ensed lukewarm coffee. I found a quiet corner away from the usual office chatter, settled into a chair, and opened

more urgent and playful. He knew it would make me call him immediately. Each sticker was a different bright color, some with exaggerated hand gestures pointing to

ess, jet-setting from one country to another, attending high-profile meetings, and managing his international team. Our communication had mostly been through social media, which he was barely act

led the other side of the line. I tried to picture him in my

reeted, trying to k

ounding as confident as ever. "Just wanted to

genuinely surprised and happy for him.

Robert answered casually. "I've cleared my schedule

I said, genuinely pleased

ing slightly. "I saw your posts about that b

ts for the cruise? That's unexpected."

eye on your social media. I'm human t

tly viewed my stories and status

neglected years. Plus, I bought a ticket for myself because o

ou're still th

rtunity to connect with other rich men and women attend

his knack for details e

nged that much.""Maybe no

low of gratitude

means

d warmly. "Looking fo

" Of course Robert, this

at?" he

mitted, feeling a knot of

rd to catching up, there was a

nned for us fell right in the middle of that week, and my boss was notorious for being inflexible with leave schedules. I could already hear her voic

y shoulders. "I should be due for leave that week, but my boss might not allow me t

ld almost hear him thinking. "Have you app

ing to, but with this cruise coming

apply first and see what happens. If it doesn

trings?" I ech

help. Worst case, we'll figure something out. But don't worry ab

ed by his confidence. "Alright,

, feeling a bit lighter.

he replied. "

ll as I proceed

al hum of phones ringing and keyboards clacking, but I was barely aware of it. My

sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the water, making it sparkle like a sea of diamonds. I c

Ms. Marlene call my name