Herlove

[Mature Content]

"Please, call me Christian," he insists. "And I know this might be intrusive, but I can't help but wonder if there's anything I can do to help. Professionally or personally."

Surprised by his offer, Marilena considers the possibilities. Here is a man she barely knows, the boss of the man who just broke her heart, extending a helping hand. Perhaps in the storm of her emotions, a strategic alliance could be forged.

"Well," she begins, a spark of determination igniting in her eyes, "there is one thing you could help me with, Christian." With a newfound determination, Marilena approaches Christian with a proposition. "Help me show him what he's missing," she says, her eyes sparkling with a blend of mischief and resolve.

Christian's lips curves into a wry smile. "I'm in, Marilena. Let's make him regret ever letting you go."

The Boss's Persuasion

By 10:30, hush blankets the city, a kind of quiet energy that pulses through Maputo's streets like a slow current.

At the Night Star Hotel, Christian strides through the polished corridor with Eliane by his side. He carries a tablet under his arm, thumb absently brushing across the smooth glass as if rehearsing thoughts. Eliane, ever punctual and collected, keeps pace beside him, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor.

They approach the conference room, the wide oak doors already slightly ajar. Inside, a few team members are gathered, setting up laptops and preparing their notes for the 10 a.m. check-in. As they reach the threshold, Christian slows and glances sideways at her.

"You can go home after this meeting," he says quietly.

Eliane blinks, surprised. "Are you sure?"

Christian nods. "You shouldn't even be here today. It's Sunday."

Wounds and Windows