Another hectic work day and meeting for both Shane and Isla , from the board meeting with their granddad and Isla running some errands for the firm and Shane overseeing the construction and building of the third mall in Auckland and even with that they still found a way to sneak in a video call.
Isla barely noticed when her phone lit up. She was already exhausted, heels kicked off under her desk, blazer draped over the chair like she'd given up halfway through the evening.
Then she saw his name.
Shane.
She smiled before answering.
The screen filled with his face — tie loosened, sleeves rolled up, dark circles under his eyes that only appeared on days he'd pushed himself too hard.
"Hey," she said softly.
"There she is," he murmured, his voice warm despite the fatigue. "My princess."
Her shoulders relaxed instantly. "Long day?" she asked, even though the answer was obvious.
"You have no idea," Shane said, leaning back in his chair. "I've been thinking about you since noon. That's the only thing that got me through the last meeting."
She laughed quietly. "Careful. That sounds like love bombing."
"I am absolutely love bombing," he replied without hesitation. "You deserve it. Especially after the week you've had."
Isla tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, eyes softening. "You always know what to say, pookie."
He smiled at that — the kind of smile that belonged only to her. "Did you eat?"
She rolled her eyes. "Barely."
"Unacceptable," Shane said immediately. "I'm fixing that tonight."
Her brows lifted. "Oh?"
"Date night," he said, like it was already decided. "I booked that quiet place you like — the one with the low lights and no one asking questions. I'll pick you up at eight. You don't need to dress up. I just want you comfortable… and with me."
The silence between them wasn't awkward. It was full — the kind that came from knowing each other too well.
"You're spoiling me," Isla said softly.
"No," Shane corrected. "I'm loving you. There's a difference."
She swallowed, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "I'll see you at eight, then."
"I'll be there early," he said. "I always am for you."
The call ended, but the warmth lingered
Shorty after the video call Isla finished her work and started parking to go home , where she lives alone in a condo apartment bought by her dad since she's an only child . She shut down her computer with exhaustion in her bone and left for home
*******
Shane .
Across the city Shane was exhausted and loosened his tie taking deep breath while , waiting for his driver to come get him it was already late and just one hour before date night.
Isla.
I got home and let the day melt off me in a warm lavender bath. The scent filled the bathroom, calming my nerves as I sank deeper into the water, giving myself a rare moment to breathe. Thirty minutes later, I felt lighter — softer — like the exhaustion had loosened its grip.
Wrapped in a towel, I moved to my closet, scanning my options with date night in mind. I settled on a knee-length, straight black polo gown — simple, elegant, effortless. I paired it with a matching black purse and kept my makeup light, just enough to glow without trying too hard. Loafers finished the look — comfortable, but still put together.
By the time I was dressed, the clock read 7:50.
I sat down, phone in hand, heart quietly fluttering as I waited for Shane.
Shane.
I got home already rushing. Donald hadn't arrived early like planned, and the only thing on my mind was not keeping my princess waiting. I headed straight for the shower, moving on autopilot, the thought of her grounding me after the long day.
It was short, but unhurried — just enough time to let the tension ease from my shoulders. When I stepped out, I walked into my closet with nothing but a towel wrapped around my waist, another in my hand as I dried my hair, already mentally counting the minutes.
I reached for the new Tom Ford button-down Isla had gotten me — black, clean, sharp. I paired it with dark blue pants and dark glasses. Fashionable, simple. Me. I finished the look with a polished pair of shoes, sprayed my favorite cologne, and took one last glance in the mirror.
Then I headed downstairs, ready to finally see her.