SECRECTS AND SPARKS

Shadows in the elevator

Today wasn’t just another day, at least not for me.

I kept reminding myself of that as I got dressed, the words echoing in my head like a broken record: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” That saying wouldn’t leave me alone, especially since I was going to meet sophia today. She seemed nice enough from the little I knew, but appearances could be deceiving. Still, there was a sliver of excitement in my chest, what if today turned out differently? What if meeting her wasn’t just a coincidence, but something bigger?

I decided to take the bus instead of asking my dad for a ride. I hated being a burden, and besides, the fresh air and hum of the city before work always gave me time to think. By the time I reached the building, I checked my phone, three minutes late. Great. The world seemed to move faster whenever I was running behind.

"How come the clock runs faster only on days like this?" I muttered to myself, half-annoyed, half-resigned.

Walking into the lobby, I balanced my bag and the drink in my hand, heading straight for the elevator. I took a long sip of my juice and sighed, chuckling under my breath.

"Oh gosh, this juice tastes heavenly today," I said softly, savoring it.

Of course, that’s when my phone buzzed. Jason. My brother.

"Sissy, please, can you lend me some money? I swear I’ll pay you back this time."

I rolled my eyes, already bracing myself for the usual performance.

"Seriously, Jason? I’ve known you all my life, and I also know all your lies."

"But you’re my only sister. You love me, right?"

"Just because I love you doesn’t mean you get to take advantage of me. You need to stop this and find a job."

He laughed, that lazy kind of laugh that made my blood boil.

"You’re just too ambitious, sis."

"Ambition only looks scary to the lazy," I shot back. "I won’t keep doing this forever, Jason."

"Please! You’re the prettiest damsel I’ve ever seen...."

"Don’t start with your nonsense," I interrupted, already giving in despite myself. "I’ll send the money, but you better pay it back."

"Of course, of course! Thank you, my love. Have a wonderful day."

I hung up, shaking my head and muttering sarcastically, "sure,I will." With a sigh,I quickly transferred the money, better now than forget later.

The elevator doors began to close,

That’s when I heard it.

That voice.

"So, Leigh… is this the time you’re supposed to arrive at work?"

The voice froze me to the core. Deep. Commanding. Impossible to ignore.

Mr. Sage.

Hearing my name rolling off his tongue sent a shiver down my spine. His presence filled the elevator like a storm cloud, dense, suffocating, magnetic. I should have been afraid, and I was… but fear came tangled with something else. Something darker. Something I didn’t want to name.

I turned, pulse drumming in my ears. His eyes locked onto mine, sharp as glass, his expression unreadable.

"I don’t like being ignored," he said, and before I could react, his hand was on my face. Firm. Unyielding. He forced my gaze back to his.

Heat flared where his skin touched mine. My body betrayed me, knees weak, heart wild, while my mind screamed to fight back. I tried to twist away, but his grip only tightened.

"Mr. Sage, I… I just have a lot going on at home....."

"Then maybe you should call it a day," he cut me off, voice edged with warning.

I knew what he meant. A threat disguised as kindness. A door I wasn’t allowed to step through.

"No, sir," I whispered, forcing strength into my voice. "I can handle it."

His gaze darkened, devouring, peeling away every layer of armor I had. I felt naked under it, exposed, as though he was dissecting me thought by thought. My imagination betrayed me—what if he leaned closer? What if...

The thought shattered when he shoved me back. My shoulder slammed into the elevator wall, pain exploding through my arm. I gasped, swallowing down the sound.

He didn’t flinch. Didn’t even look at me. Instead, he drew out a white handkerchief, unfolding it with calm precision, and wiped his hand as though my skin had stained him. The gesture cut deeper than the pain in my arm.

The elevator dinged, snapping me back. Without another word, I straightened up and stepped out, holding my arm. I wanted to leave him behind, to breathe again once those doors closed.

But when I turned, he was there. Following me.

Confusion washed over me, he should’ve stayed in the elevator. Why was he here? Why was he following me?

Then I heard it, his voice again, that same commanding presence. Only this time, others heard it too. The moment he spoke, silence rippled through the floor. Conversations died mid-sentence, keyboards stilled, and even footsteps faltered. Everyone recognized that voice. Everyone knew to be afraid.

Mr. Sage rarely visited our department. Ever.

So why was he here now?

Was it because of me?

The thought wrapped around my chest like a chain, heavy and suffocating. Whatever the reason, one thing was clear, everyone needed to be careful today. Especially me.