The cold stem of the wine glass, which I anxiously twirl between my fingers, gradually calms my nerves. I bring it to my lips and take a sip, surprised at myself. After all the effort I put into landing this job, today’s performance might have just skyrocketed my chances of getting fired.
I sigh and angrily swipe away tears that threaten to spill. Damn those two bosses! They really know how to provoke me!
“Sure, they did,” a snide inner voice whispers. “Your impulsiveness had nothing to do with it, right?”
“Just be quiet for once.” I take another sip, trying to drown out my guilt. A relaxing bath sounds perfect right now. Reluctantly, I rise from the couch, set the glass on the nearby table, and head toward the bathroom.
I turn on the water, adding my favorite jasmine-scented bubble bath. Once the tub fills, I activate the Jacuzzi mode, enjoying the gentle hum and water jets that promise total relaxation. After today, I need this.
To set the mood, I light several candles in solid glass holders and grab the remote to play some soft music. After removing my makeup and tying my hair into a bun, I sink into the warm water, letting the bubbles envelop me. I silently thank my father again for this apartment.
He bought it while I was still in university, a reward for being his beloved daughter, the overachiever. I always wanted to see approval in his eyes, so graduating with honors was my main goal in life.
Daddy never denied me anything, especially when it came to money. Discipline was crucial in his view of raising a daughter.
On my graduation day, I received the keys to my own apartment. I later learned he had arranged a stunning designer renovation, complete with upscale furniture. I was overjoyed, although a twinge of sadness hit me, I wanted to furnish my first home myself. But he wanted the best for me, and he’d taken care of everything.
My new home was impressive: three rooms, a spacious balcony, a luxurious bathroom with marble and a Jacuzzi, plus a built-in mirror screen for movies and moisture-resistant speakers.
Not to mention the kitchen, which I rarely used after I hit a rebellious phase, refusing to work in his law firm.
I wanted to prove myself, to achieve something on my own. It led to some scandals and pressure from my parents, but I paid them back with my rebellious parties and dubious gatherings. I regret being harsh with my parents, especially my dad. But that experience brought me here, and all the unpleasantness is now just a memory.
Now, I have considerable experience in various law firms, including at Veremiy Bryl’s, one of the city’s most prestigious. Working there boosted my resume and introduced me to my ex, Max Levchuk. He was a close friend of Bryl and often visited the office, and that’s how we met. I was so wrapped up in him that I lost focus on everything else.
Damn it. Just thinking about him still burns in my chest. I take another sip of wine, set the glass on the edge of the tub, and close my eyes, trying to relax.
But somehow, I see piercing blue eyes in my mind, not Max’s. More of a turquoise hue, reminiscent of the waters off the Maldives, where my family vacationed after my graduation.
Dad organized that trip to celebrate my gold medal. Ten days of paradise, and I’d never seen water that color anywhere else, not even on my later trips around Europe and beyond.
Suddenly, I open my eyes, annoyed. Why am I thinking about that brazen man? I sit up in the bath, turning off the Jacuzzi mode and the music, which has started to grate on my nerves. My mood plummets further.
I step out of the bath, wrap myself in a fluffy white towel, and decide another glass of wine wouldn’t hurt. As I shuffle to the kitchen, leaving wet footprints on the tiled floor, the sharp sound of the doorbell interrupts my thoughts.
I pause, surprised. Who could it be? I glance at the clock just after eight. Probably a neighbor. No one rang the intercom, so it can’t be a stranger.
As I turn to grab a robe, the doorbell rings again, this time more insistent. My nerves, already frayed, push me into action. I press my lips together and march to the hallway, flinging the front door open without checking the video display.
“Do you really need more salt, neighbors?” I start, but my voice falters when I see the familiar cream shirt tucked into a dark gray coat.
My gaze lifts, locking onto those piercing turquoise eyes just like the ones my memory conjured moments ago.