DIFFERENT DESIRE

CHAPTER THREE:A DAY IN MOTION

The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of their duplex, painting the spacious living room in shades of gold. Ethan Carter jolted awake, glancing at the clock on his nightstand. His heart skipped a beat.he was late.

“Not again,” he muttered, springing from the bed. In minutes, he was out of the sheets, moving swiftly around the bedroom, dressing in a crisp, tailored shirt and perfectly pressed trousers. His collection of watches and cufflinks gleamed from the dresser, a silent testament to his taste for the finer things in life.Their life was comfortable more than comfortable. Two luxury cars gleamed in the driveway, one parked in the garage, the other ready for the day. Their duplex was a statement of modern elegance, blending sophistication with warmth, every corner meticulously designed. Yet, despite all of it, Ethan wasn’t the CEO of his own empire yet. For now, he was a manager at Carter & Co. Interiors, a firm specializing in luxury interior décor, textiles, and custom furnishings.Downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Emily had anticipated his rush and moved quickly, pouring the dark liquid into a travel mug just the way he liked it. The sound of footsteps on the stairs alerted her, and before she could finish arranging the tray, Ethan appeared, tie in hand, hair slightly tousled from his frantic dressing.

“You’re a lifesaver,” he said, taking the coffee from her hands. In the brief moment their eyes met, he leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her lips, quick and warm, a little spark before the day began.

Emily smiled, her hand lingering on his arm. “Just promise me you’ll take a moment today to breathe, Ethan,” she said softly.

He laughed lightly, giving her another quick kiss, and then glanced at her expectantly. “And you?” he asked. “Any plans for the morning?”

Emily tilted her head, thinking. “I might need to stop by the supermarket and get some things for myself. Other than that, I’ll be checking in on the store later.”

The store was hers, a cozy bookstore tucked in the city, filled with shelves of carefully curated titles. Emily had hired a reliable sales representative to manage the daily operations, so her visits were mostly strategic, checking stock and engaging with customers occasionally. She loved it, and it gave her a sense of independence beyond the home.Ethan nodded approvingly. “Alright, then. Grab what you need, and I’ll see you tonight. Drive safely.”

Emily placed a hand on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath the tailored shirt. “You too. Don’t let work swallow you whole,” she teased, though her eyes shone with concern.

He laughed, heading toward the door. “I’ll try not to. Coffee in hand, you’ve set me up perfectly.” He leaned down again, pressing a quick, lingering kiss to her lips before slipping into the morning light.

Ethan’s car glided into the sleek parking lot of Carter & Co. Interiors. Stepping into the glass-walled building, he immediately felt the hum of productivity. As a manager, Ethan’s day was filled with coordinating suppliers, overseeing inventory of premium fabrics and decorative pieces, and ensuring client projects progressed smoothly. Every day, he juggled meetings, presentations, and logistics, a balance of creativity and organization.In his office, adorned with minimalist furniture and a few carefully chosen art pieces, Ethan sank into his leather chair. He reviewed project updates on his laptop and orders of silk draperies, wool carpets, and custom upholstery needed approval, and he meticulously noted details for his team. His role required precision, decisiveness, and constant communication with clients, suppliers, and designers.

As he reached for his coffee, his assistant, Miranda, knocked lightly and stepped in. “Sir, your friend Jackson is here to see you. I just wanted to inform you first…it’s just a friendly visit,” she said professionally.

Ethan glanced up, adjusting his cufflinks. “Thank you, Miranda. Please, let him in.”

A few moments later, Jackson entered the office, a casual grin spreading across his face. “Hey, Ethan! Morning.”

Ethan stood and clasped his friend’s hand warmly. “Morning, Jackson. Good to see you, as always.”

They settled into the chairs near his desk, the conversation flowing easily. “How’s the work been?” Jackson asked, leaning back comfortably. “You still buried in meetings and presentations?”

Ethan chuckled, nodding. “You know it. Managing everything from textiles to décor projects keeps me busy, but I like it. Keeps me sharp.”Jackson laughed softly. “I remember when you used to have a reputation for being the biggest playboy around. Hard to believe that’s the same Ethan I know now.”

Ethan smiled, shaking his head. “That was a lifetime ago. Things are different now. Emily… she’s changed everything. I’m focused on work, on building a life I actually care about.”

Jackson nodded knowingly. “I can see that. She’s a good woman, Ethan. You’ve really grown since we first met.”They spent the next few minutes chatting about life, work, and memories from the past, the conversation light and comfortable. Jackson teased him gently about his old ways, while Ethan laughed, appreciating the easy camaraderie.

