The door to the boardroom closed behind Aaron and Marie as they walked in. The board members were already positioned, a selection of elegantly attired individuals who radiated influence and command. They did not stand up to welcome them, orprovide a single smile.Marie sensed their gaze on her while they made their way to the table.Aaron positioned himself at the top of the table, upright and authoritative. Marie stood next to him, her heart pounding.The hush lingered briefly until the chairman, a tall figure with silver hair and an aura of stark authority, finally addressed them. His tone was strong and exact."Mr. Sanchez," he started, leaning closer, his gaze examining Marie like a hawk evaluating its target. "You are, naturally, cognizant of the position you are anticipated to fulfill in the forthcoming plans for this company, correct?""Certainly” Aaron responded lazily.Another board member, a woman in her early forties with distinct features, interjected, her tone doubtful. S
Aaron shut off the engine as they arrived at the mansion. The dense silence within the car was tangible, with only the soft hum of the motor winding down breaking the stillness. Marie sat stiffly next to him, her hands clasped firmly in her lap, her fingers revealing a subtle shake.She maintained her sight directed ahead, attempting to dismiss the intense weight she experienced from the day's occurrences and the doubt hovering over her future.As the car came to a full halt, Aaron faced her. His face was inscrutable as he observed her, yet there was a trace of approval in his gaze. "You performed well there," he remarked, calm and somewhat calculated.Marie compelled a smile, but it seemed more like a reflex than a sincere display. "Thank you," she said softly, unable to meet his gaze.Aaron's stare rested on her for a brief moment more before he carried on. “Maintain the effort. Continue to amaze them. Continue to perform well, and I will receive the inheritance. That's the only way
Marie was startled at the tap on her door. She was absorbed in her thoughts, and the unexpected noise shocked her. She swiftly cleaned her face, attempting to regain her composure before the door swung open. Susann walked into the room with a composed and serene attitude."Good evening, Mrs. Sanchez," Susann said to her respectfully, her tone calm and professional.She moved with a sense of subtle authority, a quality developed from years spent working in the household."Good evening, Susann," Marie replied, her tone gentler than normal. She attempted to sit up taller, but the fatigue from the day pressed down on her.Susann moved closer and said, 'I received a report about the meeting. Based on what I’ve heard, you performed admirably, Mrs. Sanchez. You carried yourself with grace, and it hasn't escaped attention. Mr. Sanchez has transferred some money to your account as a sign of appreciation for your hard work"Marie opened her eyes wide in surprise. She never expected something of
The atmosphere within the company felt strangely silent as Aaron and Marie made their way through the stylish, contemporary corridors. The murmur of discussions, the gentle taps of keyboards, and the typical sounds of a bustling enterprise felt missing. It felt as though the building was pausing, anticipating an event.Aaron walked with assurance, yet Marie sensed the silence pressing down on her more than before. She looked around anxiously, attempting to match his speed.She wasn’t sure what to expect from her sudden visit, but the air in the atmosphere caused her stomach to knot. She had come here just a few times, and each time, she felt like entering a world she didn’t genuinely belong to.As they turned a corner, they walked by the smooth glass doors of several departments, and that’s when Marie spotted him—Howard Sanchez.Howard stood at the center of the hallway, a looming figure whose presence occupied the area. His towering stature was intimidating; next to him stood two lar
Marie needed a rest. She could still feel the weight of the encounter with Howard, his icy gaze and eerie words ringing in her head. She could sense the tension seething beneath her flesh.After his father left, Aaron remained silent, but Marie could tellhe was harboring a lot of conflict. She hadn't witnessed him so tightly wound and in control in a long time.Marie decided to go out for coffee because she needed a moment to collect herself. She walked to the tiny kitchen area, her heels clicking lightly on the shiny floors. Even though the company's office was large and contemporary with white marble and glass walls Marie still felt alienated.Despite being courteous, the staff avoided her as though she reminded them of something they didn't want to face. A few women were talking in the corner as she approached the coffee maker. They were probably a little too engrossed in their chatter and were laughing too loudly.Marie chose her coffee while trying to ignore them and concentrate
Marie's heart pounded as soon as the three women froze. In an instant, the atmosphere seemed tense and everyone's gaze shifted to the voices. The person was Howard Sanchez. He radiates a raw power that adds to the oppressive atmosphere of the room. Standing at the kitchen area's entrance, he focusedon the women who had been encircling Marie moments before.The three women blinked in obvious surprise and before Marie could grasp what was happening, Howard's icy voice broke the stillness.He looked at the women, his jaw clenching, and “Is there a problem here”?They took immediate action retreating almost simultaneously. When the woman with the red lipstick opened her mouth to object, Howard ignored her."Leave" he ordered in a tone that would not budge.With glances back at Marie, the women exchanged awkward looks and filed out of the kitchen individually. Then Howard turned to face Marie staring at her with a cold ferocity that made her stomach turn.His voice was cold as he said "Co
