Ravenna woke up to the incessant buzzing of her phone. Groaning, she reached for it, squinting at the screen. "Twelve missed calls from Matthew? You've got to be kidding me," she muttered, rolling her eyes as she climbed out of bed.As she got ready for work, her phone rang again. This time, it was Emily. Ravenna answered, "Good morning, Emily. What's up?""Good morning, Miss Thorn. I just wanted to let you know there's someone waiting for you at your office," Emily said, sounding slightly nervous.Ravenna frowned. "Someone waiting? Who?""I'm not sure, Miss Thorn. He wouldn't give me his name, just said he was here to see you.""Alright, I'm almost there. Thanks for the heads up, Emily."As Ravenna entered the building and made her way to her office, she spotted a man standing outside her door. He was tall, impeccably dressed in a dark suit, with an air of efficiency about him."Can I help you?" Ravenna asked, approaching cautiously.The man turned, offering a polite smile. "Miss Tho
The Thorn family was gathered around the breakfast table, the air filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries. Ravenna was quietly sipping her tea when a knock echoed through the house."I'll get it," the maid called out, her footsteps fading as she headed towards the front door.Moments later, Emily walked into the kitchen, a brown folder tucked under her arm. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Thorn," she greeted politely before turning to Ravenna. "Miss Thorn, I have the information you requested."Ravenna's eyes lit up as Emily handed her the file. "Thank you, Emily. I appreciate your promptness."As Emily turned to leave, Ravenna's father raised an eyebrow. "What's in the file, sweetheart?"Ravenna's mind raced for a plausible lie. "Oh, it's just some client information. Nothing too exciting."Her mother frowned, setting down her coffee cup with a soft clink. "Ravenna, dear, this is the breakfast table. Any talk of business should be done elsewhere.""You're right,
Ravenna stood in front of her full-length mirror, smoothing down the sleek black dress she'd chosen for the evening. Her fingers trembled slightly as she applied a final touch of lipstick. This was uncharted territory for her - even in her past life, she'd never experienced the pulsing energy of a nightclub. After marrying Rylan, such outings had been strictly forbidden."Ravenna! Daniella's here!" her mother's voice echoed up the stairs.With a final glance at her reflection, Ravenna grabbed her phone and clutch, then hurried downstairs. The moment she saw Daniella, both women let out excited shrieks."You look amazing!" Daniella gushed, pulling Ravenna into a hug.Ravenna's father appeared in the entryway, his expression a mix of concern and amusement. "Remember to be careful, girls," he cautioned."We will, Mr. Thorn," Daniella assured him with a bright smile. "I'll take good care of her."As they climbed into Daniella's car, Ravenn
Ravenna stared at her ringing phone, Soren's name flashing on the screen. Her heart raced as she debated whether to answer. Just as she decided to let it go to voicemail, a sharp knock on her office door made her jump."Come in," she called, expecting Emily.The door swung open, revealing Soren Blackthorn in all his imposing glory. Emily rushed in behind him, flustered."I'm so sorry, Miss Thorn! I tried to stop him, but-"Ravenna held up a hand, cutting her off. "It's alright, Emily. You can go."Emily nodded, casting a wary glance at Soren before exiting and closing the door behind her.Soren strode across the room and sat down across from Ravenna, his phone still in hand. Ravenna took a deep breath, steeling herself. But before she could speak, Soren beat her to it."Avoiding my calls, are we?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.Ravenna felt her cheeks warm. "I was busy," she lied smoothly.Soren's piercing gaze told her h
Ravenna's eyes fluttered open, the harsh hospital lights momentarily blinding her. As her vision cleared, she saw her parents sitting beside her bed, worry etched on their faces.Her mother noticed her stirring and leaned forward, relief flooding her features. "Oh, thank goodness you're awake, sweetheart!""What... what happened?" Ravenna croaked, her throat dry.Her father squeezed her hand gently. "You collapsed in the car, honey. The doctor says your brain might have recalled something from your life before the accident."Ravenna nodded slowly, the memory of the bridge and the oncoming car flashing through her mind."They want to keep you here for at least two more days," her father continued. "And you'll need to take some time off work to rest.""No!" Ravenna exclaimed, sitting up too quickly and wincing at the resulting headache. "I'm fine. I can't miss work."Her mother tried to reason with her. "Darling, you need rest. Surely work can wait-""No, Mom," Ravenna insisted, her voic
Ravenna stepped out onto the street, hailing a cab with a confident wave. As she slid into the backseat, the driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror."Where to, miss?""The Blue Note Jazz Club, please," Ravenna replied, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her stomach."Sure thing," the driver nodded, pulling away from the curb.As they drove through the city streets, Ravenna checked her phone. 8:30 PM. The show started at 9. She took a deep breath, hoping Rylan would actually show up.As they neared the club, Ravenna leaned forward. "Actually, could you drop me off somewhere a bit more discreet? Maybe that alley u
Ravenna grabbed her bag and walked past Lilith and Rylan, plastering on a polite smile. "It was nice to see you both. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.""You're leaving already?" Rylan asked, his brow furrowed. "The jazz show hasn't even ended yet.""I have work tomorrow," Ravenna replied smoothly. "I should head home and get some sleep.""Oh, right," Rylan nodded. "Well, let me escort you out at least."As he moved to stand, Lilith's hand shot out, gripping his arm tightly. "I'm sure she can find her own way," Lilith said, her voice sharp. "Can't you, Ravenna?"Ravenna could practically feel the jealousy radiating off Lilith, but she pretended to be oblivious. "Of course," she said breezily. "I'll be fine. Goodnight, you two."She placed her hand on Rylan's arm briefly as she passed, savoring Lilith's barely concealed glare. As Ravenna walked out of the jazz club, she couldn't help the triumphant smile that spread across her face. Everything was going according to plan.She
Ravenna's fingers hovered over her phone for a moment before she dialed Rylan's number. He picked up on the second ring."Ravenna," his voice came through, a mix of surprise and something else she couldn't quite place."Rylan," she replied, keeping her tone casual. "Is everything alright? Your message seemed urgent."There was a brief pause before Rylan chuckled. "Actually, it's nothing serious. You left your watch at the jazz club last night. I found it after you'd gone."Ravenna allowed a small smile to play on her lips. Of course, she'd 'forgotten' the watch on purpose, but Rylan didn't need to know that."Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, injecting just the right amount of distress into her voice. "I've been panicking about losing it. Thank you so much for finding it, Rylan.""It's no problem at all," he assured her, his voice warm. "I can mail it over to you if you'd like.""Oh, that's not necessary," Ravenna said quickly. "I know you'll be coming to do business with my father soon