27

I walked through the front doors of my office building, I felt a sense of anticipation and excitement. It was like I was starting a new chapter, ready to take on whatever the day might bring.

I greeted the security guard with a smile, and he returned my smile, wishing me a good morning. I stepped into the elevator, and as the doors closed, I felt a sense of anticipation and purpose.

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out into the bustling, energetic atmosphere of the office. I felt invigorated by the energy around me, and I couldn't wait to get started on my tasks for the day.

I entered my office, then sat down on my leather chair as I pulled up my to-do list. There were plenty of things to keep me busy, but I felt up to the challenge. I was ready to take on anything that came my way.

My fingers flew across the keyboard, and I felt a sense of flow, as my work became effortless and enjoyable.

"Good morning, Ma'am!" Anita greeted, her tone surprised by my upbeat mood. I turned to her with a big smile and gave her a warm greeting.

"Good morning, Ani!" I said, my voice cheerful and friendly. "How are you doing today?" She looked at me, clearly puzzled by my sudden change in demeanour.

"I'm... I'm good," she said, a slight hesitation in her voice.

"I'm glad to hear it!" I said, still smiling. "I have a feeling it's going to be a great day! So what's my schedule for today?”

Anita kept glancing at me with a perplexed expression on her face. I could tell she was trying to figure out what had happened to make me so happy,

“You seem extra happy, today,” she asked, “ did we win a deal?” She asked making me laugh,

“Deal? No…just happy.” I replied, and she looked at me, not buying my reply. She turned hesitantly to the tablet in her hand as she read out my schedule, still stealing glances at me in confusion.

"You have a meeting with the board of directors at 9 am, and then a lunch meeting with the marketing team at 12," she read from my schedule, her voice sounding uncertain. I smiled at her, trying to put her at ease.

"I've got it all under control!" I said, my voice exuding confidence.

"No need to worry!" She looked at me confused, and I could tell she was beginning to relax. "Thanks for putting me at ease," she said, giving me a grateful smile. I smiled back, glad to have helped her feel better.

“Ok. You can get me the Apex transport files now.” I said to her, she spoke for a while, unsure then turned to leave.

I breathe out collapsing on my chair, as I twirl it around,

“Arthur, you've successfully turned me into a crazy person.” I smiled.

…….

As the day went on, I kept up my positive attitude, greeting each person I encountered with a smile and a cheerful word. My staff began to notice the change in my demeanour, and some of them even commented on it.

"I don't know what's gotten into you today, but it's a nice change!" Anita had said to me after the meeting with the marketing team, with a smile on her face. I smiled back, not wanting to divulge the strange events of the previous night.

"I guess I'm just in a good mood!" I said, laughing.

The day finally came to an end, I stood up to pack up so I could go home and prepare for Anderson's gala. The door opened, and Anita walked in with a branded paper bag,

“This is it. The owner sent this just now to the office.” She says, I wasn't able to pick it up at the mall, during the dark.

I smiled, “Thank you, Anita. You should get going now” I said to her.

“Ma'am, are you sure you will_” I immediately cut her off,

“I'll be fine. You should go on that date with your boyfriend.” I said, making her eyes pop.

*Yes I heard you. You weren't necessarily quiet during lunch” I teased, making her feel embarrassed.

*Now that's embarrassing” she gasps quietly rubbing her forehead.

“It's fine,” I said to her, she raised her glance at me,

“Okay then, if you say so. Do take care, Ma'am.” She says as turned and left the office.

I stepped out of the building, I saw my driver standing next to the car, looking impeccable as always. He gave me a nod and a smile as I approached.

"Good evening, Ma'am," he said, opening the car door for me.

I got in, and he closed the door, before walking around to the driver's seat. I settled back in my seat and looked out the window. The driver started the car, and we pulled away from the office, heading home.

The car turned onto my street, and I felt a sense of familiarity and comfort wash over me. I looked out the window, taking in the sights and sounds of my Estate.

The car pulled up to my house, and I got out, my heart feeling full. I walked up to the front door and opened it, the smell of home filling my senses. I stepped inside, a

“Nanny, I'm home!!” I called but got no response, taking off my shoes,

“Nanny?!” I called again but this time got no answer,

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow moving in the kitchen. I turned my head, and there it was, a shadow that was slowly moving across the room. I couldn't make out any features, it was simply a dark silhouette against the wall.

I felt my heart begin to race, and I held my breath, waiting to see what would happen next. Would the shadow move closer? Would it speak? I had so many questions, and no answers. I was frozen in place, my mind racing with possibilities.

Then, the shadow began to change, growing taller and thinner. I could see a chiselled jawline and a broad chested man.

"Arthur? I called but got no response.

My heart skipped a beat,

"Where's everybody?

I looked up again to see him coming out of the kitchen with a cup of water in his hands,

My eyes widened in surprise as I saw him standing there. He was the last person I expected to see, and yet here he was, in my home, looking at me with an expression I couldn't quite place.

He was wearing a dark suit, his shirt crisp and white, and his tie neatly knotted. His shoes were polished to a shine, and his hair was neatly combed.

But, it was his smile that caught my attention. It was a soft, gentle smile, not the confident grin I was used to seeing. It was almost as if he was nervous, or unsure of himself. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something was different about him, and it made me feel uneasy. I stood there, frozen in place, unable to move or speak.

“Auden?”

He looked at me, his grin slowly fading, and then he took a sip of water from a glass that had appeared in his hand. As he did so, he began to fade away, turning into a mist that swirled around the room and then disappeared.

I stood there, stunned, my heart pounding in my chest.

What happened? Why is Auden here and not Arthur?

I couldn't believe my eyes, and I wasn't sure if I had just imagined it all. I sank down to the floor, my head spinning with questions and confusion.

“Hey! Are you okay,” he rushed to me, trying to stand me up, but I immediately drifted back, still in shocked,

“Why are you here?

I managed to say, searching his face, trying to read his emotions, but I couldn't figure out what he was thinking or feeling. I opened my mouth, about to speak, but then I hesitated, not knowing what to say.

“To take you to the gala. And what's with Arthur?” He asked, I felt my whole world crumble instantly.

“I'm finished.”

"What do you mean 'here to take me to the gala'?" I uttered in disbelief and annoyance.

"What do you mean 'what do I mean'?" He said with a confused look on his face. "Are you ready to go"?