Aaron's expression mixed confusion and something darker, making Marie uneasy. He stood tall in the doorway, his piercing eyes darting between her and his father, who slightly smiled despite the abrupt interruption.Howard stood up straight and unfazed." Aaron, no issue at all. I just had a brief conversation with your beautiful wife.” Theedges of his smile curled as he paused for a moment. "A friendly discussion. You are aware of how it is."Aaron's eyes squinted, but he held his tongue. He entered the space and walked to Marie with a protective aura. Howard nodded slightly, almost dismissively, with that eerie smile still on his face.Well, Howard said as though nothing significant had just happened," I'll leave you two to it. Marie, I hope to see you at the next family meal. And be careful." He turned on his heel and left the room without saying another word. The air between her and Aaron was now heavy with an unspoken emotion, and Marie stood there with her heart still pounding.A
Marie was sitting in her office, staring blankly at the papers strewn all over her desk, her back against the plush leather chair. She could almost feel the office's calm hum, but it didn't stop the storm that was building inside her head.The fluorescent lights outside buzzed softly, and she could see Aaron moving behind his desk, absorbed in whatever task he was working on, through the glass wall separating her office from Aaron's.A strange mixture of admiration and frustration rose in Marie'schest as she saw how confident and sure of himself his figure appeared. After observing him from the window, she slowly lowered her gaze to her hands in her lap.He had put his hand around her wrist earlier, and the memory was still vivid. Though it had only been a fleeting gesture, there had been a sense of connection. It was not the same. Firm, almost urgent, nothing about it was tender, even though he seemed to want to draw her closer to him and anchor her to him.Marie shifted uneasily in
Aaron’s breath came in sharp, ragged bursts as he strode through the long dark hallway, his steps heavy. His father's remarks were reverberating in his mind like a vicious taunt, and he was consumed by a storm of rage. “You’re nothing without me.”. . . His knuckles turned white as his fists clenched so tightly his nails digging into his palms. It seemed as though the mansion itself was attempting to ensnare him in its ruthless, frigid clutches because the air around him was heavy and oppressive.He was hardly aware of the dim glow of the wall sconces as the hall stretched out in front of him with dark wooden panels reflecting it. He could hear and feel nothing but his own rage hammering unrelentingly.He could still hear his father's voice in his ears. . . “You’re toying with me.” With a start, he halted his boots scuffing the shiny floor. His chest was heaving, and his breath was harsh as he struggled to maintain his balance. Tonight his father had said far too many things, but th
The smell of whiskey filled the dimly lit study, clouding the space with a strong, almost oppressive odor. Howard sat behind his desk, he swirled the amber liquid in his glass while staring into the depths of the drink.A firm and pointed knock was heard on the door.Howard called “Come in” in a steady, low voice that showed no signs of the storm that was building inside.Aaron entered as the door squeaked open. His stance was straight, his face tight with annoyance, and he stood tall. Howard closely observed him, his keen eyes scrutinizing each nuance and facial movement. Aaron was very much a reflection of himself; he was obstinate, strong-willed and self-destructive.“Aaron, sit. We must have a conversation.” Aaron, however, did not move. His body was tense as he stood there staring at Howard’s face. His voice was tight as he said. “I'm not here to sit. I'm here to know why you called me.”The corner of Howard’s mouth curled into a thin smile as he raised an eyebrow. Savoring the
The bathroom door gently closed behind Marie, leaving the sunroom empty except for Aaron and Susann. Once brimming with the warmth of conversation, the room felt suddenly too heavy and too quiet.Aaron took a seat slowly and raked his hand through his hair as his mind raced through the quiet room.At first, Susann’s expression was unreadable as she studied him without saying anything. The weight of the unsaid words that hung in the air caused the silence between them to grow longer. Even though Aaron's face was composed as he met her gaze, a sense of tension persisted.Susann finally spoke, her tone firm but quiet. “What do you think you're doing?" With a steady but slightly uncertain tone, he questioned, “What do you mean?”Her eyes narrowed slightly as she examined him, and she exhaled a soft, controlled breath. She spoke slowly and measuredly as if she were carefully weighing each word, “Marie is pregnant. I also know you're worried about her. However, you have to realize the ser
