e invitation, his shyness gradua

e curiosity about Elodie, his voice hushed as he asked, 'I

for secrecy. 'Yes,' she confirmed, 'I

ok so...young,' he blurted out, ins

on Elodie's lips. 'Yo

ology, flustered b

e met with scepticism and doubt when she took the helm.

's unassuming demeanour a potential ally.

e ye

' Elodie said, a flicker o

en, and didn't really get the chance to speak with the

ing to someone who had memories of her parent

orming in her mind. 'Once I become CEO, w

rting towards the financial statem

said. 'That is, of cours

e,' he finally admitted. 'But I n

termined to take Northstar to new heights. And with me, you'l

gain, then with a steely resolv

*

as Selene sauntered into the l

m Selene, Dashiell's girl

he sudden declaration, stammered f

fice. He looked up from his work, a smile breaking ou

table feast from a large, decorative basket. Inside, nestled in a bed of colourful napkins, were several Tupperware container

sed. 'You didn't ha

wave of her hand. 'I love cooking for you. It's

the edge of his desk, a casual smile playing on h

e. 'That's fantastic. C

nning a wedding in two months! It'll

he sugary sweetness coating his tongue like thick syrup. He winced slightly at the intensity of the

to the wedding?' Selene asked, h

her gaze, his

'I have quite a bit on my pl

rries at all! I completely understand. It's just...it would b

ual invitation. 'It's all happening so fast.' Her voice was laced with a touch

coating his tongue like a dentist's nightmare. His taste buds screamed in protest. He ima

e who shares your life, who values commitment, who...

sking me about my wedding plans. She keeps reminding me of the imp

inted a picture of her dream wedding

sonated within Dashiell. Was this truly what he desired? A picture-perfect li

ble mask of calm, materialised before him. He saw himself, pale and sweat-drenched, grasping the parallel bars, his knuckl

host of Elodie's hand in his, a warm anchor in the storm of his pain. Every time he faltered, she was there, a silent force,

ngible reminder of the accident and the arduous journey he'd

question echoed in the silence: would she have done the same? Would she have endur

t have t

nt burr lodged in the gears of hi