A single ray of sunlight peeked through the window curtain, gently touching Timika's face. She opened her eyes, then closed them again, enjoying the familiar smell of aftershave and tobacco in the air. The scent was strong, but comforting, like a warm hug she was used to. When she tried to get up, she felt a gentle pressure on her waist, reminding her of her partner's presence. Timika closed her eyes and wondered if she would ever get used to this part of their morning routine. The soft light and comforting smell made her feel warm and close to her partner, but the gentle pressure on her waist made her feel a bit trapped.

As Timika set the glasses on the table, she heard the familiar sound of footsteps coming closer. "Good morning," she whispered, watching him sit across from her, just like he did every morning.

"Good morning," he replied, flashing a warm smile that could make any woman's heart skip a beat. But for Timika, it was a smile she had seen every day for the past year, and it no longer had the same effect.

"Are you still in pain?" he asked, taking a sip of the warm milk she had poured for him. Timika's cheeks turned bright red as she nervously cleared her throat and shook her head.

"I took some medicine for my period," she replied, forcing a big bite of bacon into her mouth. "That's good," he said briefly, and they continued with their breakfast routine.

~that same day at the office~

Timika sat down restlessly on the sofa near the window in her office, her light brown eyes staring out the window at nothing in particular. Everything seemed so old and familiar, like a repetitive routine. She felt like she was stuck in a rut.

Just then, a slight knock came from the door, followed by a creak. A young, fair-skinned lady in a royal blue suit walked in, carrying an envelope. "Ms. Jones, we received an email from the landlord," she began, but Timika cut her off.

"Leave it on my desk," she said, still staring out the window. "And make me a hot black coffee." The assistant nodded and left, closing the door behind her.

As the door closed, Timika closed her eyes she was trying so hard not to think of her company recent failure in business,but it kept hauting her every moment,she couldn't shake it off, a new advertising company was launched and there seem to be more capable with their beautiful designs and Innovative strategies, making Timika's company look outdated and ineffective. She felt a pang of frustration and disappointment, wondering how she could turn things around ,to worse it all she owed alot of debts now ,she had to pay her workers the landlord and

The bank loan that was looming over her head like a dark cloud. Timika's mind was racing with thoughts of financial struggles and the weight of responsibility. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of debt and uncertainty. Just then, her assistant walked back in with a cup of steaming hot coffee and a curious expression. "Ms. Jones, I know this might not be the best time, but I have an idea that could help the company."

Timika raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "What is it?" she asked, taking a sip of her coffee.

The assistant hesitated, then blurted out, "I think we should partner with the new technology company,it was launched two days ago and so far has no advertising company."

Timika's eyes widened as she considered the idea. Partnering with a new technology company could be a bold move, but it could also be exactly what her company needed to stay relevant. She thought about the innovative strategies and fresh ideas that the new company could bring to the table. It was a risk, but it could be a game-changer.

"Tell me more," she said, her mind racing with possibilities.

The assistant smiled, "I knew you'd see it, Ms. Jones. We could offer them a collaboration, a joint project that showcases both our companies' strengths. We could help them with advertising and marketing, and they could help us with technology and innovation. It would be a win-win situation."

Timika nodded, determination etched on her face. "Let's do it. Let's make it happen." She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new, something that would bring her company back to life.

The assistant beamed, "I'll get in touch with them right away, Ms. Jones. I'll set up a meeting for tomorrow."

Timika nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. She knew that this was a chance to turn things around, to prove to herself and everyone else that she still had what it took to succeed. She was ready to take on the challenge, to make it happen.

As the assistant left the room, Timika felt a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to make this work, no matter what it took. She was going to prove to herself and everyone else that she was still a force to be reckoned with. She was going to turn her company around, and she was going to make it thrive.

\*\*\*\*

At home

Timika took a deep breath a she soakes her whole body into the warm water,As she sank into the warm water, Timika felt her muscles relax and her mind unwind. The stress and anxiety of the day melted away, and she closed her eyes, letting out a gentle sigh. The water enveloped her like a warm hug, soothing her tired body and calming her racing thoughts. She felt her breath slow and deepen, and her mind began to quiet, like a still pond on a windless day.

As she lay there, Timika's thoughts turned to the conversation with her assistant earlier that day. She thought about the new technology company and the potential partnership. She thought about the possibilities and the risks. And she thought about her own determination and drive to succeed.

The hot steam of the water swirled around her like a fiery aura. Minutes ticked by, and she lay motionless in the tub, breathing steadily and calmly. Time stood still, and the world outside faded away.

About thirty minutes later, Alexander pressed the doorbell for the fourth time, his eyes fixed on his watch: 8:25 pm. He wondered where his wife could be, as she was usually home by now. "Where is she?" he thought, his mind racing with possibilities. He had tried calling her, but there was no connection. He pulled out his phone to call her again, ringing the doorbell repeatedly.