With tea mugs in hand, Marie and Susann settled into the cozy cushions of the wicker sofa inside, but the serene setting did little to relieve the knot of anxiety that was weighing heavily on Marie's chest.Even though the room was lovely and the morning was warm, she couldn’t get rid of the dread that had been with her since her nightmare.“Marie, you've been incredibly quiet since yesterday”, she said quietly in a steady, calm voice. “I understand that your nightmare must have been upsetting, but I can't help but wonder if you're keeping something else from me. You know you can speak with me?”After placing her tea on the table before them and taking a deep breath, Marie looked out the window. Eyes tired, she turned back to Susann. “It goes beyond the nightmare. It is everything. I am just too tired of everything that is happening. I’m not certain that I can stop it.” Susann's face became softer. She reassured Marie by reaching out and placing a firm yet gentle hand on hers. “I k
The following morning, Marie's bedroom curtains let in the pale light of dawn, which left the walls in long shadows. Her mind continued to replay the events in vivid detail, and she was still shaken from the nightmare. Each time she closed her eyes, she saw Howard's twisted smile as he watched her struggle, her father’s terrified face and the quicksand engulfing him. The nightmares' oppressive sensation persisted, and Marie couldn’t get rid of the feeling that something was seriously amiss.She was unable to remain in that space any longer. Because of the nightmares' lingering effects, the air felt too dense and heavy. Her legs felt wobbly as she got out of bed, and her heart was beating so fast.She gently left the bed, put on her robe and walked out of the room as quietly as she could. As she walked down the hallway, she couldn't stop thinking about the nightmare. She paused briefly upon arriving at Susann's room, taking a deep breath to help her relax. It would be a relief to spe
Marie sighed."Are you okay?" Aaron whispered, his tone soft and caring. With her body still tingling from the way he had kissed and held her, Marie nodded.She turned to face him and whispered, “Yeah.”Aaron kissed her shoulder. “Alright.”Fatigue took over her, and she slowly fell asleep, her eyelids heavy. That was when the nightmare started again. In the midst of a foggy, dark forest, she stood. With their gnarled branches grabbing at the sky like skeletal fingers, the trees towered over her. She then caught sight of him. Her Dad. His terrified eyes darted around as though looking for someone or something.Marie felt her heart tighten. She screamed “Dad!” and tried to run in his direction, but her legs felt heavy as though the ground was resisting her. A dark figure appeared behind him, stepping out of the trees. Towering. Dangerous. A strange, unnatural grace in movement. Marie’s heart froze. The only thing she could make out of the figure's face was the flash of something sha
Sitting in his darkened study, Howard took a long drag from his cigar while the strong odor of tobacco filled the air. His jaw was so clenched that his temple veins throbbed. With the amber liquid burning down his throat, he brought the crystal glass to his lips, tightening his grip. But it wasn't enough to quell the anger that was gnawing at his gut.The sound of Howard smashing the glass against the mahogany desk reverberated throughout the space. Even though his anger was trembling, he steadied his hand and poured himself another drink, his fingers twitching as he reached for the bottle. Howard let out a sharp exhale and placed his cigar in the ashtray, his lips curling into a sneer. Power, privilege and a name that many dreaded were all bestowed upon Aaron by him. However, the boy was sacrificing everything for love—for a woman who didn't belong in their world?Stupid.“So Aaron,” he whispered to himself, “Is this how you want to play it? Fantastic.”With somber and calculating
She was there when the door creaked open. Marie. Aaron saw her standing there with an unreadable expression, and his breath caught in his throat.He was rushing toward her before he could even think because his heart was racing.“You returned.” His voice was hoarse and laced with hope and desperation.There was nothing from Marie. With nothing visible on her face, she simply stood there and watched him. Aaron took a deep breath and reached for her hand, holding on to it as if she might vanish if he released it.“Please, Marie, don't abandon me.” He didn't mind that his voice cracked a little. Pride was irrelevant. Ego wasn't a factor. No more. “None of this was intended by me. I promise that I never intended to cause you any harm.”Her eyes were fixed on him, but she remained silent. Aaron's chest ached from panic. “Other things don't matter to me. Nothing matters if I don't have you, not the money, not my father, not the power. Marie, I love you despite my mistakes. More than anythin
Silent sobs rocked Aaron’s body as he sat on the bed, hunched over, hands clutching his head. He had the impression that the earth had been torn away from him, leaving him free to fall and without anything to cling to. He was suffocating from the unbearable weight in his chest, which was pressing down on him.Marie had gone. He had allowed her to leave after she had left. He had never been afraid of anything before, but this frightened him. How had it gotten to this point? How had he lost her so thoroughly? It was more painful than anything he had ever experienced to consider a life without Marie, without the fire in her eyes when she challenged him and without the warmth of her presence.He took a deep shuddering breath and tried to think, but his mind was a jumble of ideas. He never thought he would fall in love, much less be this enamored of a woman. Here he was, however, broken. Her memories were oppressive.She would frown when she was thinking too much, her lips would curl into