Ivana stepped out of her room, ready for work. She entered the dining room, greeting her parents.
"morning,Mom. Morning, Dad!" Ivana chimed.
Her mom smiled. "Good morning sweetie, hope you slept well."
Ivana poured herself a cup of coffee.
Yes I did,"how about you?"Ivana asked.
"We are fine," her mom replied.
"Prepared already," her dad said.
"Yeah,I have lots of work to tend to," Ivana replied.
Oh, ok.
"Olivia called last night, and we're so excited! She's invited us to her acting show this weekend," her mom said.
"We were just discussing about it when you walked in," Ivana's dad said.
Ivana's interest piqued.
"How's prep going?" Ivana asked.
Her dad nodded.
"Seems promising. Your sister's excited."
Ivana beamed.
"That's amazing!"
"Will you come alongside us," her mom asked.
"I'm definitely going, nothing is stopping me from cheering my little angle Oliv, how about Orion will he be joining us, ivana asked."
"Maybe,I'm not sure you know your brother is taking his finals," her mom responded.
Her mom's expression turned curious.
"Ivana, when will you introduce Keal to us?"
Ivana's cheeks flushed.
"You know about us?" she asked, playful.
Her dad chuckled.
"We do. We'd love to meet him formally."
Ivana grinned mischievously.
"Why don't you bring him to dinner tonight?"
Ivana's eyes sparkled.
"Yes, I'll ask him!"
Her parents exchanged a knowing glance.
"We're looking forward to meeting Keal," her mom said.
Ivana kissed them goodbye.
"Love you, guys! See you tonight!"
With a wave, Ivana headed out to start her day.
***********
Ivana sat at her sleek desk, alongside her assistant, Rachel, and the company's marketing team.
"Alright, let's review our marketing strategy," Ivana said, confidence radiating.
Rachel nodded, distributing reports.
The marketing team gathered around the conference table.
"Key points?" Ivana asked.
"Social media engagement is up 20%," Rachel reported.
"Excellent!" Ivana beamed. "Our campaign's gaining traction."
Tom, creative director, spoke up.
"We should capitalize on this momentum. Fresh content ideas?"
"I agree," Ivana said. "Let's collaborate with influencers."
Alex, marketing analyst, chimed in.
"Data suggests our target audience engages with lifestyle influencers."
"Perfect," Ivana said. "Rachel, reach out to top influencers."
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows.
"Campaign objectives?" Ivana asked.
"Boost brand awareness, drive sales," replied Alex.
"Measurable goals," Ivana emphasized. "Track engagement metrics."
Sarah, social media manager, nodded.
"Already set up. We'll monitor daily analytics."
Ivana smiled.
"Great work, team. Let's execute!"
As the meeting adjourned, Ivana turned to Rachel.
"Schedule a follow-up meeting for tomorrow, no change it to Monday i have plans tomorrow."
Rachel nodded.
"Done!"
Ivana stood, surveying the bustling office.
"Team, keep innovating!"
Rachel approached Ivana.
"Please make a reminder of ,Keal's dinner invitation," for me by 5.
Ivana's face lit up.
Rachel smiled.
"Added."
Ivana headed to her office, eager for tonight.
***********
5:00 PM, Rachel knocked on Ivana's door.
"Reminder, Ivana! The dinner invitation to Keal," Rachel said with a smile.
Ivana's eyes sparkled.
"Time to call Keal!"
Ivana dialed Keal's number.
"Hey, beautiful!" Keal answered.
"Hey! How's your day?" Ivana asked.
"Productive! Just finished a big project," Keal replied.
"Congratulations!" Ivana beamed.
"Thanks! How about you?" Keal asked.
"Busy marketing meeting," Ivana said.
"Sounds intriguing," Keal said.
"I've been thinking," Ivana said, her voice playful.
"What's up?" Keal asked.
"My parents keep asking about you," Ivana replied.
"Oh?" Keal said, curiously.
"They want to meet you," Ivana said.
"When?" Keal asked.
"How about tonight?" Ivana suggested.
"Tonight? Sounds sudden!" Keal chuckled.
