RUE Seated at the head of the conference table, I glanced over the documents before me as the room buzzed with the low hum of discussion. The board meeting was in full swing, and my attention focused on the upcoming launch of Slumberlux's new product next month. However, my mind was so preoccupied with my conversation with Tysha last night.  Thinking she went home to Charles' house made me go mad so I called her to ease what I was feeling.  She kind of cleared my head a little when she told me she was back in their house. But she did not leave my mind. Even in the middle of our board meeting, all I thought about was her. Damn! As the discussion progressed in the conference room, one of my employees, Alice, stood to present her report. She cleared her throat and began, "Good morning, everyone. I'm here to update you on the status of the material

TYSHA   “So, what’s our lesson for tonight?” Rue asked.   With that, I brought back my focus on my work. I took out my notebook and pen as I stood in front of Rue before I began.   “I noted everything from our last session and I’m glad you made some progress. Even the thing you told me last night, I noted. I just need to ask a few questions about our last session,” I said.   Rue didn’t complain about it. “Fire away.”   “Did you feel any butterflies in your stomach when I initiated the kiss?” I asked.    His forehead wrinkled because of my question.    “What do you mean butterflies? Are your kisses some sort of witchcraft for them to make me feel butterflies in my stomach?” he joked which I didn’t find funny.    I rolled my eyes, and that wiped the sill

RUE   "I saw the flowers you gave to Tysha," Bryse whispered beside me as he selected the golf club he would use.   Even without turning to look at me, I sensed he was addressing me. I pretended not to care, concentrating on choosing my golf club. Yet, in my mind, I couldn't help but wonder how he had seen them.   Had he visited Tysha after our session? Did they talk?   Just contemplating it sparked a surge of annoyance within me.   "And?" I uttered with my usual nonchalant tone.   "You know she's my ex. Don't you respect the bro-code?" His voice carried a hint of irritation as he turned to face me. I could feel the intensity of his angry gaze.   Today, the sun was shining brightly as our grandfathers decided to invite us for a golf game with the Vismonts. It felt like an unintended doub

TYSHA   Charles: Saw your boss having his sweet date with a beautiful lady.   My day was ruined as soon as Charles messaged me with an attached video of Rue and his date the last time on the golf course.    Rue looked so undeniably gorgeous and manly with his navy blue polo shirt and white jeans, exuding charm and confidence. He seemed perfect for the beautiful lady he was with. They kept smiling at each other and if I did not know Rue, I would think they were a couple.    "He said he was turned off by her? Why doesn't his grin tell me the same?" I fumed internally. Liar.   Not to be rude, I replied briefly to Charles’s message.    Me: Nice!    That was what I told him when the truth was his message actually ruined my day. He quickly sent another rid

TYSHA   “What do you want to ride next, Jeff?” I inquired eagerly to Rue’s nephew, wasting no time as we scanned the amusement park for our next adventure.   His eyes sparkled with excitement as he pointed decisively at the formidable silhouette of Thunderbolt, the towering roller coaster.   My heart skipped a beat.     Oh gosh.    It looked super cool with its twisty tracks and loops. However, I felt really scared just thinking about riding it. The screams of the riders were already a great way to know it was not for faint-hearted people like me.    “Are you s-sure?” I asked Jeff for confirmation. I even stammered as nervousness crept within me. “Why not try that one first?”   I tried suggesting a less extreme ride but Rue decided to jump in.