Anderson stood on the porch of Norah's parents' house, his heart racing as he stared at the door before him. He had gathered all his courage to surprise Norah, even though he knew she might not have any interest in him. As he raised his hand to knock, the door swung open, revealing Norah's surprised parents."Hello," Anderson said hesitantly, shuffling his feet. "I'm Anderson. Is Norah here?""Who are you?" Norah's mother asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously."I'm a friend of Norah's." Anderson swallowed, feeling like an intruder in their home, the all-powerful man's attitude he had slowly fading away at the sight of the stern-looking woman. But he couldn't back down now. "I wanted to surprise her.""Surprise her? And why should we let some stranger into our house?" Norah's father crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed."Please," Anderson pleaded. "I just want to talk to her."Norah's mother looked him up and down before inviting him inside. As they sat in the living room, Norah's fa

As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, Shane-Leo slowly stirred from his slumber. Reaching for his phone, as was his daily ritual, he couldn't help but notice the numerous missed calls and unread messages from his parents. Heaving a deep sigh, he rubbed his face in an attempt to ease the tension that had already begun to build.Debating whether to delve into the messages, Shane-Leo ultimately decided against it, choosing instead to push aside the thoughts that threatened to consume him. Rising from his bed, he made his way to the bathroom, seeking solace in the routine of a cool, refreshing shower.However, as he emerged from the steam-filled sanctuary, the insistent ringing of his phone shattered the momentary tranquility. Shane-Leo's eyes locked on the offending device, and he recognized the caller as his driver. With a heavy sigh, he answered the call."Hello?" Shane-Leo asked softly, his voice tinged wit

Shane-Leo brought the car to a halt outside the laboratory, electing not to enter the facility as he summoned a scientist to his side. The researcher approached, a quizzical expression etched upon his features."Sir?" the scientist inquired, drawing closer to Shane-Leo. "You requested my presence?""Indeed, I did," Shane-Leo confirmed with a curt nod, producing the specimen in question. He extended his arm through the car window, offering the item to the scientist, who accepted it with a tentative hand."To what do I owe this specimen?" the scientist questioned, his curiosity evident as he examined the object before him."There is no need for inquiries," Shane-Leo snapped, annoyance tinging his voice.Recognizing his misstep, the scientist hastened to make amends. "My apologies, sir. What exactly is it that you require?"Shane-Leo released a sigh, his impatience dissipating somewhat as he c

In the tranquility of that morning, Norah was still wrapped in the warm embrace of slumber when her phone suddenly rang, piercing through the silence of the bedroom. Stirring awake, she squinted at the screen, recognizing her parents' number. With a deep sigh, she reluctantly answered the call."What is it, Mother?" Norah asked, a hint of irritation in her voice. "I've told you, I'm doing just fine."Her mother's tone was sharp and disapproving. "You must have lost your mind, young lady. How can you be fine staying at your ex-husband's place? Come back home, for goodness' sake!"Norah groaned, her frustration mounting. "Mother, can you please stop overreacting? Even Father isn't behaving this way. And haven't I told you before? There's something important that I must achieve here with Shane-Leo, so please stop pestering me with your unnecessary calls, insisting that I return. You should be more concerned about my welfare inste

"Is that him?" Anderson inquired, concern lacing his voice.Norah, exasperated, let out a dismissive scoff as she pulled away from him. "You must be out of your mind. Let's go!" She ordered, striding away with purpose.Anderson hastily followed, fishing his car keys from his pocket. "Is that him?" he pressed, doing his best to match her quickening pace.Norah hissed through gritted teeth, "And what if it is? Well, it's not. That doesn't sound like the honk of his car, surely."Together, they settled into Anderson's car and made their way towards Norah's parents' house. The moment they stepped through the door, Norah called out, "Mother!"Her mother, startled by Norah's sudden appearance, flinched before composing herself and approaching her daughter. "Norah, what are you doing here? I thought you said you didn't want to come over.""Not after I heard Dad collapsed,"