Lately, Delilah Kelly had noticed that Maximus Anderson’s mood had been steadily improving. She quietly reasoned that business at the Anderson Group must be booming.

Indeed, after weathering a devastating storm, the Anderson Group had not only survived but emerged stronger than ever. Under Maximus’s iron-fisted leadership, the company had shed its identity as a mid-tier firm, expanding rapidly until it was now a titan among the skyscrapers of Silver City.

"Max, why don't we head to the Imperial Plaza for some steak on the terrace tonight? You’ve been so swamped lately, and you promised to spend some quality time with me. How about it?" Delilah clung to his sleeve, her voice dripping with practiced sweetness as she gauged his mood.

"Sounds good," Maximus replied, checking his watch before finishing his breakfast coffee in one swift gulp. "I’m tied up in a major board meeting this afternoon, but tonight works. Does that suit you?"

"That’s perfect! Should I come by your office later?" Delilah asked.

Maximus paused, his expression shifting into a thin, tight-lipped smile. "No. I’m not sure where I’ll be this afternoon. Once I’m wrapped up, I’ll have Samuel Murphy pick you up."

"Alright then, I’ll wait at home for you," Delilah promised, her tone bright.

"I’m heading out now. Get some rest, and don’t worry about the housework—the cleaning lady is coming by. Don’t overexert yourself," Maximus added.

"I know, I know! Drive safe," Delilah beamed, standing at the doorway to watch him leave.

As soon as his car vanished from sight, the silence of the villa settled over her. She retreated inside and pulled out her phone, dialing a number with an expectant gleam in her eyes. The line clicked open. "Hey, John? Yeah, it’s me. Do you have some time today?"

A gravelly voice replied from the other end. "Sure. Let's meet at our usual spot."

"Great. I’ll be there in a flash," Delilah said, hanging up.

She sprinted to the bedroom, throwing herself into a flurry of preparation. Within minutes, she had meticulously crafted a picture-perfect look and dashed out the door.

***

A few days after the banquet, Rose Harrison received an unexpected invitation from Caspian Hughes. He claimed he had something important to discuss, and Rose, having no reason to refuse, gladly accepted.

The rooftop terrace at the Imperial Plaza was always a cut above the rest. Even on a standard workday, the space was dotted with young couples looking to soak in the city’s skyline. When Rose arrived, Caspian was already waiting.

"Rose, over here!" Caspian stood up, waving her over.

"Sorry if I kept you waiting, Caspian. You’re here quite early," Rose said, offering him a polite, reserved smile as she approached.

"Not at all, I only just arrived myself," Caspian said. He held her gaze, his eyes radiating a gentle, lingering warmth.

A server appeared promptly at their table, a professional notepad in hand. "Good afternoon. Can I start you off with something to drink?"

"Just an Americano for me, thank you," Rose replied with a nod.

"Right away," the server said, retreating into the crowd.

"How have you been, Caspian? Everything going well at the office?" Rose asked, keeping the conversation firmly in polite territory.

"Everything is fine, just the usual grind," Caspian answered vaguely.

As they spoke, their coffee arrived. Rose picked up her spoon and began to stir it absentmindedly, still wondering what exactly had prompted this meeting.

"Rose," Caspian began, his voice dropping an octave, a faint, nervous flush rising to his cheeks. "There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a long time..."

"Oh? What is it?" Rose asked, tilting her head.

Across the terrace, a server appeared carrying an enormous bouquet of deep red roses, moving slowly toward their table. Caspian took them, his hands trembling slightly, and pushed them toward her.

"Rose, I’ve liked you for a very long time. I couldn't keep it inside anymore. Would you... would you be my girlfriend?"