Azalea sat in the back seat of the car, dressed impeccably in her tailored suit. Her face was vibrant, accentuated by a touch of makeup that concealed the dark circles under her eyes caused by a lack of sleep over the past week. Despite her lively appearance, her eyes betrayed a slight frown as she winced in pain.
"Ray, do you know how I got this bruise? I can't remember hitting it with anything." Azalea could feel the cold sensation of pain on her skin, the bruise itching as it repeatedly rubbed against the top of her heels.
"You bruised yourself? Why didn't you say so? We could have shown it to the doctor when we were at the hospital," Ray slowed the car down, looking for a way to turn back towards the hospital.
"It's nothing serious; I was just curious. Lately, I seem to be forgetting a lot of things, so I thought you might know about it." Azalea pursed her lips and turned to look out the window.
"If it's serious, we can go back. We still have time for the meeting," Ray looked at her through the rearview mirror.
"No need. We can't waste any more time. I'll show it to the doctor when we return in the evening," Azalea said, glancing at her foot, painted purple with the bruise, lost in thought.
Cooper rushed to the hospital to pick up Orion for his signing event, but he found him fast asleep on the couch. Across from him, there was a woman with pallid skin and greyish-black hair sleeping on the bed, with monitors beeping continuously. Cooper tiptoed closer to Orion and gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.
"Orion, wake up!" he whispered urgently, not wanting to delay the important event. His job was on the line, and he couldn't afford to be late.
The sudden touch startled Orion, and he jerked awake, looking at Cooper with a hostile gaze, ready to attack. His eyes were bloodshot and sleepy, and he was already on edge before his day had even started.
"Why are you waking me up so early?" Orion grumbled, rubbing his eyes and stretching.
"The signing event is at one. We need to get back to the company so you can get ready," Cooper replied, keeping his voice low.
Orion sighed heavily, clearly displeased at the prospect of working again after barely getting any sleep. He got up slowly, walked to his mother's bedside, and stroked her forehead gently.
"Mom, I'm leaving. I'll be back tonight. Don't miss me too much," he said, his voice suddenly warm and affectionate. He glanced at her one last time before turning back to Cooper and leaving the room. Cooper followed, closing the door quietly so as not to disturb the woman's rest.
"Wait! You can't go out like this!" Cooper caught up to Orion and held onto his arm, offering him a cap and a mask. Orion half heartedly reached out to the cap but he suddenly winced in pain as he lifted his arm to take the cap. A sudden surge of pain ran down his shoulder, causing him to let out a groan and grab onto it. Cooper immediately looked worried and asked, "What happened?"
Orion kept his eyes closed and a frown appeared on his face, the face of the woman sleeping on his shoulder and snoring calmly appeared before his eyes making his shudder and He grumbled under his breath, "She must have had a sound sleep!" clearly annoyed.
Cooper couldn't catch his grumble and asked again, but Orion was in no mood to repeat himself. He took the cap from Cooper with his other hand and put it on before holding onto his shoulder and kneading it slowly.
Concerned, Cooper urged him to get checked by a doctor while they were still at the hospital. But Orion completely ignored his nagging and walked quickly towards the exit, trying to get out of the hospital as fast as possible.
.....................................
Asher Grimshaw was getting ready for what appeared to be a simple meeting, but from the way he was dressed, one could easily mistake it for a grand affair. He stood before the mirror, admiring his reflection in a perfectly tailored waistcoat that accentuated his broad shoulders and slim waist. His greyish silver hair was swept back neatly, giving him an air of sophistication and charm. His tie was beautifully placed around his neck, adding to the overall elegance of his attire.
As the maid walked into his room with his jacket, she couldn't help but steal a gaze from him. Asher's eyes met hers through the reflection in the mirror, and she felt a sudden rush of desire. He opened his arms, silently inviting her to put the jacket on him. The maid approached him, feeling her heart racing as she placed the jacket on his shoulders. She felt a shiver run down her spine as her hands grazed over his broad chest.
Once the jacket was on, she began to button it up, moving closer to him with each button. Asher could feel her breath on his neck, and he knew she was trying to entice him. He turned around, facing her, and their eyes locked in an intense gaze. He could see the desire in her eyes, and it was clear that she wanted him.
Asher traced his hand over her chin, lifting it seductively. It was his signature move, one that always left women breathless. The maid retreated, leaning against the wall, with an innocent look that only added to her allure. Asher took a step closer, his eyes fixed on her lips. He could feel the tension building between them, the air thick with desire.
But then, something changed. Asher's brows stiffened, and he paused for a moment. It was as if he was fighting an inner battle, torn between his desires and something else. He shook his head lightly, as if trying to shake off his inner conflict, and leaned in for a kiss.The maid closed her eyes and waited for him to make his move but instead of his lips something narrow was slipped in between her lips causing her teeth to bite onto it. She was confused and parted her eyes slowly only to find a red rose in her lips and no sign of Asher.
The rose was one of Asher's signature flowers, owning one was like having a priceless gem because it cost a tone. For someone to receive it from Asher meant something deep a meaning he rarely shared but people did know that he would come back for the person who received it and that was enough for the maid.