The first light of dawn crept into the room, casting a golden glow across the walls.
Ethan stirred, his body naturally waking before the alarm ever had a chance to ring.
He blinked a few tis, adjusting to the soft morning light, before realizing there was a comfortable weight pressing against his chest.
Vanessa.
Her dark hair spilled across the pillow, her face nestled against his shoulder.
Her breath was soft, steady, her chest rising and falling with the rhythm of sleep.
And she was snoring. Lightly.
Ethan smirked.
For soone as fiery and headstrong as Vanessa, seeing her like this — so peaceful, so unguarded — was sothing he had started looking forward to every morning.
Nobody would ever be able to see this except for him after all.
Careful not to wake her, he shifted slightly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face before pressing a light kiss to her cheek.
She stirred, murmuring sothing unintelligible, but instead of waking, she only curled into him more.
Ethan chuckled under his breath.
As much as he would have liked to stay like this a little longer, he had things to do today.
He carefully unwrapped himself from her and swung his legs over the bed.
His feet touched the cool wooden floor, and he stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders to shake off the remnants of sleep.
With quiet steps, he made his way to the bathroom.
The mont the hot water hit his skin, Ethan let out a sigh.
Showers always helped him wake up completely, and this morning was no different.
He ran his fingers through his wet hair, letting the water wash away the last bits of drowsiness.
Today, he needed to be sharp. He was going to be carrying load after all.
By the ti he stepped out, the steam from the shower had fogged up the mirror.
He wiped a hand across it, catching his own reflection.
His dark hair was damp, slightly tousled, and his sharp eyes were clear, focused.
After dressing in a fresh set of clothes — a fitted black shirt and dark jeans — he made his way downstairs.
The sll of food greeted him before he even reached the dining area.
Marianne was already at work, moving effortlessly around the kitchen.
The table was set with a proper breakfast — scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, and fresh coffee.
Like always.
"You're up early," Marianne noted, glancing at him as she flipped sothing on the stove.
Ethan smirked, sliding into a chair. "Had to be. Got work to do."
She set a plate in front of him. "Good. You've been slacking."
Ethan chuckled. He couldn't even argue with her.
He had gone on the date yesterday after all.
He picked up his fork and took a bite, savoring the warm, hearty breakfast.
Marianne always made sure he ate well, even on the days when he was too busy to sit down properly.
Just as he was finishing his coffee, he glanced at his watch.
It was still early — exactly as he planned.
He stood up, grabbing his car keys from the counter.
"Heading out already?" Marianne asked.
"Yeah. Gotta check on the project before things get busy."
She nodded. "Drive safe."
Ethan gave her a casual wave as he stepped out of the house and into the fresh morning air.
The Porsche sat gleaming in the driveway, reflecting the morning sun.
Sliding into the driver's seat, Ethan started the engine, the low purr filling the quiet surroundings.
He pulled out of the driveway, rging onto the open road.
There was sothing calming about driving at this hour.
The streets weren't crowded yet, the city still waking up.
The cool breeze filtered through the open window as he accelerated, the hum of the engine filling the car.
His thoughts drifted as he drove.
He'd taken a rare break yesterday, spent the entire day with Vanessa.
It had been fun — more than fun, really. But now it was ti to get back to business.
By the ti he reached the site, the sun was fully up, casting long shadows across the ground.
The place was already active — workers moving around, tools clanking, the usual rhythm of construction.
Ethan parked his car and stepped out, surveying the progress.
It was coming along well — better than expected, actually.
A familiar voice called out.
"Boss," the foreman greeted, wiping his hands on his jeans. "Didn't think you'd be here this early."
Ethan smirked. "Wanted to check in before things got crazy."
The foreman chuckled. "Can't say I'm surprised."
They walked through the site together, discussing the latest updates.
The frawork was coming together, supply shipnts had arrived on schedule, and there were a few minor setbacks to address.
Ethan listened carefully, taking ntal notes.
He liked being hands-on, staying involved. It was what made his projects successful.
As they wrapped up their discussion, movent at the entrance caught Ethan's eye.
A taxi pulled up, stopping just outside the site.
The door opened, and out stepped Riley.
Even from a distance, he could see the determination in her stride.
Her boots crunched against the gravel as she made her way inside, her expression focused.
She hadn't noticed him yet.
Instead, she was scanning the site, taking in the progress, her brows slightly furrowed.
Ethan smirked.
There was sothing about the way she carried herself — this quiet but undeniable presence.
"She was worried and asked about you yesterday," the foreman comnted beside him.
Ethan raised a brow. "That so?"
The foreman nodded. "She was genuinely worried Boss."
That didn't surprise Ethan. She has called him after all.
What did surprise him was the slight tug of sothing in his chest as he watched her approach.
And the realization that he had missed seeing her here.
"You're actually here this ti."
He turned at the sound, a lazy grin tugging at the corner of his lips.
Riley stood a few steps away, arms crossed, her expression a mix of amusent and skepticism.
"Did you think I wouldn't show up?" he asked, raising a brow.
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