Mike blew out a breath and sat forward, lifting the carved wooden board from beneath the table. He dusted it off with his palm, setting it between them on the porch floor. The little hollows in the board gleamed in the fading light, the smooth pebbles glinting like glass. He reached for the bag beside him and poured more of the colorful stones into each pit."This game, Mancala," Mike began, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, "I travelled all over Africa to learn it well. Played it with kings, chiefs, and old grandmasters. I defeated them all. You'll be a piece of cake for me, boy."Zach said nothing. He simply nodded, his eyes fixed on the board. To Mike, it looked like submission. To Zach, it was focus. A storm of thought moved silently in his head, and a tingle danced at his fingertips. Something about the game stirred a strange familiarity inside him, like the rules weren’t new—they were buried, waiting to be remembered.Mike chuckled and made the first move.The small s

Back in the city, the air around the villa was quiet, almost too quiet for Barbara. She wandered the polished halls, her steps slow and aimless. Her eyes flicked around, not really seeing anything, her mind preoccupied. Something felt off—like a string tugging at her heart from afar. Zach. She hadn’t heard from him all day, and the silence was eating at her.In the large living room, Mary lay sprawled on a white couch, a cozy throw over her legs, half-watching a vibrant opera on the television. The lights were dimmed, giving the room a soft, sleepy glow."Barbara, please come watch this opera with me," Mary called out, her voice tinged with boredom.Barbara blinked out of her thoughts and turned. She walked slowly toward her friend and sat down beside her."Thank you," Mary grinned, sitting upright. "Not just for coming to keep me company tonight, but for those delicious meals you made earlier. Honestly, I feel spoiled."Barbara forced a smile. "I’m glad you liked them. But you shoul

Sir Jones took a step forward, taking the herb gently from Zach’s hand. He inspected it closely, rubbing a leaf between his fingers, then lifted it to his nose and inhaled faintly.His lips parted slightly.“This is it,” he said, voice laced with awe. “You found the Ashen Myrrh.”Daniella released the breath she’d been holding, her legs nearly giving way as she leaned against the wooden railings of the porch.Mike looked away, jaw clenched tight.Zach exhaled softly, relief and pride washing through him. He turned and locked eyes with Daniella, offering a small nod.Sir Jones’s eyes twinkled as he patted Zach firmly on the back, his voice rich with pride. “You did well, son. Exceptionally well.”For the first time since they arrived, Old Mike’s lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. “I will be damned,” he chuckled, the lines on his weathered face softening. “I truly didn’t think you’d pull it off.”Daniella blinked in surprise. “Wait—you’re actually smiling, and saying that?”Sir Jo

The room was quiet, save for the soft creaks of the old wooden floor beneath Barbara's feet. She stepped in, her eyes slowly sweeping across the space. It was smaller than she imagined, with faded wallpaper curling at the edges and a lone ceiling fan spinning lazily above. It wasn't much, but she didn't mind the size. That wasn't what bothered her. What really gnawed at her was knowing that Zach would be spending the night on a couch that looked like it hadn't seen a pillow in years."Why didn't he just stay back in the city?" she thought bitterly. "He could've been in his comfy bed, in his well-decorated villa, not... here."Her gaze shifted subtly toward Daniella, who was folding a blanket over the narrow bed, her movements precise, almost rehearsed."What if he wasn't dragged here by Daniella? What if he had his own reason for coming? Something strong enough to leave the city behind?"Barbara's lips tightened."There," Daniella finally said, turning to her with a half-smile. "We c

Zach inhaled and stated. "You’re in charge of my finances—because I’m your bank’s top-tier client. Nothing more. You’re beginning to act... differently. It’s unappealing.”Barbara’s breath hitched. Ouch.She swallowed hard, masking the hurt behind a blank face. “My apologies, Zach.”He gave a short nod.Barbara turned, walking away as he drove off. She reached the door, but her legs wobbled. Her lips trembled before the first tear slipped down her cheek. She whimpered, hand clutching the doorframe for support.Turning her head, she caught the final glimpse of his car disappearing into the street.The door swung open.“Barbara?” Phoebe’s voice was startled. “What happened?”Barbara sniffled, brushing her tears quickly. “It’s nothing,” she lied, stepping in.“Nothing?” Phoebe followed, closing the door behind her. “Girl, you’re crying.”Barbara shook her head and collapsed onto the couch, curling into herself. “He said… I’m unappealing.”Phoebe’s eyes widened. “He what?”“I know… I shou