The sun, like a golden promise, had risen above the horizon, casting its warm embrace upon the world. The dark, brooding clouds that had clung to the sky were now mere memories, swept away by the sun's gentle insistence. The landscape, once shrouded in shadows, now sparkled with life. Every leaf on the trees seemed to dance, their vibrant green hues catching the light as if celebrating their newfound freedom.

Rachel sat in the back seat of the car, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. The wind, playful and tender, toyed with her hair, lifting it in delicate wisps and brushing against her skin. It was a soothing sensation, like the touch of a caring hand. She closed her eyes briefly, allowing the wind to carry away the remnants of her worries.

Beside her sat Daniel, his eyes tracing the contours of her face. He couldn't help but marvel at the transformation. Rachel, who had once been on the brink of falling apart, now radiated a quiet strength. Her eyes, once dimmed by unrequited love, held a different light—a mixture of relief and resolve.

The memories of the past weighed heavily on Daniel's heart. Rachel had given everything for Hannes's love, pouring her soul into a bottomless well. But Hannes had been indifferent, taking without reciprocating. Rachel's gloom had been palpable, her eyes brightening only in Hannes's presence, only to dim again when met with indifference.

Now, as the car moved forward, Daniel wondered if he could be the one to mend those wounded pieces. Perhaps he could offer her the love she deserved—the kind that didn't demand sacrifice but instead nurtured and cherished.

As Daniel's gaze lingered on Rachel, she unexpectedly turned back. Caught in the act, he awkwardly shifted his attention forward, rubbing his nose as if it held the answer to his sudden discomfort. But Rachel was no stranger to playful games. A tricky smile curved her lips as she closed the gap between them, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"Am I beautiful?" she asked, her voice a soft challenge that hung in the air like a delicate thread.

Daniel's body tensed, and he clenched his fist, the weight of unspoken words pressing against his chest. He swallowed, searching for an appropriate response. His mind raced, but any eloquence deserted him. Instead, he managed a hesitant, "Well..."

Their faces were mere inches apart now, eyes locked in a silent conversation. The world outside blurred, and time seemed to stretch. But just as the tension reached its peak, the driver's voice intruded, announcing their arrival. Reality snapped back into focus.

"We are here," Daniel spoke first, breaking the spell.

Rachel stepped out of the car, her movements graceful. "Yes, thanks for dropping me off," she replied, her tone polite but distant.

Daniel hesitated, unwilling to let the moment slip away entirely. "Did you forget something?" he asked, tapping his index finger against his cheek.

Rachel's eyes sparkled. "No! Everyone's here," she assured him.

"Alright," Daniel conceded, defeat lacing his voice. He turned to get back into the car, ready to retreat.

But then, in a daring move that left him breathless, Rachel leaned in and kissed him. And just like that, she dashed away, waving her hand high in the air as she ran toward the company entrance. Daniel stood there, stunned, a wide smile slowly spreading across his face.

********************

The office corridor crackled with tension as Hannes, his face flushed with anger, berated the secretary. "How dare you, a mere secretary, interrupt me!" he burst out.

The secretary stammered, her voice trembling. "Sir, but... it's... you really can't enter... Sir, please try to understand..." Her words faded into the air, lost against Hannes's fury.

Rachel Dennis stepped into the scene, her good mood souring instantly. When would she finally be able to rid her life of him? She beckoned an employee standing nearby. "What's going on here?" she asked, her tone firm.

The employee recognized her and replied, "Good morning, Miss Dennis. Mr. Hannes arrived early, very irritable. He's trying to force his way into the main office area."

Hannes continued arguing with the secretary and guards, but his eyes locked onto Rachel amidst the crowd of office workers. "So here you are!" he spat out.

Rachel met his gaze and acknowledged him with a curt nod. She stepped closer, her voice low but unwavering. "What are you trying to do here, Hannes? Aren't you the heir to a wealthy family? Don't you care about your reputation?"

"Shut up!" Hannes shouted. "I just want to enter the company. Is that wrong?"

Rachel snapped back, "For what purpose?"

"For... um... for... we have many projects we're working on... um... whatever! But you've blocked my way!"

Rachel raised an eyebrow. "Blocked your way? What ways? What are you talking about?"

"Don't try to act innocent," Hannes seethed. "I'll see you!" With that, he stormed off, snatching his coat from his assistant. The office buzzed with gossip as people laughed and whispered about his outburst.

Rachel watched him leave, her mind racing. "What does he mean—block his way? Weird... ah, maybe not weird." She picked up her phone from her desk and dialed a number.

"Thank you," she said as soon as the call connected.

Daniel's voice came through. "You aren't sincere enough."

Rachel sighed. "Then what do you want?"

"Make my house our house soon. I just want that."

"Stupid," Rachel muttered, a smile tugging at her lips, so were Daniels.

"and yes! do you want to handle Hannes yourself?", asked Daniel.

"yes! but you take care of his company and I will plan a surprise for him.........something he would have never expected in his dreams", spoke Rachel as a sinister smile crossed her lips.