Tani was particularly cheerful today, because her twenty-fifth birthday was around the corner and for the first time in a long while, she had family to share it with.
In the past, she'd always lied to herself that she didn't care, but in fact, she did care.She just knew this birthday was going to be different, deep within her bones, she felt it.
The bell above the door jingled, interrupting all she had going on and a young lady, her age range, stepped in, smart suit, tablet in hand, polite smile that said she was used to getting things done."Miss Zhani?"Tani wiped her hands on her apron. "That's me.""I'm from Rhezan Enterprises. Our office is ordering snacks for the welfare department's end-of-quarter event. I was told you handle custom orders." Tani blinked. "The Rhezan Enterprises?"The woman smiled. "Yes."Tani had, mostly in news feeds, heard about the company, even though she didn't bother to read about business headlines, charity galas and those sort of things."Of course," she said quickly, sounding more eager than she wanted to let on.
"How large an order?""Large enough to keep you busy," the woman said, tapping her tablet.
"We'll need pastries, patties, finger foods. Delivered to our building on Monday morning.
The registered vendor suddenly cancelled because of a family emergency. Can you handle that? "Tani nodded before her mind could argue.
"Absolutely.""Perfect. I'll forward the details tonight and thank you, for accepting the order on such a short notice. Someone in our team, recommended you, she attended the orphanage fund raising you catered. You could also register with us, we don't mind working with local businesses."Tani nodded politely, as if she didn't know the word local meant businesses in her sector.
"Thank you for kind words and considering my business. you won't be disappointed.
"When the door closed, behind the woman, Tani leaned against the counter and exhaled.
Rhezan Enterprises wanted her to bake for their event. Perhaps life wasn't so serious in the end.
A grin spread across her face thinking about how stunned her landlord would look once she handed over cash for rent just in time.When she arrived back at her place, Rhea lay tucked on the sofa under a cover, sipping tea, eyes stuck to a book that wasn't getting any real attention while her focus drifted toward the ticking clock.
"You're late," Rhea said. "I was about to send a search party.""I got good news." Tani dropped her bag and grinned.
"A big company order. Rhezan Enterprises. Enough to cover rent and maybe fix the oven."Rhea's eyes flickered.
"Rhezan?""Yeah. You've heard of them?"
"Everyone's heard of them." Rhea smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes.
"That's… wonderful, Tani."Tani sat beside her, giddy and tired.
"Can you imagine? Maybe this is the start of something big. For once, things might actually be alright."
Rhea brushed a strand of a rebellious streak of hair from her face.
"You deserve a break."Tani sighed happily.
"On Monday, I'll deliver everything myself. I want to make sure it's perfect."Rhea's hand tightened on her mug.
"Monday? Isn't that your birthday? Who books this close to an event? It's already Saturday.""My birthday."Rhea's smile froze. "Right. Of course."
"Promise me you'll cancel? I have a big surprise for you" Rhea was grinning now, trying desperately to charm Tani.
"Thank you Rhea, but I think we can do all that after the delivery. You can come with me if you want."Seeing Tani was set on delivering the order she quickly agreed, sliding in a condition.
"Alright then, promise me it will be in and out… no delays, so we can kick start your day."
Tani was exhilarated about the order and the gift of family. She was in a generous mood and agreed.
"Here's my pinky finger Rhea, but first we have an order to fill!" she squealed with delight again.
****
Monday morning came faster than the sisters expected. Tani loaded the trays into the hired small delivery van, humming the same half-remembered tune.
Tani contemplated telling her sister about her odd dreams but stopped herself. She did not want to scare her away or worse be thought of as crazy.
The city looked freshly washed as they headed out. When she pulled up outside the Rhezan Tower, she had to blink.
There were cameras, bodyguards, cars sleek as mirrors as someone pulled in at the same time."Must be someone important." she muttered to the guard at the service entrance.He chuckled.
"Mr. Rhezan himself, the CEO. Big event tonight."She wheeled her boxes through the narrow hallway, as she pondered about this important figure, who was the CEO of Rhezan global.
She'd only seen news of the company and never put a face behind it. She wondered briefly, what kind of man lived in headlines.
The catering manager signed her delivery sheet. "Everything looks perfect. Thank you, Miss Zhani."She smiled, "Happy to fulfill my part."As she turned toward the exit, a murmur rose from the lobby voices, camera flashes.
For a heartbeat, the air changed, thick with static and the familiar faint scent of rain.The revolving door opened.
A tall man stepped in, flanked by photographers. Luca Rhezan, tailored suit, calm expression, eyes like stormlight. He oozed a magnetic aura.Tani suddenly felt the unexplainable urge to stay and see his face.
She had never been curious about things like this. She wasn't actually bothered by any of that stuff, yet a tight feeling inside made her stay glued right there. Because she wanted to catch sight of him once the camera crews and nosy reporters finally backed off.
She paused by the service lift, set on staying no matter how long it took just to catch a glimpse of him."Turn towards me already," she whispered, getting impatient. "turn."Then the most unhinged thing happened, as if the universe heard her silent whisper, he made a movement, turning slightly, as if he felt pull.
She held her breath, waiting to see him, totally unaware the elevator had opened and a hand pulled her into the elevator, temporarily distracting her by just a fraction of a second, she missed him.
"There you are, birthday girl, I've been looking everywhere for you.You promised in and out, remember?"
" Sorry Rhea, I was already on my way down. I thought they refused to let you come up with me earlier on. How did you change their minds?"Rhea grinned in a childish manner.
"I have my charms, you'll see."
Before Tani could cast a glance back at the CEO, The elevator doors closed to the both of them only seeing a fraction, a shadow of each other's face, too brief, but long enough to trigger something.