Lucy sat at the burger shop, nursing a small burger and a drink. Her attention shifted as a man in his late fifties, dressed in a neat blue outfit, approached her. It was Mr. Thomas, a friendly neighbor she and Elsa had frequently met at the diner where they used to work.
"Good day, Mr. Thomas," Lucy greeted with a polite and pleasant smile. His face was lightly lined, but he looked sharp and presentable.
"It's lovely to see you, Lucy. How are you?" he asked, returning her warm gaze.
"Good, sir," she replied.
"Okay, it's good seeing you," Thomas said, nodding.
"As well as you, Mr. Thomas."
"I think I should be going," he said.
Lucy gave a gentle, understanding nod. "Okay, Mr. Thomas. Goodbye."
"Take care, dear," Thomas said, turning to walk away.
As he walked, carrying several bags, it struck him that she looked very much like a student. Deciding to share some books he had recently picked up, he turned back. Lucy was in the middle of drinking her water when he returned.
"I want to give you some books," he said, setting the bags down on the table—bags she hadn't previously noticed he was carrying. Curious, Lucy watched as he reached inside, pulled out two novels, and extended them toward her.
"Thank you, Mr. Thomas. I am so grateful for your kind gift," Lucy said, a sweet, heartfelt smile lighting up her face.
Struck by her genuine warmth, Thomas felt a wave of satisfaction. He had picked them up for free at a bookstore and figured he wouldn't need them himself, but seeing her appreciation made it worthwhile.
"You are very welcome, dear," Mr. Thomas said. "Bye, Lucy. Take care of yourself."
"Thank you, Mr. Thomas. You take care Mr. Thomas"
With a final nod, he left. Lucy looked down, her green eyes taking in the two novels. Pleased to discover that one was fantasy and the other historical fiction, she knew immediately she would read them both—a welcome surprise since she had been craving a good story to dive into.
Miles away in a quiet study room, Roman sat before a polished mahogany table. Books rested neatly on the left side of his shelves, while a comfortable couch and a wall-mounted television sat on the opposite side of the room. His dark eyes focused intently on his laptop screen as he researched ideas for a new business startup. Sifting through options ranging from engineering ventures and fashion lines to general retail, he absorbed the market data.
It was evening, and Jane was getting ready. She wore a green tea-length gown that reached her knees, featuring a wide, structured strap over the shoulder. She had tied her brown hair into a beautiful bun, applied a touch of lipstick, and slipped her phone into her green purse. Paired with black slingback wedge heels, she looked effortlessly put-together.
She and Lauren were preparing to make a deal with top businessmen in editorial marketing. Moreover, Lauren wanted to connect with Norman Author, the founder of the major company they hoped to partner with.
Stepping out of her room after applying her favorite sweet perfume, Jane met Lauren. Lauren was dressed in a stunning dark blue sheath gown that cascaded to her feet, paired with dark blue T-strap platform high heels. Her hair was elegantly adorned with white pearls.
"You look stunning, Jane," Lauren said, inspecting the gown that hugged Jane's slender body, moderate bust, and hips.
"Thank you very much, Lauren. You look extremely beautiful in your dress as well," Jane replied with a bright smile.
"Thanks. It's getting late, we should be heading out," Lauren said, checking her phone.
A sleek black Mercedes awaited them outside. The driver started the ignition as soon as they settled into the back seat, heading toward an exclusive party hosted by "The Most" at one of their premier hotels.
Looking out the car window, Jane hoped the evening would go perfectly. Meanwhile, Lucas Logan—in his early thirties, with dark, neatly combed hair, sharp and observant dark blue eyes, smooth brows, full lips, and broad shoulders—arrived at the venue. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he moved with effortless, powerful elegance. Beside him was his tall, brown-haired assistant, Arias, who moved with quiet purpose.
As they stepped into the bustling, elegantly lit event room filled with wealthy guests and networking professionals, Lucas is a tech billionaire and Arthur quickly approached Lucas.
"Good day, Sir Lucas," Arthur said politely, eager to draw close to a man of such immense power, riches, and influence.
"Good day, Arthur," Lucas replied with a friendly nod, pausing briefly to talk business alongside Arias.
