David stood in his cosy kitchen, the early morning light spilling in through the window and illuminating the array of magnets plastered on his fridge. Dressed in his comfortable pyjama trousers and with his bare chest exposed, he rummaged through the fridge, lifting out the crate of fresh eggs, their delicate shells gleaming softly in the light. He set the crate down on the cool, granite countertop and turned his attention to the pantry, where he reached for his trusty frying pan.

With Saturday stretching out before him like an uncharted map filled with possibilities, he relished the thought of a leisurely breakfast. "Today, I'll whip up some creamy scrambled eggs and a hearty bowl of oatmeal," he mused, his mind drifting to the culinary delights awaiting him.

Later in the day, he planned to visit his cousin's apartment to catch up. The thought brought a small smile to his face, but a twinge of apprehension followed closely behind. He hoped this time Ben wouldn't be there. It wasn't that he despised Ben-oh no, far from it. In fact, David admired him greatly. He was suave and charming and seemed to be the perfect match for Shelly, his cousin. However, a memory from his last visit still nagged at him, clinging like a shadow to the back of his mind.

David recalled the awkward moment vividly: he had arrived unannounced, stepping through the door without knocking, only to have Shelley throw a comment at him with Ben standing right there. "One of these days, you're going to walk into something you're not supposed to see," she had joked, her eyes twinkling mischievously. The words fashioned an image that made his face flush with embarrassment; the thought that his cousin was considering an intimate relationship with Ben was overwhelming.

He sighed, shaking his head as he cracked the first egg into the sizzling pan. "My goodness," he thought, stirring the contents, "I know she's a grown woman and that Ben is undeniably handsome, but does that really justify throwing her chastity aside? Not if I have anything to say about it!" The protective instinct bubbled within him, fueled by his desire to see her make choices that were wise and thoughtful. As he whisked the eggs, David couldn't shake the feeling that he had a part to play in ensuring his cousin's happiness and well-being.

***

-Sarah-

Sarah settled into her car, the engine's soft hum a constant companion as she drove towards the port. The day had started with promise when she received an unexpected call notifying her that one of her shipping containers had finally arrived. But as she navigated through the familiar streets, her phone suddenly began to vibrate against the console, drawing her attention.

"Who can this be?" she thought, irritation bubbling up within her. The sight of the caller ID only deepened the furrow in her brow, a tightening knot forming in her stomach.

Curiosity turned to surprise when she realised who it was. It was Clara. A frown instantly creased Sarah's forehead, a feeling of unease washing over her.

"What does that bitch want? Why can't she just leave me alone?" With a determined shake of her head, Sarah diverted her gaze from the phone, allowing it to ring unanswered. The thought of hearing Clara's voice filled her with dread; she had no desire to revisit their fractured friendship, nor did she want to entertain whatever excuse Clara was bound to offer this time.

Her mind raced back to the countless memories they had shared, their bond once as strong as that of sisters. But each recollection was now tainted with betrayal. After everything Clara had done to her, how could she expect her to be okay? Sarah had once confided her deepest secrets to Clara, introduced her to her fiancé, and even encouraged him to offer Clara a promising position at his company. She had thought they shared a genuine friendship, a connection built on trust. But there they were, Clara and her fiancé, caught in an embrace just a day before her wedding-an image that replayed relentlessly in her mind.

"I should have known," Sarah seethed internally, gripping the steering wheel so tightly that her knuckles turned white. "She was always jealous of what I had. I should have confronted them right then and there. They should have faced the consequences of their betrayal!" A rush of anger coursed through her, fueling her thoughts as the phone continued to ring a second time, sounding like a relentless reminder of her pain.

With a firm resolve, Sarah ignored the call, her heart hardening.

As Sarah turned left at the intersection, she remembered coming across a shocking headline in the tabloids: the Sarfo Solar Enterprise was facing bankruptcy. The article detailed how Daniel, the head of the company, had engaged in questionable financial dealings that ultimately led to the firm's devastating decline. He had invested a significant portion of the company's funds into a risky venture that not only failed to yield returns but also jeopardized the entire enterprise. Consequently, what had once been a thriving multimillion-dollar empire was now crumbling before his eyes.

Sarah felt a sense of satisfaction at this turn of events, believing that both Daniel and his wife had brought this misfortune upon themselves. In her view, their recklessness, dishonesty, and disregard for prudent business practices were finally catching up with them, and she felt they deserved every bit of the consequences they now faced.

Whatever she is planning by getting close to her, she wants no part in it. "She can go to hell for all I care," she muttered under her breath, steeling herself for the rest of the journey ahead.

_

-Mabel-

As soon as Mabel and James stepped through the threshold of their cosy home, a spark of excitement lit up the young boy's face. He bolted down the hallway with all the enthusiasm of a child who had just received a treasure. Mabel watched as he raced toward his room, eager to dive into the jigsaw puzzle that David had purchased for him during their trip to the bustling supermarket the day before.

"Careful, James!" Mabel called out, her voice a mixture of concern and amusement. "I don't want to see you fall!" But her warning was lost on him, the sound of his footsteps echoing as he sprinted past her, his mind already consumed by colourful puzzle pieces waiting to be fit together.

With a smile of maternal affection still on her lips, Mabel shook her head gently, her heart warming at the sight of her son's uncontainable joy. She turned her attention toward the kitchen, where the warm, inviting smell of supper awaited her. As she busied herself washing fresh vegetables in the sink, her mind wandered back to the delightful day spent with David and James. The memories played like a cherished film reel, each moment vivid and filled with laughter.

Since that chance encounter with David at Shelley's apartment, Mabel had found herself captivated by his charming demeanour and warm, easygoing nature. He had a way of making her feel at ease with just a smile, and she couldn't help but admire the kindness he showed to both her and her son. She had to admit, a part of her found him undeniably attractive; his laughter was infectious, and his presence had a way of brightening even the dullest moments.

As she stood quietly by the sink, the memories of their conversation replayed in her mind like a cherished song. He had called her a brave woman, and those words had lingered with her long after he had said them. No one had ever acknowledged her strength in such a direct, heartfelt way before, and it filled her with a sense of pride-a feeling she had long struggled to embrace.

Reflecting on the journey that had brought her to this moment, she found herself contemplating the hurdles she had overcome, the nights spent doubting her worth, and the battles fought in silence. Sharing her past with him had felt like exposing her soul; it had been a difficult task, laden with the weight of old scars. Yet, when she spoke, he listened intently, his eyes imbued with empathy and understanding, devoid of any judgment.

In that moment, she could see in his expression that he truly cared, and this realization made her heart swell with gratitude. It was a rare connection, one that had made her feel safe and valued in a way she had never experienced before.

Lost in thought as she scrubbed the vegetables, Mabel pondered aloud, "Could David fancy me as well?" The question lingered in the air, a mix of hope and curiosity. With the water running, she momentarily allowed herself to imagine what it would be like if there was something more than friendship blooming between them-a tantalizing thought that made her heart flutter.