Timika's eyes snapped open like a firework, and she quickly grabbed the towel on the bathroom hanger. She wrapped her body in the towel and dashed out of the bathroom to the room, her phone ringing loudly alongside the doorbell. She couldn't believe she had dozed off in the tub, not that it was the first time. She looked at the phone and the door, unsure which one to attend to first. "Okay, I'll check who's at the door first, and then I can take the call later," she thought.

Timika opened the door with an apologetic smile, "I was—" but Alexander cut her off,

"Are you alright? Did something happen?" He paused mid-sentence as he took in her appearance. "Were you bathing?" he asked, his voice sounding emotionless and flat.

That question was like a firecracker to Timika, who was wrapped only in a small towel, water still dripping from her head to toe. Her dewy brown eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Since they got married, she had never appeared naked before him. Though they were married, they had been living like strangers, never intimate in any way. Her appearing half-nude before him was foreign to her, and she felt like a deer caught in headlights.

Alexander's expression remained neutral, his eyes fixed on her with a hint of curiosity, but no emotion. Timika felt a surge of embarrassment and quickly moved to cover herself, her cheeks burning with shame.

"I...I fell asleep in the tub," she stammered, her voice barely audible.

Alexander nodded once, his gaze never wavering. "I'll wait for you in the living room," he said, his voice still flat and emotionless, before turning and walking away.

Timika watched him go, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. She had expected some reaction from him, some hint of surprise or embarrassment, but his expression had remained as calm as a still pond. She shook her head, chiding herself for expecting anything different from Alexander, and quickly closed the door to get dressed.

As she changed into a comfortable robe, Timika couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort. She and Alexander had been married for years, but they had never been intimate, never shared a moment of vulnerability. And now, here she was, standing in front of him half-naked, feeling like a stranger in her own home.

She took a deep breath and made her way to the living room, where Alexander was sitting on the couch, his eyes fixed on the TV. Timika sat down beside him, trying to ignore the awkwardness that hung in the air like a thick fog.

"Sorry about that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to worry you."

Alexander nodded once, his eyes never leaving the TV. "It's okay," he said, his voice still flat and emotionless. "I was just concerned."

"Have you taken dinner."? Alexander asked as he stood up loosening his tie and unbuttoning his cufflinks.

Timika shook her head."i was planning to make pasta.''

"Don't make it,we would eat out tonight." Alexander said as he loosened the tie."wear something that makes you comfortable."

Timika nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She didn't feel like cooking anyway, and going out sounded like a nice change of pace. She watched as Alexander walked upstairs, his footsteps echoing through the silent house.

She got up from the couch and followed him, her mind racing with thoughts of what to wear. She didn't want to dress up too much, but she also didn't want to look like she was lounging around the house. She settled on a pair of dark jeans and a comfortable blouse, and made her way downstairs to meet Alexander.

He was waiting for her by the door, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. "You look nice," he said, his voice still flat and emotionless, but with a hint of approval.

Timika smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander nodded and opened the door, gesturing for her to go ahead. Timika walked out into the hallway, followed by Alexander, and they made their way to the elevator. The silence between them was comfortable, but Timika couldn't help but feel a sense of awkwardness. She wasn't used to being around Alexander in such a casual setting, and she didn't know how to act.

Alexander carefully drove the car out of the driveway."how was work today."?

Timika hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to answer. She didn't want to lie to Alexander, but she also didn't want to burden him with her financial problems and company failure. So, she settled for a neutral response.

"It was fine, just the usual," she said, trying to sound convincing.

Alexander nodded, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "I'm glad to hear that," he said, his voice still flat and emotionless.

Timika felt a pang of guilt for not being honest with him, but she didn't know how to bring up the subject. She hoped that someday she would be able to confide in him, but for now, she just enjoyed the comfortable silence between them.

As they drove to the restaurant, Timika"yours"?

"It was stressful,they was a new project being launched ,and we needed to review everything."Alexander said, one thing about this marriage was that he knew everything about Timika but she barely knew him.

Alexander pulled into the restaurant driveway, his expression as calm and collected as always. Timika looked a bit stunned, her eyes fixed on the restaurant's exterior.

"Alex, I thought this place wasn't open to the public until a month from now," she said, her voice tinged with surprise.

Alexander's gaze remained steady, his voice low and even. "I have an arrangement with the owner. We're allowed to dine here tonight."

Timika's eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing more. Alexander's tone was polite, yet firm, leaving no room for questions or debate.

As they stepped out of the car, Alexander's eyes scanned the surroundings, his gaze lingering on the restaurant's entrance before settling on Timika. He offered his arm, his expression still impassive.

"Shall we go in?" he asked, his voice soft but firm.

