Jeremy’s alarm clock blared at the ungodly hour of 4 AM, a harsh reminder of the day ahead that demanded an early start. He groggily shut off the alarm and rubbed his eyes, the weight of sleep clinging desperately to his eyelids. With a sigh, he peeled himself out of the warmth of his bed, leaving behind the comforting silhouette of Alexandra, who lay undisturbed, breathing softly in the cocoon of blankets.
The house was still as he tiptoed through the corridors, careful not to wake anyone. The faint glow of the rising sun began to seep through the windows, casting a gentle hue over the furniture. Jeremy arrived at his home office, the smell of leather and mahogany greeting him like an old friend. He struck a match and lit his cigar, the aroma mingling with the morning air, a ritual that