"I know, but they're excited!" Ivana exclaimed.
"What time?" Keal asked.
"7 pm?" Ivana asked.
Keal's face lit up with a warm smile.
"Tonight? Sounds sudden, but I love it!" Keal exclaimed.
"Dinner with your parents, huh?" Keal asked, his voice filled with excitement.
"I'm honored!" Keal said.
"What can I expect?" Keal asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
"Relaxed evening, good food, and great company!" Ivana replied.
"Perfect!" Keal said.
"Shall I bring anything?" Keal offered.
"Just yourself!" Ivana laughed.
"Wouldn't miss it!" Keal said.
"I miss you," Keal whispered.
"Miss you too," Ivana replied.
"Can't wait for tonight," Keal said.
"Me neither," Ivana replied.
"See you soon!" Keal said.
"Bye, love!" Ivana replied.
As the call ended, Ivana's heart fluttered.
Rachel poked her head in.
"Everything set?"
Ivana nodded.
"All set! Thanks, Rachel."
With a smile, Ivana began preparing for the special evening.
**********
Ivana arrived home, eager to help her mother prepare dinner.
"Mom, what can I assist with?" Ivana asked.
Her mother smiled. "Setting the table, dear."
As Ivana set the table, her father Liam helped with final touches.
The doorbell rang. Ivana's heart skipped a beat.
"Keal's here!" Liam exclaimed.
Ivana's mother beamed. "Let's welcome him."
Keal stood at the door, flowers in hand.
"Hey, beautiful!" Keal said, handing Ivana roses.
"For me?" Ivana blushed.
"And your mom," Keal added, offering lilies.
Ivana's mother smiled. "Thank you, Keal."
Ivana's father extended his hand.
"Welcome, Keal. We've heard great things."
Keal shook his hand firmly.
"Thank you, Mr Smith. Honored to meet again you."
As they sat down, Ivana's mother began serving dinner.
"We want to thank you for being so supportive of Ivana," her father said.
"Through Leo's attack and hospital stay," her mother added.
"Thank you for being there," Ivana's father said, his voice filled with emotion.
"You've put a genuine smile on our daughter's face," Ivana's mother said.
Keal's eyes sparkled.
"Thank you for trusting me," Keal replied.
"Ivana means everything to me."
Emma spoke up.
"How did you two meet?"
Ivana giggled.
"At work. Keal's marketing expertise impressed me."
Keal chuckled.
"Ivana's passion for her job drew me in."
Ivana's mother smiled.
"You complement each other."
As dinner progressed, laughter filled the room.
As evening fell, Ivana's father stood.
"Thank you, Keal. You've become family."
Ivana's mother nodded.
"We appreciate your love for Ivana."
Keal's voice trembled.
Thanks you for having me in you home Mrs Smith, Keal said.
"Thank you for accepting me."
Don't say.,Emma replied smiling.
Ivana's heart overflowed.
As Keal prepared to leave, Ivana walked him out.
"Tonight meant everything," Keal whispered.
"Mine too," Ivana replied.
Under starry skies, Keal took Ivana's hand, his eyes locked on hers.
"Tonight was unforgettable," Keal whispered.
"I know," Ivana replied, her voice barely audible.
Keal's lips brushed against Ivana's hand in a tender kiss.
Ivana's heart fluttered.
"Goodnight, beautiful," Keal said.
"Goodnight," Ivana replied.
As Ivana turned to leave, Keal's gaze lingered.
Main while in the shadows, a figure watched.
Leo's eyes narrowed, his face twisted in anger.
He retreated into darkness.
Inside, Ivana's mind wandered.
Keal's love filled her heart.
"Ivana, dear, come sit," her mother said.
"How was tonight?" her father asked.
"Perfect," thank you mom, I love you guys so much,Ivana replied.
Her parents exchanged knowing glances.
"We're glad you're happy," her mother said.
Ivana's room was serene.
She reflected on Keal's words.
A smile spread.
Ivana drifted to sleep.
Dreams of Keal filled her mind.
A future together.
No shadows.
Only love.