Friday mornings usually carried an air of exhaustion, but this one felt different for Courtney. The rain had cleared overnight, leaving the city washed clean. From her apartment window, sunlight caught on glass towers in the distance, painting the streets in a shimmer that almost felt like renewal. She needed that energy today.
Last night's confrontation with Dwayne lingered like smoke in her lungs. His confession, his shame, her anger—all of it clung stubbornly, refusing to be shaken off. But Courtney had learned long ago that work was the one place where her focus couldn't afford to waver. And now, with her new position as head of marketing strategy, she had far too much to prove.
She slipped into a sleek navy dress and low heels, tied her hair into a neat bun, and dabbed her favorite perfume behind her ears. The fragrance was light, floral, with a subtle sweetness. She caught her reflection and whispered to herself, Today, I own the room.
