By the time she had completed the romance book, the day had passed away, but her heart was content. Books were vital as they brought knowledge and showed the perspective of things she'd never have thought otherwise.
"To be so vulnerable," she whispered, gazing out the window. Romance is about more than just about two people falling in love, at least not in the long term. It was the initial stage of 'After Four Seasons' that was crucial. The ability to compromise for the other person's sake, bringing the beautiful and the ugly but always able to enjoy each other's companionship.
Feeling gloomy and surrounded by her thoughts, Helle stepped out of her room and roamed around the house. It was a two-story house with wide rooms and hallways. As she passed by each door, she made sure to knock and then peep through.
Next to her room was a guest lounge and a fireplace room. At the end of the hallway was a door that didn't open even after she turned the knob.
"So stubborn," she signed and went to the door next to it. It opened right away, and a cool gust of wind hit her face directly. It was a balcony with a private egg chair stand and even a mini bar!
~
[at the factory]
Orion had arrived at the newly opened factory for the upcoming business venture "Kazahana" (a flurry of snow in the clear sky). The initial product designs for the new year's launch were all laid neatly on the table.
There were a few yearly planners, some calendars that denoted the cycle of the moon, and some calendars even featured constellation designs as well. Featuring the matching set of notepads, planners, and even pens and purses, Orion was pleased.
"Sir, as suggested, we have used the online platform as the marketing tool for the first launch. Many of the customers are exhilarated." The production manager implored. He had a cool stance, and having been in the business for so long, he knew the tactics for such markets.
"Eh. Keep up the good work, Mr. Watanabe." Orion raised his hand for a handshake and, collecting the samples for the launch in the new year, he left to see the in-depth process. It had been more than twenty-four hours since he had last slept, but for the time being, he couldn't slack off.
The staff were meticulous, and after an in-depth inspection where no errors were found, he left for the airport.
"Hello," Liam greeted. His volume was low and hoarse.
"Yes, how are you, Liam?" Orion asked while still typing on his laptop. The new projects of the upcoming confectionary launch were all forwarded to him, and so his email was filled with reviews and rejections.
"Exceptionally well, since you deported me to this stranded town. How about you?" Liam had a dry sarcasm with a hint of fury, which was expected.
"Remarkably well considering how many curses you've sent in my name." He replied, which earned an eye roll from Liam.
"Tsk, brute. Also, the case of Lorraine Chevalier is barely getting progressed at the speed of a fucking snail. Moreover, Sylvian has also filed a case against her since she had physically harmed Anton. It seems that I won't attend your engagement."
The clicks of the keyboard could be heard on the other side of the call. Although the projects sent were ambitious and had very few flaws, they weren't "amazing" or "new.". It was a reused concept, and thus, every single project had been rejected.
"I reject that," and so Orion simply cut off the call while Liam clicked his tongue and got back to his work. Since he worked for Orion, who was his friend, although younger by three years, they shared a bond of brotherhood.
~
[The theme: romance of a businesswoman in a men's world and a teacher]
"The Lens: Psychoanalytic and Feminist"
'On the first page, we are revealed that the female protagonist is a businesswoman venturing into an ambitious world. Her gaze is held high, and she meets with many leading corporations to expand her business, but in the later part of the chapter we are given a few more details regarding her identity.'
"Clack," the door opened, and while Helle, who was busy writing her short analytics, was interrupted, her gaze met with tired Orion, who was dressed in his casual night pyjamas. The whistles of the leaves were strong, and Orion walked in.
"Welcome back," she hesitantly spoke while keeping her head latched to her notebook.
"Eh." Acknowledging her greeting, Orion simply bent down and took out two wine glasses and wine from the mini refrigerator. Closing it, he placed it on the table and opened the cork. He was aware of her presence, as his ears were quick to notice the stagnant pen.
"Would you like to have some?" He asked while pouring the wine into a cup, not meeting her eye.
Helle peeped at him and then at the table. The wine was unlike anything she had drank; the packaging itself was incredibly aesthetic and appealing, and so she replied, "Sure." A little bit of wine harmed no one, right?
While she cozily had herself cocooned inside the egg chair, Orion brought the wine to her. It was a fancy white wine with an aromatic fragrance. She leaned back and took a few sips. The mellow bitterness entered her lips, and as they left the taste buds, it left a hint of sweetness behind.
Meanwhile, Orion sat on the couch while savouring his favourite wine. It was his sole place in the entire house. It was slightly irksome, but she was his partner, so he couldn't be harsh on her.
"What are you writing down?" He asked while closing his eyes, aware of her presence once again. Quick to hear the sharp inhale. Letting the cold breeze through the cells and feeling nature. With such a hectic lifestyle, there were very few times when he'd freely enjoy.
"A book analytic for this book I just finished reading today," her lips were still attached to the wine glass. Soaking in the sweetness while the silence surrounded them once again. Her eyes were brimming with captivated emotions and a hazy mind.