BloomnGleam

In the dystopian city of Rylos, where the government dictates love through a behavioral score-based lottery, Nico Knight is a man who’s always gotten what he wants. A nightclub tycoon with a reputation, he’s never had to answer to anyone until the lottery pairs him with Odalis, a quiet librarian with an air of calm that feels almost too controlled.

To Nico, Odalis is a puzzle of a woman too ordinary, too unremarkable to pique his interest. But there’s something about her stillness that begins to intrigue him. Beneath the surface, he senses a storm she’s carefully hiding. Nico finds himself questioning whether he really knows what he wants or if his true challenge lies in the mystery of Odalis herself.


(Sneak peak scene)
Nico slouched on the couch, drunk, eyes fixed on Odalis as she read, the quiet hum of the room wrapping around them like a soft cocoon.

Nico:
You know, I never imagined a woman like you would be in my life. Quiet, composed... not my taste.

Odalis (without looking up):
And what did you imagine?

Nico:
Someone like me. Loud. Reckless.

Odalis:
Sorry for the disappointment.

He blinked, his eyelids heavy, the pull of sleep growing stronger.

Nico:
“You’re like... an angel, in the wrong place.”

His head dropped back, surrendering to sleep.

Odalis glanced at him, a faint smile playing at her lips.

Odalis (whispering):
“You’re wrong, Nico Knight.
Maybe the wrong place is exactly where I need to be.”

She tucked him in, the soft rustle of fabric the only sound, and returned to her book. The silence between them now felt strangely comfortable.

Rays of Us

"You slept well? You're still yawning," Ronan remarked, glancing over at Nico.

"Doing what exactly?" Ronan asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Work, what else?" Nico snapped, clearly irritated.

Ronan laughed, "Grumpy little boy, huh? You better get some sleep."

Just then, Nico's phone buzzed, the assistant voice chiming through the desk speaker. "Miss Kira has arrived. Is it okay to grant her permission to enter, Mr. Nico?"

Nico glanced at his phone. "Let her in."

Ronan immediately sprang from his desk with a grin. "Oh, our lady has arrived!"

The door opened softly, and in walked Kira. She had long, blonde hair and striking blue eyes, a woman of undeniable beauty. Tall and slim, she was exactly the type of woman Nico typically preferred at least in terms of appearance. Nico couldn't help but think that Kira might be the most suitable match for him if he were to choose among the women he knew and had met.

"Hello, Nico. Ronan," Kira greeted them, her voice calm and poised.

She sat gracefully in the guest chair, her movements elegant.

Ronan, ever the flirt, flashed a teasing smile. "How are you, Lady Kira?"

Kira replied with a polite smile. "It's been a busy weekend."

Nico's secretary came into the room said tea or coffee what would like to drink Miss Kira?

Nico: So did you bring any information?

Kira: Do I look like I'll come empty handed. I'm always full Nico.

Nico: Then start talking we have no free time.

Kira glared at him then said well obviosuly they will not gonna leave you alone Nico. They want half of your profit from the clubs because they think they own the land so.

They might be connected to big ones they are too persistent. Still searching info.

Nico: We thought we made a deal with them but they were still making us hard duribg working hours. Once and for all must decide to one side.

Ronan said betfer not rush dude you gonna slip it.

Nico's secretary entered the room, asking, "Tea or coffee, Miss Kira?"

Nico nodded, then turned his attention to Kira. "So, did you bring any information?"

Kira smirked. "Do I look like someone who'd come empty-handed? I'm always full, Nico."

Nico leaned forward, his tone sharp. "Then start talking. We don't have much time."

Kira shot him a glare before responding. "Well, obviously, they're not going to leave you alone, Nico. They want half of your profits from the clubs because they think they own the land."

Nico's jaw tightened. "Nobody owns it but me."

Kira continued, unfazed. "They might be connected to the big ones. They're too persistent, still digging for info."

Nico sighed, rubbing his temples. "We thought we made a deal with them, but they're still making things difficult during working hours. This has to end, once and for all. We need to pick a side."

Ronan, leaning against the doorframe, shook his head. "Better not rush it, dude. You're gonna slip up."

Nico glanced at Ronan, his expression darkening. "I'm not planning on slipping. It's time to make a move."

Ronan: "Go to Eclipse tonight and see if those guys show up again. If they do, try talking to them. If they don't understand, then we'll move to Plan B," Nico said, his tone serious.

Ronan: "Got it, Boss. See you guys later." He smirked at Kira, who smiled back at him.

Nico, lost in thought, stared out the window. Kira walked over to him, gently caressing his back.

Kira: "So, how about dinner tonight, Nico?"

Nico turned to her, a faint smile appearing on his face.

Before he could respond, Kira leaned in and kissed him on the lips.

Chapter 3 (Power Play)