a calm precision that mirrored his reputation. The city was awash in the faint glow of streetlights be

e concrete floor with rhythmic authority. In his right hand, he held his sleek black briefcase, the same one he had carried for years, each detail carefull

n, eyes narrowing slightly at the familiar

Adr

n stilled mid-step, recognizing the tone. He t

from trying to catch up. He clutched a folder tight to his c

acted as his phone continued to ring faintly in his ea

of him, taking a mome

ou will need them at tomorrow's board session. There are figures inside that may

fleeting second, he valued Pe

ted the briefcase in his hand, free fingers drumming lightly ag

elief flooding

debating whether to say more. Then he gave a small, resp

into the faintest s

night,

back toward the entrance, his silhouett

as he began moving again, weaving through the dimly lit parking lot toward

ded now that no one else lingered near. A rare warmth slipp

e approached the car. He shifted the phone

listening intently. A low chuckle escaped his ches

y desk. Work had me chaine

g the unlock button with a subtle flick of his thumb. The locks clicked open. With a pract

e carrying a teasing note now. "Patience, angel. I will be

found the wheel, the other adjusted the airpod in his ear. He stared straight ahead, his reflection caught brie

t to himself, "I will be

urred to life beneath his hands, headlights cutting sharp beams across the dim lot. Without hesitation, Adrian steered the

*

ding with its wide balcony. It was the house he had made possible, every wall, every roof tile, every door lock was a reminder of his quiet

biscus from the garden nearby, and he straightened his shirt as anticipation stirred inside hi

l pyjamas. Her hair tumbled loosely over her shoulders, her skin glowing even in the dim h

ayful sing-song voice, her eyes sparkling

ward her. "So you remember," he teased back. "For

his chest as he reached her. "Please, you have been on my mind all

pped his arms around her waist, and she welcomed him into her warmth, arms circling

" she whispered against hi

murmured back, brushing his li

led out again, li

gh her eyes softened, betra

hers, "but it is true. You have no idea wha

, her voice dropping t

er stop walkin

th something unspoken, something deeper. Her fingers threaded into his hair

her laughter returning in that sweet, unguarded way that

t just stand there looking d

laughter drifted through the corridor, her small feet padding across t