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Dark black hair, fair skin, deep blue ocean eyes, and a great sculpted physique doing pull-ups by the break of dawn and breathing heavily with sweat running down his back and abs. "Breakfast is ready, sir", said the woman who walked through the gym door. Bryan gestured to the woman, showing that he had heard what she said. He picked up the towel to dry his sweat as he walked toward the door. He took a shower and picked his outfit for the day; a white shirt, blue suit, and dark gray tie with an expensive black watch. He sat down and drank his coffee while reading the stock market, being served an exquisite breakfast. He walked out of the elevator and went straight to his office. He has an arrogant business tycoon demeanor, he only speaks when necessary and that's why his employees find him mysterious and dangerous. Ethan, his personal assistant and secretary, walked into the office holding a file and a tablet, "Good morning sir. Your schedule for today is: You have a lunch meeting with that fashion designer about a shipment deal and dinner with your mother. She called to ask for that since you were not answering her calls. And lastly, this is the order for the ship you bought which needs your signature for confirmation.". He handed him the file. " Thank you, Ethan", he took the file and went through it, "Did you call James to remind him about the lunch meeting today?". "Yes, sir". "Okay.". He signed the papers and handed back the file to Ethan, "I'll take your leave," he said while taking the file, and walked out the office. On the other hand, Aria woke up late. She rushed to get ready for work, running back and forth between the bedroom and the bathroom. She got done getting ready, went toward the front door to wear her shoes, and ran to the kitchen to grab a slice of bread. She then grabbed her keys on her way out. She arrived at work and packed her desk, "Girl, you are a mess", said her friend Natalie, standing beside her desk. "What happened?", she asked. Aria sighed and replied, "I mistakenly switched off my alarm instead of snoozing. I'm just not in my right mind lately.". "I can tell", said Natalie. "What are you doing this weekend?" she continued. "Nothing much, just work. Why?", Aria replied. "Perfect! Sara, my college friend, just got engaged, so... She's throwing a little get-together type of party to celebrate. You wanna come?", she looked at her with pleading eyes. "I can't say no to this?", Aria said with a doubtful voice. "Yes. Plus, you just said that you were not in your right mind lately," she said with a convincing voice. "Since you're cornering me, I'll go. By the way, when is this party?". "Tomorrow", replied Natalie. "I don't have anything to wear though.", said Aria, trying to make an excuse not to go. "Same here! We'll go shopping later.", exclaimed Natalie. Aria just gave in and agreed with Natalie. "I'll see you later", said Natalie on her way to her office. "What did I sign myself into?", sighed Aria as she arranged her paperwork. After lunch with the designer, James and Bryan lingered at the restaurant to catch up. "That went great," James remarked. "So, what are your plans for this Saturday?" he inquired. "Nothing much, why do you ask?" Bryan responded. "I'd like you to join me at a party; a friend of mine just got engaged. He mentioned we could bring a plus one, and since I don't have a date, I thought of you. What do you say?" James proposed. Bryan pondered for a moment before replying, "Well, it sounds like a nice distraction from work." "Thanks, man. It's been ages since we last hung out. I was worried you'd bail on me," James expressed. "I never imagined I'd be accepting an invitation from you," Bryan chuckled, sipping his coffee. "I get your point. We do tend to overdo it with drinks whenever we're together," James acknowledged. "But with the civilized company around, we'll behave," Bryan commented, and James nodded in agreement as he too sipped his coffee. Later that day, at the new broadcasting station, Aria finished her work and headed to Natalie's office. "Knock, knock," she announced upon entering. "Ready to leave? The stores will close soon," she added. "Just wrapping up, I was about to come find you," Natalie replied. "I'm all set, just waiting on you," Aria stated. Natalie rose from her seat, and they departed the office together. They shopped for outfits for the party, and Natalie suggested a cowl-neck silk slip-gray midi dress for Aria. "You should try it on," Aria encouraged. "But it would look stunning on you," Natalie persisted. "Natalie, I'm not attending to flirt with everyone; I'm merely a plus one," Aria deflected. "The point is to mingle. Aria, you've been single since high school; isn't it time you re-entered the dating scene?" Natalie countered. Aria relented, knowing Natalie wouldn't cease her insistence on the dress. They finished shopping, and Natalie dropped Aria at home. "I'll see you tomorrow," said Natalie as Aria got out of the car. "Alright, drive safe" responded Aria and Natalie drove off after saying their goodbyes That evening, Bryan went to dine with his mother. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Nana, his former babysitter and now the housekeeper. "Good evening, young master Bryan," she greeted him warmly. "Evening, Nana," he replied, handing his blazer to the maid beside her. "How have you been?" he inquired, embracing her. "Quite well, my dear. Your mother will be thrilled to see you," she responded. "Where is she?" he asked. "In the kitchen, preparing your favorite dish, hoping you'd come today," she answered. "Thanks, Nana," he said, heading towards the kitchen. "He's going to love it," Bryan's mother remarked, overseeing the meal's preparation. "Mom," Bryan called out, pausing at the doorway. "Bryan! Oh, my heart!" she exclaimed, moving to embrace him. "I feared you wouldn't come; you've missed my calls," she added. "Well, here I am, Mother," he reassured her as they embraced. "You seem slimmer than before; are you alright?" she asked, guiding him to the living room. "I'm fine. How's Anna?" he inquired, following her. "Your sister is doing well in New York. She mentioned you recently; when did you last speak to her?" she questioned, settling on the couch. "It's been some time, but I'll reach out to her," he promised, taking a seat opposite her. His mother observed him for a moment before asking, "Are you sure you're doing alright, dear?". "Yeah, why do you ask?" he replied. "Firstly, I'm your mother. It's been two weeks since I've seen you, and I tend to worry. Secondly, you've been immersing yourself in work since your father passed away," she expressed with concern. "Well, Mother, you need to stop worrying about trivial things. I'm managing fine, and Father's passing made me realize there's much to do to keep the business afloat. I assure you, I'm not distancing myself from you," he comforted her. "Okay, if you say so, I'll hold off on worrying for now, but if something is troubling you, make sure to tell me," she said, now reassured that her son was coping better than she expected. "I will, for sure," he promised. "Sorry to interrupt, but the table is set, ma'am," the maid announced as she entered the living room. "Okay, thank you," Bryan's mother responded, rising from the couch."Alright, let's go have dinner. I asked the chef to prepare your favorite dish—chuck roast!" she exclaimed excitedly, clutching Bryan's arm as they followed the maid to the dining table. They both enjoyed dinner and each other's company for the remainder of the evening. On Saturday evening, Bryan and James made their way to the engagement party, engaging in conversations with several guests. Suddenly, Bryan's attention was diverted. Aria had entered through the front door with Natalie. Bryan was utterly captivated by her beauty, feeling fortunate to behold her presence as she moved past him with Natalie to offer congratulations to the engaged couple.