Deep in my Heart

thered trees. Grey clouds hung above, casting a muted veil over the granite headstones. Barron Steele stood still

ber

the same excruciating torment as if no time had passed. It had been three yea

le white rose at the foot of the tomb

ly, his voice hoarse with repressed fury. "G

ingered, thic

everything. "You would probab

and grasped the col

k five minutes earlier. Probably if I

himse

would no

s empty, save for an old groundskeeper in the distance. It was better this

n her way to surprise him with dinner. A simpl

prises. Increased capital. Made extra billions. But nothing could disturb th

as no d

to his waiting car. The sleek black Bentley waited like a lovin

ce, Mr. Steele?"

. Drive around. "J

ainst the window. The city poured outside in a flurry of

, nervously adjusting the hem of her secondhand jacket. Her breath grew hazy in the crisp

s," she murmured,

e had not eaten since the night before, so she decided to

a

, and Charlotte was considering cancelling today. However, she could not afford it. This internship,

, and textures spoke to her in ways no one else did.

g through the doors, heels thumpi

panels, and an air of opulence that seemed to look down on her

design internship," she said,

list and nods. "Take the elevato

," Charlot

ed back-dark hair in a bun, ancient shoes, and a jacket with a torn seam on the sleeve.

from room to room, fabrics draped over arms, and stylists examining

hed. Her look was intimidating, with

I am Elise. "You w

et you," Ch

not uncomfortable. "We work

l do my

," Elise said, alread

em were intimidating but also exciting. She briefly forgot about

ak room, pouring water into a shattered plastic cup.

the soup you have left over. I w

e replied with a thanks em

rves?" a man'

hauling a mop bucket into the room. He seemed rugged, wit

th a little smile.

ot the first to look li

ss it

your de

npaid," she remarke

That is challenging. Do

not done anything creative in a long

ometimes the most scary th

. "You seem more philosop

learn things while

hed. It

Char

for a sec

d to meet

for longer than necessary

she said, tossing her

nvinced

poured through his chest. He had not expected to talk to anybody. C

the fi

was no longer thi

the girl with sad ey

rlo