The Missed Days

Calista woke that morning with her mind already focused on the familiar routine she had established over the years. She prepared a nutritious lunch for her daughter, Nora making sure to include all of her favorite snacks while also taking care to ensure that Eva had everything she might need for the day ahead.

After she successfully finished those things, she bade both her daughter and mother a heart-felt farewell leaving them to the office. Full of newfound purpose, she made her way toward her office. But halfway down, her phone began buzzing and gave her the news that Agatha had a new message for her.

The alert sounded on her screen as the message showed itself clearly on her screen.

Agatha: "Electrical renovation happening at the office today. Work from wherever you're comfortable."

Calista sighed. "Looks like it is going to be a coffee-fueled workday." she muttered as she steered her car toward the nearest café.

The café had a warm atmosphere replete with soft chatter and freshly brewed coffee.

Calista chose a corner table and then opened her laptop and files. She started researching the latest trends in art galleries and writing down the strategies related to Brush and Vision (B&V).

She was so engrossed in her work for an hour, when she suddenly heard a familiar voice. That voice came and said "Fancy seeing you here, Calista. Is this fate or just my lucky day?"

She raised surprised eyes upto the ceiling. "Luke, what brings you here?

 Luke cracked a joke pointing at him with a hand "Well, I am a man of many talents but stalking isn't one of them. Just getting a quick cup of coffee before a meeting."

The amiable Luke was highly contagious. So after some small talk, he asked if she wanted to join him for lunch. Reluctant at first, Calista eventually agreed. "I guess I could use a break." she said.

Over lunch, the conversation became personal. Luke listened attentively as Calista explained her complicated history with Viktor why she'd left and about her fears and the secrets she'd kept.

Luke started slowly as he listened to the story "Calista, if Viktor really planned a proposal for his first love don't you think the world would have known? Billionaires don't do things quietly, especially something like that."

She hesitated. "I… I didn't think of it that way. But why would he let me believe that?"

"Maybe it's time to find out. Truth has a funny way of clearing things up." Luke started out with that.

Before the meal could end, a seed of doubt had been planted in her brain. Had she misjudged Viktor?

That evening, on the way back home she could not help but ruminate on what Luke said in her mind as she reflected upon the implications of the weight carried. Little did she know, at that same hour Axel would miss the window of an opportunity to see the man whom he was easily capable of running into face to face the alleged Calista's husband.

The next morning, Calista woke up with a determination to carve out some quality time with her daughter, Nora knowing how important those moments could be for both of them. "How about we go to the park today?" she suggested warmly to her daughter as they shared breakfast together envisioning a lovely day ahead.

Nora exclaimed excitedly "Really? Can we feed the ducks too?"

Calista responded "Of course, We'll make it an adventure."

Eva, who was listening in teased, "Just don't spoil her too much, Calista. She already has you wrapped around her little finger."

They spent the day at the park feeding ducks, playing on the swings and enjoying ice cream. Nora's laughter was infectious and for a while Calista forgot about her worries.

As they walked back to the car, Nora held up a new drawing she'd made. It depicted their little family: herself, Calista, Eva and Calista's brother…

Nora asked a question "Mommy, when will I meet dad?"

Calista froze but quickly composed herself. "Someday again, sweetheart. I promise."

Had Axel been there, he would have noticed Nora and realized Calista had a child. But once again, he was elsewhere missing the crucial detail.

On the third day, Eva took into mind a family outing. "You're working too hard, Calista. Let's take a break." she insisted.

They decided to visit a museum and then have dinner at a local restaurant. Nora was thrilled running from exhibit to exhibit at the museum, her excitement drawing smiles from strangers.

Eva shook her head "Look at her energy. Reminds me of you at that age."

Calista bantered with her mom "Except I wasn't nearly as cute." 

During dinner, she discussed her job at Latmier and the new project she would be working on with B&V. Eva recalled some things about that and said "That gallery has a history. It must feel good to be part of something that is that historic."

Calista said "It does but it's also a challenge. They're stuck in the past and I need to help them modernize without losing their essence."

Eva encouraged her daughter "If anyone can do it, it's you."

As they made their way back home after their long day, Calista felt a unique and rare sensation of contentment that filled her heart. She was thankful for the loving family, the satisfying work and a refreshing renewed sense of purpose that led her forward. But despite this warmth in her soul, she couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts provoked by Luke's words that echoed in her mind. The question remained: could she gather the courage to confront Viktor and finally uncover the elusive truth that had been troubling her?

Meanwhile, Axel was totally unaware of the many opportunities that were slipping away from his grasp and was whole-heartedly invested into the process of setting up surveillance around Calista's apartment. The long string of unfortunate events that he had been experiencing meant that he was deprived of these critical insights which could have urged him to return much earlier than he did. However, his resolved tenacity to complete the task remained strongly in place.

Meanwhile, not everything was too smooth at the Gallery, B&V room. Appointed art director of the Gallery Elza Hart is again caught dozing off for the umpteenth time in her office, who cared little for the job. It was not that she could not bear it anymore. Suddenly, Dex Drakmore entered her office visibly exasperated by the situation.

Dex started yelling "Elza, for God's sake. Do you ever do anything except sleep?"

Elza stretched lazily. "Thinking is hard work, Dex. You should try it sometime."

Dex shot back with a snarky comment "Thinking doesn't pay the rent. Results do. What about Viktor's assignment? Did Axel come up with something?"

Elza shot back with "He's trying. Give the guy a break. Not everyone can be as perfect as you.".

Dex let out a grrr. "If he's not going to produce anything, we'd better step into it ourselves instead of wasting time needlessly."

Elza brushed him away. "Dex, stop stressing. You'll find what you're looking for. Now, go away, Dex. I need my beauty sleep."

The grown man stomped off mumbling to himself on how he needed a better team.