ONE.

"Mom, these days women are attracted to bad boys.  Us good guys end up being just friends, nothing more or less," the young man replied as he washed his mug.   He was tall, muscular, handsome, successful, and wealthy.   He was the heir to his father's business empire and had captivating eyes and a well-defined face. 

 

"Well, it's their loss. The right woman will come along, so just relax," his mother advised. 

 

"By the way, where's dad?   It's been three days since I last saw him," he asked. 

 

"He went to Los Angeles for business," Xara explained, as his younger sister came down the stairs. 

 

"Good morning, mom.   Hey, bro," she greeted as she poured herself a cup of coffee. 

 

"Alyona, when did you come home?" he asked, giving her a hug. 

 

"A couple of days ago," she answered, taking a sip from her mug. 

 

"Are you and Zac doing okay?" he asked.   Every time she came home, it seemed like her boyfriend had done or said something to hurt her.  

“He good,”

Liar.

"Hey, Ida asked about you yesterday.   When was the last time you talked to her?" she asked. 

"Um, I don't know how long ago it was," he clarified. 

"She wants to see you; just give her a call and hang out like old times. Don't worry, she won't bite," she said with a smirk as she walked up the stairs. 

"Say hi to Giada and Jax when they come back from their trip," he said, kissing his mom on the temple. 

"I will, and stay safe. Your dad complains that he never hears from you, so give him a call regularly," she told him. 

"I will, mom. See you later," he said as he walked out with his bag. He came to spend weekends with his family and relax. 

After the miscarriage, Xara and Kai had three more children.   In her early 50s, Xara still looked beautiful as ever.   You wouldn't believe she was in her fifties except for her gray hair.  

 Alianna and Neo had two amazing children, while Penny and Lyle were blessed with five kids.   It's no wonder these couples had such a large number of children, considering their deep affection for kids.

"Why does Ida want to meet up with me?"  

"I can't even remember the last time we had a conversation. " Elon thought to himself while driving to the office.

He reminded himself of what Aly had said about catching up with old friends and made a mental note to give his friend a call when he had more free time.  

 "Alyona, my love, please listen to what I have to say. I apologize for my actions; it was wrong of me.   I honestly can't explain why I did it, I beg for your forgiveness."  

"I'm tired of your constant belittlement, Zac," Aly continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "My success has nothing to do with my family's wealth. It's the result of my hard work and dedication. Yet, you seem to find ways to diminish my accomplishments."

"Babe, I am sorry, please," he pleaded, his voice barely a whisper. His eyes met hers, filled with a depth of emotion that mirrored her own.

"You know what? I've got a big gig coming up this week," Yana continued, her voice hardening slightly. "Have your driver drop the rest of my stuff at the address I'll give you. I've got my own place now."

Zac's heart sank. He knew this was coming, but the reality of it hit him like a punch to the gut. He had been too focused on his own insecurities and had failed to appreciate the incredible woman by his side.

"Babe, are you breaking up with me?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Alyona hesitated, her eyes searching for his. "Oh no, I just want to be in my space," she said finally, her voice softening slightly. "Maybe you might appreciate me more if I don't appear too clingy to you."

She reached for her bag, her movements resolute. With a final, lingering glance at Zac, she turned and walked away, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a lingering sense of regret.

"Alyona," Zac called out as she rushed towards the door, her arms laden with bags.

"Zac, I am running late, please. I'd call you so we could meet up for lunch. Is that okay with you?" She smiled at him, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Zac nodded, his heart heavy with a mixture of pride and worry. "Yes, please." He watched as Alyona pecked him on the lips, her touch as light as a feather. "See you soon," she said, her voice full of promise.

~

~

“ Hello?” Ida spoke on the phone.

“ Hey,” he casually responded.

“ Your secret admirer,” Elon replied, his voice playfully disguised.

“ Oh, your voice sounds familiar. It sounds like—never mind. Mr secret admirer, may I know your name please?” Sara politely asked.

“ Who does my voice sound like?” Elon pressed, keeping up the charade.

“ Someone who was dear to my heart. We lost touch, even though I am friends with his sister, pardon my ranting. May I please know your name?

Please?” Ida pleaded, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

Elon was actually having fun with this disguise.

“ Hello?” Ida spoke again, her voice laced with a hint of impatience.

“ Well, I’d love to withhold my identity for now,” Elon teased, enjoying the mystery.

“ Why, it would actually be nice to know the name of my secret admirer,” Ida persisted, her voice laced with a playful challenge.

"There's no fun in that, that's why it's called a secret admirer," he smirked, his voice laced with amusement.

"Fine, fine you win," she conceded, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "As much as I enjoyed talking to you, I've got to go. I have a date," she sighed, her voice heavy with disappointment.

"You ain't looking forward to it?" he inquired, his tone laced with concern.

"It's just a business date, with a bunch of dudes crushing on me...urgh," she grumbled, her voice filled with disdain.

"You're lucky at least they don't friend zone you, their intentions are pretty clear," he pointed out, trying to lighten the mood.

"What's fun about that? All you get are lust-filled men. They want sex and I want----" she began, her voice trailing off as she searched for the right words.

"Something real," they both said in unison, their voices echoing the same longing for genuine connection.

"You're in the same boat huh?" she asked.

"Oh no, quite opposite," he replied, shaking his head. "They want friendship, friends with benefits and all that shit. Honestly, I am tired of that. I need something genuine," he confessed, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and yearning.

"Don't worry, you'd find that special someone. It's just a matter of time," she advised, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement.

"Well, Mr. Secret Admirer...I have to go. I'd call you once I am done with the meeting, thanks for the call...bye," she said, her voice trailing off as she ended the call.

As she hung up, a lingering smile played on her lips. Even though she didn't know her secret admirer's identity, his words had touched her, resonating with her own desire for a genuine connection. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to this anonymous caller, something that hinted at a deeper understanding and a shared desire for something real.

Elon, lost in his thoughts, stood at the balcony of his office, gazing out at the sprawling cityscape below. The vibrant hues of the sunset painted the sky in a mesmerizing spectacle, reflecting the energy and dynamism of the city that never sleeps. As the last rays of sunlight faded, giving way to a twilight sky dotted with stars, Elon remained oblivious to the presence of his assistant, Imelda, who had been patiently waiting behind him.

"Sir," Imelda called out softly, her voice barely a whisper against the backdrop of the city's hum. No response.

"Sir?!" she tried again, her voice slightly louder this time, but still laced with respect.

Elon's reverie was finally broken by the sound of Imelda's voice. He turned to face her, his expression momentarily blank as he struggled to regain his bearings. "What is it, Imelda?" he inquired, his voice slightly raspy from disuse.

Imelda, suppressing a chuckle at his forgetfulness, rolled her eyes playfully and reminded him, "Sir, you sent for me to get the schedule we had for today."

Elon's face flushed slightly as he realized his absentmindedness. "Oh, right," he muttered, feeling a pang of guilt for wasting Imelda's time. "So, what do we have for today?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.