Inside the glass-walled conference room, Alexia was deep in discussion with her fellow business associate woman who was calmly sipping her coffee as they discussed about their upcoming runway project.
Alexia gave a nod as her associate took a slow sip of coffee, sealing their runway plans as through their plans.
"You're right about the models. We need someone who can perfectly embody the designs with a blend of an aura of confidence and elegance. I have a few models in mind who could potentially fit this numbers."
She then takes a couple of moment to consider the makeup angle, her expression remaining focused.
From the Outside, Eryx waited around, watching her intensely through the transparent divide—present, yet unnoticed. His one hand curled around his hot coffee cup so tightly, the rim sliced a cut into his long finger. A stray lock curled against her temple; he leaned in, as if that tiny shift mattered.
"As for the makeup, I like the idea of keeping it it classy, as per makeup artist suggested. What do you think?". Alexia slightly flicked her eyes toward her .
"Great, it seems like we're on the right track as wanted. So we have our design direction, fabric choices, and model inspiration. Now, for other things, I would like you to handle it in your own way. Cause you are professional." As the woman let out a rich, confident laugh, the kind that brooked no argument, before sliding the overall work to Alexia's side.
Alexia's face remained nonchalant as she always.
"I understand. I'll take care of the rest stuff."
With their conversation concluding, the woman turned to depart, leaving Alexia the whole task though her cool demeanor remained unwavering, beneath the surface of Alexia work. The woman spots a glint of determination shone through her eyes.
Occasionally, Eryx entered the room. The woman's eyes immediately brightens up at the sight of him.
"Oh… Eryx!" The woman gasped with excitement.
"I was waiting for you. Alexia! Mind if I take his time?" she asked, a playful smile tugging at her lips looking for Alexia's approval.
Before Eryx could open up, Alexia cut in smoothly, voice cool and steady, "No. I cann't allow your request. He should to be within my radar every single minute of my day and ___."
The woman got triggered in anger with Alexia's response but suddenly her ear slightly gets covered with a large hand, making her squirm and realized it was Eryx's hand—heat rushed to her red cheeks, flustering her. But Eryx wasn't looking at her. His gaze locked on Alexia, unwavering, until she finally sealed his lips—as if he were blocking something not meant to be heard. Eryx gave a relief sigh, and apologies to the woman just after he opened up his hand.
The woman just nod senseless and moved toward the door, leaving with a tint on her face without uttering a word. Eryx's voice dropped, smooth and low, each word deliberate, wrapped in a quiet menace that wasn't there before.
"Connections matter—as long as you have just as much talent and hard work to back them up, Ms. Alexia. "
"Even if I have to be used for that ."
Alexia didn't respond. Without lifting her eyes, she said simply, "Show me the next portfolio."
Without missing a beat, Eryx handed her both files, with his demeanor calm and professional smile. Like nothing between them had ever strayed beyond business. After the long day, Alexia called the day off to her staff and Alexia and Eryx both slipped out of the building together into the same car, vanishing into the night.
______
Elias got her home late and the night looked pretty dark than usual as she comes close to her house and felt joy in somewhere near her heart.
Elias stepped through the walkway of her home covered with greens and flowers, her hands full of bags and stuff. Sadie jumped out of the cab, darted playfully, tail wagging with boundless energy and excitement being there at home.
The soft rustle of leaves and branches and the cold night air blew through them as she walked her way to the front door .
Once inside, Sadie runs through the room to room in full load of energy whereas Elias gently puts the bags down on the table and couch, with exhaustion settling into her bones. She sank onto the couch, the weight of the day pressing down her exhausted body, her eyes felt heavy and suddenly remembers update from workplace for tomorrow.
She searched through her pockets and her phone was already filled with notification form her workplace.
As she scrolls down her work doc, something caught her attention—a mystery box and the offer she got from today's lottery.
Curiosity sparked in her as she throws her phone to reach her hand to the box of Alexia's crafts.
Her eyes gleamed with wonder and awe's as she opened the boxes.
----
At Night, In a broad shadow-cloaked room, as the whole room was dark and spacious with intense light at the centre directly at a timeworn mannequin. Its form was being meticulously draped by the creator.
Sketches clung to the walls like ivy and beside the creator as the hand picked out one, swatches of fabric were pinned beside illustrations and measurements, each one marked with notes and loops of cursive in yellow and red ink. Pinned seams and scissors trembled slightly in the breeze coming from the window. The artistic hand smoothly picked up a few pins and placed some between her lips, then bent toward the gown, her fingers pinching the silk velvet.
Suddenly, in the hush of the vast room, , the sharp ring of a phone broke the silence.
Alexia didn't flinch.
Her hand moved instinctively, picking up the phone from the table's edge with her unbroken focus. Silence.
No voice.
No breath.
For a moment, Just a hollow, quiet pause from both sides.
With a short pause, the mysterious caller smirked with pride, and just as their lips parted to speak—
Alexia cut the call, slipping the phone into her jean vest pocket. Her hands returned to the folds of silk velvet, adjusting and securing the pins onto the mannequin if nothing had happened.
Then, without warning, a pale, and silent masculine hand—silent and sure— slipped silently into her pocket and withdrew the phone.
The screen lit up unlocking fingerprint as he touched the phone and the phone rang again with the same unknown number.