Matthew Lancaster, heir to one of Aurora's most influential families, was finishing a long day at work at Lancaster Corp., a world-renowned company specializing in sustainable technology and innovation. Founded by his ancestors, Lancaster Corp. was known for its pioneering advances in clean energy and for leading projects with high environmental and social impact. For Matthew, who was now assuming the presidency, the weight of responsibility and the expectation of maintaining the family legacy were constant in his routine.
After hours of meetings and strategic decisions, he finally left the office and headed home in his luxury sedan. The car moved smoothly through the streets of the bright city, and the silence of the interior offered the tranquility he so desired. However, his rest was interrupted by a soft notification sound. He picked up his cell phone, which displayed the name of his assistant, Daniel.
With a sigh, Matthew answered, keeping his voice firm but relaxed.
"Daniel, good evening. Any urgent news?"
On the other end of the line, Daniel's voice was respectful and professional, but it carried a hint of concern.
"Good evening, Mr. Lancaster. Sorry to bother you at this hour, but I thought I'd let you know now. We've received a partnership proposal from Kinetic Solutions. They'd like to discuss a joint project with Lancaster Corp., something involving a new renewable energy technology."
Matthew frowned in interest.
"Kinetic Solutions? They're good, but... Do they want a partnership or are they trying to merge in disguise?"
Daniel chuckled lightly before answering.
"I'd say their intentions aren't entirely clear yet, sir. They've sent a preliminary document, but it seems they'd like to present a formal proposal at a meeting next week."
Matthew paused, considering.
"Okay. I'll take a look at this document as soon as I can. Schedule the meeting and send me a summary of what we have on them, please. If it's a serious project, I want it ready."
"Perfect, sir. I'll prepare a detailed report for you by tomorrow morning. And one more thing... The meeting with the board about the environmental initiative has been rescheduled for Wednesday."
"Thank you, Daniel. That's all for today. Have a good night."
"Good night, Mr. Lancaster. See you tomorrow."
Matthew ended the call, setting his cell phone down on the side and looking back at the city through the car window.
Changing his route at the last minute, Matthew decided to stop by the market to buy something to prepare for dinner. His routine rarely included this type of casual stop, but the tiredness of the day made him want a home-cooked meal and, who knows, a few moments of peace before a new marathon of meetings and projects.
As he entered the gourmet market, he noticed the elegant and peaceful atmosphere. The impeccably organized shelves displayed fresh, high-quality produce, and the faint aroma of herbs and fruits filled the air. Walking slowly, Matthew walked through the aisles until he reached the cheese section. It was there that his gaze stopped, caught by an unexpected sight.
Among the products on display, a young woman of captivating beauty was attentively examining the cheese options. She seemed completely absorbed, leaning slightly to read the descriptions on the packaging with a concentrated and graceful expression. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her skin had a softness that contrasted with the metallic coldness of the room. She exuded a serene aura, as if she were in her own world. Matthew had never felt so magnetized by someone at first sight.
Observing her discreetly, he felt a new curiosity and a certain enchantment, something he had not experienced since he was very young. With a slight smile, he followed her steps at a safe distance, pretending to look at the products around her while watching her carefully select other ingredients. He watched every movement, from the way she ran her hand along the shelves to the slight tilt of her face as she read the labels. There was a subtle elegance to every gesture, as if everything had a purpose.
When she finally walked towards the cashier and then out of the market, Matthew continued to watch, almost without realizing that she already had a smile on her lips. Her green eyes shone with a curiosity he hadn't felt in a long time. As he got into his car, he stood there for a moment, reflecting on the unexpected sensation that this stranger had awakened.
---
Matthew arrived at his luxurious home, a modern building that exuded elegance and tranquility. As he walked through the door, he sighed with relief, allowing himself a mental break after the long day. The soft lights illuminated the room with a cozy tone, contrasting with the weight of his responsibilities. He carefully left his suit on the hanger and headed to the bathroom.
The sound of the hot water running was comforting, and as the temperature relaxed his muscles, the image of the woman from the market emerged again in his mind. He remembered her clearly: her dark eyes, deep and mysterious, as if they kept secrets; her long dark hair that seemed to dance gently with every movement she made. There was an almost mystical serenity about her, a presence that seemed otherworldly yet intensely alive. He found himself wondering what story she held behind that gaze.
After his shower, Matthew put on a light shirt and went down to the kitchen, determined to prepare something special. It was rare for him to have this time to himself, but today he felt that a home-cooked meal would be the perfect finishing touch to unwind. The kitchen was modern, equipped with the best appliances, and he grabbed some of the fresh ingredients he had bought at the gourmet market.
He began to chop some vegetables, his movements swift and sure, almost as if cooking were a dance that he mastered with grace. The precise slices of the vegetables reflected his meticulous and disciplined nature, a trait he applied to all areas of his life. He remembered the way the stranger at the market examined the produce, so attentive to every detail, and wondered what kind of dish she would prepare in her own kitchen.
As the aroma of dinner wafted through the kitchen, he smiled involuntarily.
After preparing dinner and enjoying it slowly, Matthew went upstairs to his room, where he usually spent time planning the next day or reviewing ongoing projects. This was his personal space, a retreat that, despite its practical function, offered a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The shelves around it displayed business books, philosophy books, and a few family photos, while the soft lighting highlighted the dark wood tones of the furniture. He settled into an armchair near the window, where he had a privileged view of the Aurora lights twinkling in the distance. He turned on his tablet and, with the usual touch, began reviewing financial reports and projections for the upcoming board meeting. However, the words on the screen became a blur, and without realizing it, he let the device rest on his knees. Matthew's green eyes, always so attentive to detail and so shrewd in negotiations, now seemed lost in thought. The image of the woman from the market returned with unexpected intensity. He found himself reliving her every move, every detail, from the way she held the cheeses to the enigmatic sparkle in her dark eyes, and he wondered why, after all, such a brief, ordinary interaction had left such an impression on him. He had met influential, charismatic, and beautiful people throughout his life, but there was something different about this woman, something that escaped his comprehension.
"Why am I thinking about her so much?" he murmured to himself, feeling vulnerable and slightly uncomfortable with his own curiosity.
Normally, he was a focused, practical person who rarely allowed himself to be taken by surprise. However, the memory of her intrigued him, and it left him uncomfortably distracted.