The fleeting moments of solitude allowed him to gather his thoughts, to steel himself for the challenges ahead. He would face the world with unwavering resolve.
For now, though, he allowed himself this brief respite, letting the smoke and the cool night air soothe his turbulent mind.
The very next day, as Rebecca approached the sleek, glass-fronted office building, she could already sense the buzz of curiosity inside. Bracing herself, she entered the lobby, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. She had barely made it to the elevator when she overheard snippets of conversations from her colleagues who hadn’t realized she was passing by.
“did you hear about the boss’s new fiancée?”
“yeah, I can’t believe it! Rebecca of all people!”
“she must have some story to tell.”
R