Moments later, the Mercedes-Benz arrived at the hotel parking lot. Jane and Lauren stepped out, joining the stream of elegantly dressed business partners entering the cool, glowing reception hall.
Inside, Norman Author—a tall, fit man in his late forties with blonde hair and black eyes—was conversing with guests when he spotted Lauren and Jane approaching. Excusing himself, a pleasant smile spread across his face as he walked toward them.
"Good evening, Norman," Lauren greeted warmly, stepping forward to embrace him.
"It's so good to see you, Lauren," Norman said, kissing her cheek.
"It's lovely to see you too." Norman then looked toward Jane, who stood quietly beside Lauren.
"Good evening, Sir Norman," Jane said politely.
Norman squinted his eyes playfully. "Your assistant, Lauren?"
"Yes, Norman," Lauren confirmed.
"It's nice meeting you," Norman said, extending his hand for a handshake. Jane took it, noting his warm grip. Norman was immediately struck by how pretty and elegant both women looked.
"The pleasure is mine, Sir Norman," Jane replied graciously.
As Lauren and Norman caught up on life back home and seamlessly transitioned into future business collaborations, Jane remained attentive, absorbing everything while keeping her composure.
Across the room, Lucas was holding a glass of champagne when his gaze is on Jane. Looking at her he is curious and wants know her. He turned to Arias.
"Who is the woman dressed in the green outfit?"
"She's one of Norman's important guests. She came with the woman talking to Norman Author," Arias informed him.
"They must be important business associates to Norman," Lucas observed.
Lucas watched them closely. Lauren carried herself with grace, high self-esteem, and modest poise. And Jane... Jane was different. She was graceful, reserved, quiet, and observant—not seeking attention, yet entirely captivating. Lucas couldn't tear his eyes away from her warm, cocoa-brown eyes. In them, he sensed something deeply good-natured, kind, and pure. In that single moment, he felt drawn to her soul, recognizing a rare, authentic beauty.
As the evening progressed, Jane spoke with various guests, keeping her comments measured and wise. Lucas watched as another businessman, Etam, briefly approached her. Though Spencer tried to engage Lucas in conversation, Lucas found his attention drifting entirely toward the woman with the brown eyes and subtle freckles on her cheeks. Her hair tied neatly back, wearing only a touch of lip gloss, she radiated a calm, grounding presence that thrilled his soul.
Deciding he simply had to know her name, Lucas broke away from his conversation. Accompanied by Arias, he walked straight toward Lauren's circle.
"Good evening, Mr. Ian," Lucas said smoothly as he approached.
Lauren's attention goes to him, and Jane looked up, quietly assessing the handsome guest.
Ian beamed, thrilled to see the influential man. "Good evening, Sir Logan, How are you?"
"I'm well, and you?" Lucas asked politely.
"Good, very good, Ian replied looking at Lucas.
Ian realizing he had not yet introduced his companions, Ian quickly gestured toward them. "This is Sir Lucas, a good friend," he told Lauren and Jane.
"Good evening, Lucas. I'm Lauren," Lauren said, looking at the healthy, well-built man.
"Good evening, Lauren," Lucas replied respectfully, before his gaze shifted deliberately to Jane. "And good evening, Madame."
"Good evening Lucas, my name is Jane" Jane said softly, meeting his gaze. She immediately liked his warm, approachable demeanor.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lauren, and as well as you Jane," Lucas said, his eyes lingering on Jane with a gentle, disarming smile. Lauren is surprised Lucas calls Jane Madame, and smiles warmly.
Ian, Lauren, and Lucas engaged in lively discussion, with Jane offering thoughtful comments whenever necessary. Though Lucas conversed smoothly with the group, his focus remained entirely on Jane. He hadn't come over for Ian or Lauren—he had come simply to hear Jane voice, confirm his intuition, and discover the truth behind her quiet, decent nature.
Sitting back in the quiet leather interior of his car later that night, Lucas stared out into the dark streets. He couldn't get her out of his head. Her name was Jane. Assistant to the owner of Crescent Company, Jane eyes sparkled with goodness, he knew he wanted Jane in his life.