lingering memories

With a heavy sigh, Kelsey forced herself to sit up. Her limbs ached as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and padded towards the door. She couldn't let her father see her like this. He was the one person in her life that she never wanted to worry.

Descending the stairs, she caught the familiar sight of him kicking off his worn out office shoes by the door. His posture tired, but his presence warm.

Her father, James Monroe, was an average man who carried himself with quite strength. His short brown hair was greying at the temples and faint lines creased on his face- a testament to years of hard work and sacrifice. He worked at a small ICT company. Nothing fancy, but it paid the bills and kept their home comfortable.

As soon as he saw her, his face lit up.

"There's my favourite girl," he greeted with a tired but genuine smile, setting his laptop bag on the side table. "How was your day?"

Kelsey forced a smile. "Lazy. Didn't do much."

"Good. Sometimes, you need those days." He stretched his arms over his head, letting out a satisfied groan. "God, what a long day. I swear, if I see another bug in my system, I'm going to lose my mind."

She chuckled lightly, appreciating how he always found a way to make things feel normal.

"You hungry?" She asked, already making her way to the kitchen.

"Starving."

She reached the fridge, and grabbed a few ingredients, opting for the quickest meal she could put together- grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, something simple, but comforting.

As she moved around the kitchen, her father leaned against the counter, watching her.

"I tried calling you." He said casually. "You didn't pick up."

Her hands faltered slightly as she buttered the bread, she kept her face neutral. "Oh, my phone was on silent. I didn't notice."

"Ah." He didn't sound suspicious, just making conversation. "Well, I figured you would be studying, or out with Maya."

Kelsey hummed noncommittally. She didn't want to lie, but the truth was impossible to say out loud.

A few minutes later, she set the plates on the dining table, the aroma of melted cheese and warm soup filling the space.

Her father took a bite and groaned in appreciation. "God, you make the best grilled cheese. You sure you don't want to quit university and become a chef?"

She let out a soft laugh. "I think I will stick to psychology, dad."

He pointed a spoon at her. "Fine, fine. But if this whole career thing doesn't work out, you know you've got a back up plan."

She shook her head at him, but for the first time that day, she felt a little lighter.

They ate in comfortable silence, the sound of cutlery clinking against the plates the only noise in the room.

Her father didn't press her for more details about her day, he didn't pry, didn't demand explanations. He had always been that way- patient, understand, never pushing unless he needed to.

And tonight, she was grateful for that.

After dinner, he stretched again and patted his stomach. "That hit the spot. Alright kiddo, I'm off to bed. I have some errands to run early morning tomorrow."

Kelsey nodded, standing up to collect the dishes. "Goodnight, dad."

He kissed her forehead gently. "Night sweetheart."

As he disappeared down the hall, Kelsey let out a slow breath, gripping the edge of the counter.

Her father was the only steady thing in her life. The only good thing. And if he ever found out what happened to her last night...

She didn't know if she could bear to see the look on his face.

+++++++++++

The dim light of the chandelier reflected off the polished marble floors, casting long shadows in the lavish study. Adrian leaned back on his lwater chair, exhaling as he placed his phone down on the desk. He had just finalized plans to expand his luxury vehicle empire to another city - a move that would solidify his dominance in the industry.

Yet despite the weight of his business decisions, his mind was elsewhere.

His jaw tightened as he remembered her.

The way her body had fit perfectly beneath him. The way she had trembled, unsure, yet eager, surrendering to him completely. He had felt the tension in her limbs, the heat of her skin, the hesitant but unmistakable desire in her gaze.

Adrian wasn't a fool. He knew exactly what had happened that night. He wasn't as intoxicated as she had been. And though her inhibitions had been loosened by the alcohol, there was no doubt that she had wanted him just as much as he had wanted her.

Still, he had known it was her first time.

He had felt in the the way she moved, in the way she clung to him with an intoxicating mix of hesitation and need. It had been unexpected, rare, even. Adrian had been with many women, but never someone like her.

And for some reason, that night had lingered in his mind far longer than it should have.

He reached for his glass of whiskey, swirling the amber liquid before taking a slow sip. His eyes flickered to the city skyline visibla from floor to ceiling windows.

Not long after, there was a soft knock on the door that broke his thoughts. "Come in," he called, his voice smooth, composed.

"The door opened, and his assistant, Daniel, stepped in. Dressed in a crisp suit, the man carried himself with practiced professionalism. "Sir, the reports from the finance sector are ready for review. Also, the land acquisition for the new branch has been finalized.

Adrian nodded, reaching for the folder Daniel handed him. He flipped through the pages briefly before setting it down.

"And the other thing?" Adrian asked, his tone casual, but his sharp eyes locked onto his assistant.

Daniell cleared his throat. "She didn't take anything. Not even the cheque."

Adrian leaned back, tapping a finger against the armrest of his chair.

"Alright. That will be all, Daniel." The man did not linger in the room. Excusing himself, he exited.