Chapter 1 First chapter

She sat quietly on the balcony, the city lights shimmering like distant stars beneath her gaze. A gentle breeze teased the hem of her silk robe as she cradled a wine glass,filled not with wine, but with crisp, golden champagne. There was solace in that moment, a feeling of refuge that wrapped around her like a soft blanket. As she stared into the night, her thoughts drifted,reminiscing about how far she had come, the dreams chased and caught in fragments. Then, slowly, she turned to her friend beside her, breaking the silence. Their eyes met, and a conversation began.

Then Ariel turned to her friend, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her voice was calm but resolute. "I've achieved so much in life,career, dreams, independence. I feel fulfilled. But now... I want to experience something different. I want to know what love feels like. Real love."

Her friend raised an eyebrow, a playful yet thoughtful expression crossing her face. "If you're serious about that, maybe consider an older guy," she suggested. "They tend to be more mature, more grounded. They've lived enough to know what they want and how to treat a woman who knows her worth."

Ariel's longing for love was etched clearly on her face, like sunlight catching the edge of a teardrop subtle, but unmistakable. "Anyway, I'm nineteen," she whispered to herself, a soft smile forming on her lips. The words carried a quiet defiance, a gentle reminder that she had nothing to lose. With that thought, her shoulders relaxed, her gaze brightened, and a newfound confidence bloomed within her. She was genuinely excited ready to step into the unknown world of love.

Her friend couldn't resist the opportunity to tease her when she caught that confident gleam in her eyes a glow sparked by her newfound aspiration for love. With a mischievous smile, she poked fun at her, gently nudging her with playful words that danced between affection and amusement. The teasing continued, light and infectious, until their laughter filled the night air, echoing softly from the balcony. The world around them faded into a hush as the evening deepened, and only their joy remained, mingling with the breeze beneath the star-scattered sky.

Ariel was stirred from her sleep by the chime of a video call. Groggily rubbing her eyes, she reached for her phone and answered. Her mother's familiar face lit up the screen, worry already etched into her features.

"Good morning, sweetheart," her mother said warmly.

"Morning, Mom. Hi, Dad," Ariel greeted them politely, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Her father gave a nod and a grin in return, while her mother drove straight into questions, her tone edged with concern. "How are you feeling? Are you eating well? Sleeping enough? Living alone at your age,it's still too soon, don't you think?"

Ariel stifled a sigh. "Mom, I'm a big girl now. I can handle this," she said, her voice firm but affectionate.

Her father chimed in with a chuckle, "She's right. You raised a tough one, remember?"

Together, father and daughter worked to reassure the anxious woman, gently pressing that Ariel was managing just fine. The conversation was filled with small reassurances, loving interruptions, and familial warmth.

Eventually, with lingering reluctance and a few final reminders to take care of herself, her parents ended the call leaving Ariel in the quiet of her room, smiling softly at their love and concern.

Ariel drew back the curtains, and golden morning light spilled into the room, washing over her like a warm embrace. With a soft sigh, she rose from the bed and began her morning ritual. After a refreshing bath, she dressed in a sleek, corporate outfit her tailored blazer and pencil skirt giving her an air of poised confidence. Today, she felt ready to face the world.

As she stepped out of her home, it was as if fate itself had decided to intervene. Just a few steps down the street, she collided with a man tall, strikingly handsome, and radiating a quiet charm. Their eyes locked as they exchanged apologies, but neither moved on. Victor, as she would soon learn his name, was captivated. Something about Ariel held his attention firmly, and instead of walking away, he seized the moment and struck up a conversation.

"Hello, I'm Victor," he said, extending his hand with a warm, confident smile.

"Ariel," she replied, accepting the handshake. Her grip was firm yet delicate.

"I'm guessing you're probably heading to work?" he asked, his gaze trailing subtly from her polished shoes to her tidy blouse, then locking onto her eyes. There was something in the way he looked at her not just curiosity, but admiration. His eyes were striking, a deep, magnetic hue that seemed to pull her in. Ariel found herself momentarily lost in them, caught in a silent, spellbound pause.

"Yes," she said softly as he released her hand, the warmth of his touch lingering.

"I don't know if this is too forward," Victor began, his voice smooth but sincere, "but I'd really like to get to know you. Maybe over dinner?"

The question hung in the air, but Ariel didn't need time to think. Still wrapped in the glow of his presence, she nodded, a small smile forming.

"Sure," she said.

They exchanged numbers, their fingers briefly brushing, then parted ways each carrying the spark of a moment that felt like the start of something more.

Ariel stepped into her office with a broad smile, pausing for a moment to take in the pleasant view. The morning light spilled through the tall windows, casting a golden hue across the sleek furniture and neatly organized workspace. She sank into her chair with a soft sigh, but instead of diving into the day's tasks, her thoughts drifted. Victor's eyes dark, magnetic, and unforgettable lingered in her mind,the way he looked at her with eyes full of admiration, stirring something she couldn't quite name. It took her a moment to shake off the memory and refocus.

As the manager, her role was primarily to delegate, oversee, and ensure smooth operations. Yet, true to her nature, Ariel was no idle supervisor. A workaholic through and through, she reviewed every detail with a meticulous eye, often taking on tasks herself rather than entrusting them to others. Her drive for perfection was both a strength and a burden but she wore it with pride.