hesitation. Nathaniel nodded, giving his usual polite smile, b

-

she used to be. Walking through the day like a ghost, her mind numb, her heart heavy

t was too much. Her parents were sitting at the kitchen table, their

her mom started, but Maya cut h

ps automatically, like she had practiced them.

out it? We're here for you," her dad

ing. She just needed to disappear into the world outside. The ache inside her was too bi

flat, lifeless. She grabbed her bag, slinging it over her s

of them knew how to fix it. How to bring their daughter back from whatever dark place

ing to ease the heaviness that weighed her down. She was already thinking of where she'd

e in particular. The door clicked shut behi

y didn't know what to say. They didn't know how to help her find her

----

nto his pockets. The moment the door closed behind him, he loosened his tie slightly and headed t

nst Nathaniel's desk with a grin that

, eyes lighting up with that fam

bottle of water from his desk. "We always get it," he said,

o. Let's go partyyyyy!" he said, dragging out

brow at him, amused. "Yo

" Jason shot back, already halfway to the door. "Come on

nd tossing his jacket over his shoulder.

er win on the scoreboard. And for Nathaniel, maybe it was. The deal was locke