Karl's eyes darted open in shock. Where is he? His blurry vision finally settled around his surroundings. White walls, the gentle sound of the air conditioner, the clicking of keyboards in the corner, and that noisy printer in the farthest end of the office…‘Where am I?’ He thought. “Come on, Mr. Karl! What were you going to do? We can see a ring box in your hand!” Karl finally took a glance around to see that he wasn't alone. He was surrounded by faces, faces of people he knew all too well. Faces of people who worked for Melody..He glanced down at his hands, he was indeed holding a ring box and a bouquet of flowers. It all felt too familiar, like he'd been here before. He was dying moments ago! Hell, he thought he was dead already but..Karl glanced down at his hands, he was here. Real. In flesh. What the hell happened?! Melody folded her arms, her brows creased. “I hope he's not trying to propose to me!” She said out loud, loud enough for Karl to hear and draw his attention to

Karl exhaled, he had expected his old man to end the call as soon as he heard his voice. For a moment he was silent, unable to speak. “What is this? A breathing competition?” Grandpa Maxwell scoffed. “Talk boy, I don't have all day.” Karl chuckled, he had no idea how much he missed his old man until now.”im doing fine thanks for asking.” Maxwell tuts, “If you ain't, you wouldn't be calling me, no?” Karl sighed. “I lost.” A beat of silence.“Lost what?” “Our bet.” Karl admitted. “Ypu were right.” Maxwell exhaled on the other end, he didn't need to rob it in. He could tell his boy had gone through some serious eye opening.“I'll have one of my drivers pick you up.” “No.” Karl said, “I'll meet you at the office.” Maxwell sighs, “Very well. I'm expecting you.” ~~~~The role from the company down to the Maxwell Empire was all he needed to get his shit together. Karl stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of Maxwell Holdings, hands clasped beh

The elevator doors slid open soundlessly, revealing a space that felt nothing like the apartment Karl had just left behind.He stepped forward slowly, the wheels of his suitcase rolling across polished marble floors that reflected the lighting overhead. The penthouse was quiet, there was nobody watching the television at a ridiculously high volume, no one yelling at him and asking what's for dinner, nor did he have this eerie feeling at the back of his mind that he might not be wanted or needed at all. Instead of addressing it, he had turned the feeling into fuel for his drive to please Melody even more. Karl walked deeper into the penthouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the far wall, offering an uninterrupted view of the city below, its lights beginning to glow as evening settled in. The height made everything feel distant, as though the chaos of the streets had been intentionally placed far out of reach.Karl stopped a few steps away from the wall of glass and exhal

The charity gala had always been Melody’s dream.From her dress, to her hair, necklace and accessories, it's all been planned out months in advance. She had to look her best, there was no negotiation on that. The venue was grand in a way that wasn't excessive; high ceilings washed in warm light, marble floors polished, tables dressed in white linen with centerpieces that spoke quietly of money rather than screaming it.Everything about the charity gala tells you this is no place for mediocre people. Melody wore an emerald gown that fitted perfectly, the fabric catching the light with every step she took. Her hair fell over one shoulder and the diamonds at her ears were small but unmistakably expensive, a gift from Karl.Caden walked beside her, his hand resting at the small of her back as though he belonged there, as though he had earned the right to touch her like this in a room full of eyes.They were noticed immediately.Heads turned, conversations paused just long enough to regi