Taking a leave from work has been a breath of fresh air, but with all that newfound free time, I found myself searching for something meaningful to fill my days. So, when I received a message from Sarah asking for help with the grand opening of her boutique this Friday, I eagerly jumped at the chance. Now, I’m here at the Glam & Class Dream Boutique, surrounded by the buzz of excitement and a whirlwind of preparations.

The moment I stepped inside, I could feel the energy in the air. Sarah was already in full swing, meticulously checking the shipment of clothes and accessories to ensure everything was just right. My mission? To arrange the mannequins by the expansive glass windows, making sure they were picture-perfect and ready to catch the eyes of passing shoppers.

As I dove into my task, I couldn’t help but notice the hustle and bustle all around me. Sales assistants zipped from one clothing rack to another, expertly navigating the space with hangers in hand, each one working hard to showcase the vibrant new collection. It was eye-opening to realize how much effort goes into setting up a boutique, and I felt a sense of excitement building for what promises to be a dazzling grand opening.

Amid the flurry of activity, as everyone focused intently on their tasks, ensuring every detail was perfect, we hardly noticed when a group of gentlemen slipped inside. It wasn’t until I caught the sound of a familiar voice—the very one Sarah had been conversing with—that I looked up, curiosity piqued.

Sarah: David, I can’t thank you enough for squeezing me into your busy schedule on such short notice! I heard you had your hands full with a project and thought I might have to wait. What made you decide to come in today?

David: Oh, it’s really no trouble at all, Sarah! I just wrapped up my project and found myself with some free time on my hands. When my organization let me know you reached out for assistance, I was eager to jump in and help. I’m ready and excited to lend a hand—what can I do for you?

Sarah: Well! I'm really excited to get these stunning mirrors set up in the dressing rooms, along with the shelves and display cases. I could definitely use a helping hand with it. Do you think you could arrange for someone to come and lend a hand? I’d really appreciate it!

David: Absolutely! I’m really glad I brought my team along. I promise to get them right to work and ensure they hit the ground running!

As Sarah and David chatted animatedly, Shelley spotted them and made her way over with a curious smile. "David! What a surprise to see you here of all places!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "What brings you to this corner of the world?"

David grinned as he stepped forward, arms wide open. “Well! Good afternoon to you too, my favourite cousin!” he exclaimed, enveloping Shelley in a warm hug. “I knew a change of scenery would do wonders for you. Look at you—back to your radiant self! It’s so good to see!” Shelley rowed her eyes at him.

David: Well, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting to see you here either! I just wrapped up my contract with Ben, and now that the firm is up and running smoothly, I found myself with some unexpected free time. When Sarah reached out for help, I jumped at the chance to lend a hand. So here I am, ready to assist in any way I can!

Shelley: Well! I have to say, that is very professional of you. Isn’t it, Sarah?

David couldn’t help but notice the mischievous smirk playing on his cousin's lips. She had a knack for teasing, especially when it came to Sarah, and it always left him wondering whether her antics were a playful coincidence or if she had somehow figured out the depth of his feelings for Sarah. The playful banter between them had a way of swirling around his thoughts, leaving him both amused and slightly anxious.

David glanced at the two ladies with a charming grin. “Well, ladies, I hate to leave you in suspense, but duty calls! I need to rally these gentlemen and get them moving.” With a quick wink, he turned on his heel, striding away confidently while the ladies watched him with wide-eyed curiosity, their conversation momentarily forgotten.

As the renovation team dove into their work, the air buzzed with the rhythmic pounding of drills and the clatter of tools. Amidst the organized chaos, Shelley and Sarah were engrossed in dressing the mannequins, carefully picking out outfits that would bring the displays to life.

Every so often, Shelley noticed Sarah stealing shy glances at David, who was effortlessly hoisting heavy shelves, his muscles rippling with each movement. Shelley couldn’t help but smirk at the sight; it looked like Sarah might actually be drooling.

Both Sarah and David were caught in a whirlwind of unspoken feelings, and time was ticking. They needed to find the courage to tell each other how they felt before one of them couldn’t keep it together any longer.

At precisely 5:15 pm, the team began to wind down for the day, but an unexpected dilemma surfaced. Sarah, who was busy checking the final details of the Champagne supply, suddenly froze. "Oh no! I'm short a box!" she exclaimed, her heart racing. She'd requested five crates—each containing twelve bottles—but she only received four.

Panic began to creep in. "What am I going to do, Shel? The event is tomorrow!”

Shelley, ever the calm presence amid chaos, glanced at her friend and replied, “Breathe, Sarah. The day isn't over yet. You can easily swing by any mall and grab a few bottles. I can hold down the fort here while you go.”

Just then, David, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, approached them. “I can go with you if you’d like,” he said, a reassuring smile on his face.

Sarah looked up, relief washing over her as she appreciated his offer. “That would be amazing! Right, David? Let’s go!”

***

-Adam POV-

The atmosphere at Ben's firm buzzed with frenetic energy, a chaotic symphony of ringing phones, hurried footsteps, and conversations layered atop one another. Case files piled high on his desk bore witness to the relentless onslaught of new clients seeking his renowned expertise. Ben was right in the thick of it, his mind racing as he handled a torrent of requests from businesses eager for guidance on intricate corporate mergers and acquisitions. Each proposal that came across his desk required not only his strategic acumen but also the deftness to navigate complex negotiations and due diligence processes.

In addition to managing these significant corporate affairs, Ben was also dedicated to mentoring the newly recruited lawyers at the firm. He moved through the bustling office, offering advice and ensuring that they were developing the skills necessary to handle cases with the poise and professionalism that the firm was set up for. He watched them with a mix of pride and concern, aware of the pressure they faced as they adapted to the fast-paced world of corporate law and other areas of law.

Just as Ben was deeply immersed in this whirlwind of activity, his eyes flicked to his phone, which vibrated insistently on the cluttered surface of his desk. The sound cut through the surrounding clamour, and he felt a jolt of excitement. Picking up the device, he was greeted by the sender's name— private detective Bruce. He had engaged in a discrete investigation with him. A grin spread across his face as he opened the message, the anticipation of uncovering juicy leads evident in his demeanour.

Within the message lay tantalizing information about Nathan, a rival whose every move Ben had been eager to track. The detective had not only found incriminating details but had also included a specific location where they could meet to discuss the findings in person. The prospect of gaining an edge over Nathan invigorated Ben, igniting a sense of purpose amid the clashing demands of the day. With a determined glint in his eye, he began to formulate a plan, his mind racing with possibilities. Today was about to take a thrilling turn, and Ben was ready to dive into the heart of the intrigue.

A/N: Guys, what do you think Ben will do with this information?