Timika took his arm, her hand slipping into the crook of his elbow. Alexander's grip was gentle, yet firm, guiding her towards the entrance.

As they stepped inside, Timika was struck by the opulent decor and the soft, intimate lighting. The restaurant was empty, except for a few staff members who greeted them with discreet smiles.

"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan" the maître d' said, leading them to a cozy table by the window. "We're honored to have you as our first guests."

Timika's eyes met Alexander's, and she raised an eyebrow. "First guests?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Let's just say I have a friend who owes me a favor," he whispered.

Timika's mind raced with questions, but before she could ask any, the waiter arrived with a bottle of champagne and a menu that read like a gastronomic journey around the world.

As they sipped their champagne and perused the menu, Timika couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder.

"I'll have the filet mignon, medium rare," Alexander said, his voice firm and decisive.

Timika hesitated, her eyes scanning the menu. "I'll have the seafood risotto," she said finally, her voice soft.

Alexander nodded, his expression unchanged. "Excellent choice," he said, his voice low.

The waiter nodded, his smile discreet. "Very good, sir. Very good."

As they waited for their meal to arrive, Timika couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. There was something about Alexander's calm and collected demeanor that made her feel like she was walking on eggshells. She glanced at him, his eyes fixed on the wine list, his expression still impassive.

"Alexander?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "Yes?"

Timika hesitated, her mind racing with questions. But before she could ask any, the waiter arrived with their meal, and Alexander's attention was focused on the food.

As they ate, Timika couldn't help but feel like she was in a dream. The food was exquisite, the atmosphere intimate and exclusive. But there was something about Alexander's behavior that made her feel like she was missing something. Like there was a secret he wasn't sharing with her.

She glanced at him, his eyes fixed on his plate, his expression still calm and collected. And she wondered what he was thinking. What secrets he was keeping from her.

Just as she was about to speak a voice said from behind."seriously,Xander."

Alexander's head turned slightly, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at the speaker. Timika followed his gaze and saw two men standing at the entrance, both with familiar faces.

"Julian, Ethan," Alexander said, his voice low and even. "I didn't know you were coming tonight."

Julian, the taller of the two, smiled as he approached their table. "We heard you were trying out this new restaurant, Xander. We couldn't resist joining you."

Ethan, the other man, nodded in agreement. "Besides, we're your witnesses, remember? We have to make sure you're treating Timika right."

Timika's eyes widened as she realized who these men were - Alexander's best friends and their wedding witnesses even though two more people were missing. She had only met them once, at the wedding, and they had made a lasting impression.

Alexander's expression remained calm, but Timika detected a hint of annoyance in his voice. "I think Timika can take care of herself, Ethan."

Julian chuckled. "Oh, we're not here to babysit, Xander. We just want to enjoy the culinary delights with you both."

They joined the table and ordered food as well." Timika you look very beautiful as always." Julian said.

Timika blushed at the compliment, feeling a sense of unease. "Thank you, Julian," she said, her voice soft.

Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze fixed on Julian. "I'm glad you could join us," he said, his voice polite but firm.

Ethan, sensing the tension, spoke up. "So, Xander, how's business been? We haven't caught up in a while."

Alexander's expression remained calm, but Timika detected a hint of evasion in his voice. "It's been good, Ethan. Just the usual."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "Just the usual? That's not like you, Xander. You're always pushing the boundaries."

Alexander's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance, but he remained silent.

Timika felt a sense of discomfort, sensing that there was more to the conversation than met the eye. She glanced at Alexander, but his expression was still impassive.

"Any one seen or heard from Lucius,that funny snake.?" Ethan as he ate.

Alexander voice became calm but his boice was firm"Lucius is currently in Korean , he's living his best life as a pop star going on tour and doing stupid things."

"Come on Xander,everyone must not be like you ,some people just loves to have fun." Ethan said with a deep chuckle.

Alexander's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I don't need your lectures."

Julian held up his hands, his smile faltering. "Hey, no need to get defensive, Xander. We're just trying to have a conversation."

Alexander's gaze didn't waver. "I'm not being defensive. I'm simply stating facts. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't make assumptions about my personal life."

Timika felt a surge of discomfort, sensing the tension between the three men. She glanced at Alexander, his eyes still fixed on his friends, his expression unyielding. She knew he wouldn't appreciate her interference, but she couldn't help feeling like she needed to defend him.

"Let's just focus on the evening, shall we?" she said, her voice soft but firm. "We're here to enjoy a nice dinner, after all."

Alexander's gaze flicked to hers, his expression unreadable. But she knew he appreciated her attempt to diffuse the situation. Julian and Ethan exchanged a glance, seeming to sense the tension had gone too far.

"Yeah, you're right, Timika," Julian said, his smile returning. "Let's just enjoy the evening."

The conversation continued, but Timika couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to the story.