Finally, Jackson stood, clapping Ethan on the shoulder. “Alright, man. I’ll let you get back to it. But good to catch up as always.”

Ethan smiled, a quiet satisfaction settling over him. “Likewise, Jackson. Thanks for stopping by.”

After his friend left, Ethan returned to his tasks, the office buzzing with activity. The brief visit reminded him of simpler times, but he refocused quickly, immersed in the responsibility and ambition that defined his present life..a life he cherished, even as subtle changes loomed on the horizon.

Later, Emily drove to her bookstore, eager to spend some quiet time among the books she loved. She had always cherished stories and knowledge..studying Literature and Publishing in college had deepened her appreciation for novels, essays, and poetry. Every book she had read left its mark, shaping her worldview, expanding her imagination, and guiding her empathy.Her bookstore reflected that passion, with shelves stacked with carefully curated titles, cozy reading nooks, and soft lighting that invited visitors to linger. Though her sales representative managed most daily operations, Emily enjoyed stopping by, checking stock, and arranging shelves herself.

Today, she wore a light beige blouse tucked into a high-waist navy skirt with comfortable flats. Her long chestnut hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, framing her pointed nose, high cheekbones, and warm hazel eyes. Her figure was graceful and toned, a subtle elegance that matched her quiet confidence.

After greeting her sales representative, she asked, “How’s the sales today? How much have we made?”

The representative smiled. “Quite well, ma’am. We’ve had steady customers this morning, and a few new memberships for our reading program.”

Emily nodded approvingly, then walked along the shelves, inspecting the books personally. She carefully checked the condition of the titles, noting any that needed restocking or replacement. Her eyes lingered on a few new arrivals, and she made mental notes of where they should be displayed.

Her thoughts drifted to her cousin, Chloe, who would be visiting on Friday. Emily picked up a particular book she knew Chloe would appreciate—a classic coming-of-age novel that had inspired Emily during her own school days in London. She held it carefully, imagining Chloe reading it, feeling the same connection to the story that Emily had felt. “This will be perfect for her,” she whispered to herself, placing it gently in her bag.

Time passed quickly, and before she knew it, the sun was dipping lower in the sky. Realizing it was getting late, Emily decided to make a quick stop at the supermarket to pick up some snacks, vegetables, and other essentials.The supermarket was bustling, carts clattering and shoppers murmuring around her. Emily carefully selected fresh produce and stacked them in her basket. When she reached the counter to check out, she accidentally bumped into a young man standing nearby. The jar of jam she was holding slipped from her fingers, hitting the floor with a sharp crack as the glass shattered.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” Emily exclaimed, cheeks flushing as she bent down to assess the mess.The young man smiled warmly. “It’s okay, really. No harm done,” he said, kneeling to help her gather the remaining items. “Here, let me help you with these.”

Emily hesitated, but he insisted, taking her groceries from her and carefully organizing them at the counter. When it came time to pay, he quietly covered the cost for her, and Emily looked at him, surprised.

“Thank you… that’s very kind of you,” she said warmly.

“My pleasure,” he replied, smiling. “I’m Brian, by the way.”

“Emily,” she said, returning his smile.

As they finished bagging her groceries, Brian glanced at her and offered, “I can drop you off if you’d like. It’s on my way.”Emily laughed softly, a little embarrassed. “Oh, that’s really kind, but I have my car parked outside.”Brian shrugged with a charming grin. “Well, just thought I’d offer. Safety first, right?”

They exchanged a few more words, chatting casually, when Emily’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen—it was Ethan.

“Hey, honey,” she answered. “I’m at the supermarket, just finishing up, but I’m heading home now.”

“Actually,” Ethan said, his voice warm, “how about we go out for dinner tonight? Skip the usual home routine?”

Emily’s face lit up with a smile. “Of course, Ethan. I’d love that.”

“Great,” he said. “See you soon.” The call ended, and Emily lowered her phone, glancing back at Brian.

“So…” he said, tilting his head slightly. “You’re married?”

“Yes,” she said softly. “I am. And I really should be on my way.”

Brian nodded, still smiling. “Fair enough. But maybe… next time?”

Emily smiled politely. “I promise, next time.”

He nodded, a faint grin lingering on his face. “Okay, I’ll hold you to that.”

With a small wave, Emily headed to her car, Brian watching her for a brief moment before turning back. She drove off, her thoughts already on home, dinner with Ethan, and the small, unexpected encounter that had added a curious twist to her day.