"A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and a man cannot live without love."
- Max Muller
Olivia Bennett
As the cool air gently brushed against my skin, I stirred from my slumber, slowly becoming aware of my surroundings. Looking around, I realized that I was in a familiar room, but it wasn't the one I had been staying in for the past week or two. Instead, I found myself in the room I had used during my time at Aaron's penthouse.
With a gentle swipe, I cleared the blur from my vision, allowing my eyes to focus on the folded white paper placed on the table beside the bed. Curiosity piqued, I reached for it and unfolded the note, revealing a message from Aaron.
Thank you for dinner, there's a gift waiting on the island for you. Out for business but I'll be back soon.
Love,
Aaron
I smiled stupidly at the scribbled note and slipped it into the drawer, never intending to lose it.
I stretched my limbs above my head, relishing the sensation as I climbed out of bed, ready to face whatever the day had in store for me. Thankfully, it was Saturday, granting me a reprieve from work. I welcomed this day as an opportunity for a much-needed mental reset, allowing myself the space to rejuvenate after the events of yesterday.
Letting out a yawn, I made my way into the kitchen, where a beautiful bouquet of pink tulips awaited me. The vibrant flowers brought a touch of color to the room, catching my attention. Attached to the bouquet was another small note, piquing my curiosity further.
P.S.
The steak tasted horrible because lemons are the key ingredient.
As I read Aaron's note, a burst of laughter escaped from deep within me. His playful words struck a chord, reminding me of the dinner swap we had orchestrated the previous night. I couldn't help but find amusement in the situation, laughing not only at Aaron's note but also at myself for instigating the change in our meals.
Noticing that the coffee pot was still full and the liquid inside was hot, I seized the opportunity and poured myself a mug of coffee. With determination, I made up my mind that today would be the day I rekindled my love for reading. Carrying my mug, I settled into the comfortable seat of the large bay window, allowing my gaze to sweep over the picturesque view of the city. Opening the pages of a captivating dark romance novel, I delved into the story, ready to lose myself in its pages.
❁
Startled by the sudden sound of the door, I looked up from my book as Aaron entered the penthouse. He dropped his case and keys onto the small table in the foyer, appearing weary as he closed his eyes and let out a long breath. It took a moment before he noticed my presence, his gaze shifting towards me.
"What are you reading?" he asked, his curiosity evident despite the fatigue he carried from his long day. I smiled at his genuine interest in my book, appreciating his willingness to engage in conversation despite his own weariness.
"Just a book from your shelf," I replied, gesturing towards the expansive shelves that adorned the entire wall. The shelves were filled with a diverse collection of literature, and I had taken the liberty of exploring them to find something captivating to read.
He offered me a brief smile before disappearing into the kitchen, his figure moving behind the cabinets. I could hear a few of them opening and closing, and then he reemerged, holding a mug in his hands. It seemed he had taken the opportunity to fetch something for himself as well.
As he joined me at the bay window, he placed his mug of coffee next to mine. "Layla told me you took the day off today," he remarked, a note of curiosity in his voice. It seemed that Layla had shared with him my decision to have a day to myself.
"I thought it would be good to give myself a little break since I've been working every day this week," I admitted, acknowledging the need to recharge. "Besides, I have a busy week coming up," I added, aware of the tasks and responsibilities awaiting me. He joined me in admiring the captivating city view, his gaze fixed on the panorama outside.
"You know," he started, a nostalgic tone in his voice. "You used to sit by my bedroom window, watching the birds as they frequented our birdhouse. It was always such a delightful sight." He chuckled, reminiscing about the fond memory, and I couldn't help but laugh along, sharing in the joy of that shared experience.
Savoring the warmth of my coffee, I placed the mug back next to his. "There's something truly captivating about nature and the Earth," I expressed, my voice filled with appreciation. "So many diverse people and things coexisting in harmony." As I spoke, I noticed the smile that graced his face, and it warmed my heart. Observing him watching me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. His presence and his gaze were truly a beautiful sight to behold.
As we basked in the beauty of the view, an unexpected pain jolted through my stomach, causing me to spring up from the window seat. Instinctively, I clutched the area just below my rib cage, attempting to ease the discomfort.
"What's wrong?" Aaron's voice resonated with genuine concern as he rose from the seat, swiftly reaching out to support me by my arm. His touch provided a comforting anchor as I struggled to manage the pain.
"I... I don't know," I managed to say, my words slurred as I struggled to maintain my balance. The dizziness overwhelmed me, and I could feel my consciousness slipping away. It became clear that I was on the verge of fainting, with only moments remaining before I would lose consciousness.
With a frightened expression on his face, Aaron aided me in standing, urging me to hold on. Carefully, he guided me back to the window seat, ensuring I was safely seated. Without wasting a moment, he rushed to his cellphone, dialing the emergency number 9-1-1 to seek immediate assistance.
Shaking my head, I weakly protested, "No, don't. It's fine." Despite my attempts to downplay the situation, I knew deep down that I was far from okay, and Aaron recognized it too. I leaned against the window trim, attempting to manage the pain coursing through my torso, though it felt overwhelming and hard to contain.
"Aaron," I managed to whisper between shallow breaths, my voice strained. "I need to get to..." Before I could finish my sentence, Aaron swiftly scooped me up in his arms, cradling me gently as he carried me towards the elevator. Resting my head against his chest, I realized how drained my energy had become. My vision blurred, and I struggled to keep my eyes open, blinking rapidly. A sense of weariness washed over me, threatening to pull me into unconsciousness, but I fought against it. I didn't want to surrender to sleep just yet.