Marilena briskly strides across the office lobby toward the gleaming elevator, her hand reaching out to press the polished metal up button. The doors slide open with a whisper, revealing a cramped space filled with people. A quick scan tells her that it's too crowded for comfort, prompting a decisive choice – the stairs to the eighth floor.
Ascending the staircase, Marilene's pace quickens, her legs and lungs burning from the unexpected physical exertion. Each step brings her closer to her destination, and as she pushes through the door onto the eighth floor, an unforeseen obstacle halts her progress: a solid, unyielding mass. Puzzled, she looks up, realizing it's not a brick wall but a man – a remarkably attractive one.
"I'm so sorry, sir. Are you alright?" Marilena stammers, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she takes in the man's bemused expression.
