king against the early morning light filtering through her curtains, she forced herself upright. Her body protested, every muscle stiff from the awkward way she had slept. She hadn't ev

nto her fingers. She didn't bother wiping it off. Instead, she stuffed the bread into her mouth, chewing as quickly as possible while reaching for the canister of instant coffee. She scooped a heaping spoonful into her mug, poured hot water from the kettle, and stirred vigorously. The rich, bitter aroma filled the small space, but there was no time to savor it. She took a large gulp, the heat burning her tongue, but she swallowed it anyway. The caffeine hit her system instantly, jolting her awake. It was a pathetic excuse for breakfast-just a single slice of bread and a few desperate sips of coffee-but there was no time for regret. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, grabbed her bag, and rushed toward the door. Her fingers fumbled with the keys as she locked up, the urgency making her movements clumsy. Once the door was secured, she spun on her heel and broke into a speed-walk, her strides long and determined as she made her way to the nearest bus stop. The morning air was crisp, wrapping around her in a fleeting embrace, but the warmth of the rising sun stretched across the sky-a quiet warning that the city would soon be swallowed by another hot day. As she reached the stop, a bus screeched to a halt, doors hissing open. She barely managed to squeeze inside before the driver took off again. The bus was packed with half-asleep commuters, some scrolling through their phones, others staring blankly out the window. Mia held onto the overhead rail, her mind already racing through the tasks ahead. Get to work. Avoid Mr. Gravitas' wrath. Survive the day. Twenty minutes later, she arrived at the towering office building. She all but ran through the lobby, ignoring the disapproving glances from the receptionist, and reached her cubicle just as the clock struck 9:00 AM. She had barely settled when a sharp voice cut through the air. "Miss Cruz!" Her stomach twisted. Bracing herself, she stood and turned to see Mr. Gravitas standing outside his office, his piercing gaze locked onto her. Well, here we go. ⸻ Mia sat stiffly in front of Mr. Gravitas, nodding along as he laid out her latest assignment. "Marco Valentino," he said, his deep voice carrying an air of authority as he slid a thick file across the polished mahogany desk toward her. The name alone sent a ripple of recognition through her, though she masked it well, keeping her expression neutral. She reached for the file hesitantly, her fingertips grazing the smooth cover as her boss leaned back in his chair, studying her with sharp, expectant eyes. "He's launching an ambitious orphanage project," he continued, his tone measured but firm. "One that, if executed properly, could change the lives