Chapter 6: The roles had changed

M.B studios

In the conference room, a young designer stood beside a white screen, clicking through slides of elegant sketches

“As you can see” she said, gesturing toward a flowing midnight blue gown” this design represents our next launch, under the Ethereal Grace line. It’s bold, sophisticated and handcrafted from imported silk…symbolizing strength through softness

Maya sat at the head of the long glass table, her hands folded neatly in front of her as she nodded approvingly

"Good work, everyone," she said finally, "I want the final samples ready by next week. Schedule a fitting session for the models, and make sure marketing gets a preview before Friday"

"Yes, ma'am," the team said in unison before beginning to pack up.

When the room finally cleared, Maya gathered her notes and walked down the hall toward her office.

She had barely sat down when a soft knock sounded on the door. Her assistant, Lila, peeked in.

"Ma'am, sorry to disturb you. Mr. Kaelston came by earlier... he's asking to see you."

Maya didn't look up from the folder she was signing.

"Tell him I'm not interested in seeing him" she said evenly. "And if he comes again, the same applies"

Lila nodded quickly. "Understood." Then she slipped out, closing the door behind her.

**************

By evening, the office was silent. Maya pushed open the glass doors, the night air brushing against her face as she stepped outside the building

Then she froze.

Noah stood by the entrance, his shirt slightly wrinkled

"Maya," he said, his voice rough. "Please. Just talk to me"

Her grip tightened on her purse. "I'm sorry, Mr. Kaelston" she replied " I don't have that kind of time"

When she tried to walk past him, he caught her wrist. She jerked it free immediately.

Before he could say another word, a deep voice cut through the tension.

"Maya."

She turned and there was Axel. Leaning casually against a black car, dressed in a dark suit that caught the glow of the streetlights.

Her lips curved into a faint smile. She didn't even glance back at Noah as she walked toward Axel.

"Why are you here?" she asked, surprised but clearly not unhappy to see him.

"Let’s have dinner," he said simply, straightening from the car.

She tilted her head, mischief glinting in her eyes "How about something else?"

His brow lifted slightly. "Such as?"

Instead of answering, she plucked the car keys from his hand and smiled.

"Hop in”

He chuckled under his breath but didn't argue. As she slid into the driver's seat, he gave one last look at Noah…standing alone before joining her inside.

The engine roared softly, and the car pulled away.

Noah stood there, watching the car disappear down the road. A dull ache twisted in his chest.

His mind flickered to a different evening, years ago when she had waited outside his company building.

They were supposed to have dinner that night. She stood by the curb, clutching her small bag,

Then he came out—laughing with Mike and a few colleagues. He had barely looked at her.

Then he sent a message to her; Take the bus home. I'm busy tonight.

Now, as he stood in the same spot, it hit him. The roles had changed.