Scribbled love

"I used to think love was simple, until I found myself scribbled in the messy threads of other people's desires."

I was scrolling through Twitter posts when I received a call from Luc Denis. His name flashing on my screen jolted me out of the digital haze I’d been lost in. A year ago, that call had been a lifeline—a chance at something new. Now, it was just another reminder of how complicated life had become.

I still remember the day Luc called me to offer the position at Apex Partners. Back then, I was desperate for a change, anything to escape the crushing feeling of rejection from all the other jobs I had applied for. The moment Luc’s voice came through, calm and assured, offering me a job at this prestigious investment firm in Montréal, it felt like the universe was giving me a second chance.

“Jade, we’re excited to have you on board,” Luc had said. His voice carried the weight of responsibility but also hinted at the charm that I would come to know well. "You’ll find it’s a dynamic environment. But more than that, it’s like family here."

Family. That word had meant something different then.

Apex Partners wasn’t just an office—it was a world of its own, with its perfectly polished walls, high-end coffee machines, and glass conference rooms that gleamed under the soft lighting. On the surface, it was a place of professionalism and prestige, but as I soon learned, beneath that polished exterior were layers of emotions, hidden intentions, and unspoken tensions.

Now, after a year, I realize how tangled this 'family' really was.

But today, as I stare at Luc’s name on my phone screen, I can’t help but think about how far things have come, how everything had gotten so messy especially his life. I swipe to answer, my finger hesitating for just a moment, knowing that every conversation now carried layers that I hadn't seen a year ago.Sure! Let’s pick up from where we left off and keep the tone light but with a hint of the tangled emotions brewing beneath the surface.

"Luc," I answered, trying to keep my voice casual, "What’s up?"

There was a brief pause before his smooth, composed voice came through the line. "Jade, we need to talk. Can you swing by my office later?"

I felt a small flutter of curiosity mixed with apprehension. Luc was never one to beat around the bush, but there was something in his tone that made me think this wasn’t just about work. "Sure," I said slowly, "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, just... let’s talk in person," he replied before hanging up.

I stared at my phone for a moment, the lingering sense of something unsaid hanging in the air. The last time Luc had called me into his office, it had been about a potential promotion—yet today, the conversation felt charged with something else entirely.

As I grabbed my bag and headed out of my apartment, I couldn't help but wonder: was this about work, or was it about everything else we’d been dancing around for the past year?Got it! Let's continue with the scene, adding in the birthday call from Isira's mom to keep the flow light and personal:

Before I could think too deeply, my phone rang again—this time, it was Mom. I smiled, instantly recognizing the familiar number from overseas.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart!" her warm voice greeted me, cutting through the Montreal morning chill.

"Thanks, Mom," I replied, my voice softening. "How’s everything back home?"

"Oh, the same old. But today’s all about you! I can’t believe my little girl’s another year older," she said, the pride evident in her voice. "Any big plans?"

I laughed lightly, glancing at the traffic around me as I made my way to the metro station. "Not really. I’ve got work, then I might grab dinner with a few friends. You know, nothing too wild."

"Well, you deserve a day off, even if you won’t take one," she teased. "Just don’t work too hard today, okay? I’ll call you later—your dad sends his love."

"Will do, Mom," I replied. "Love you both."

As I hung up, I paused for a moment, leaning against a lamppost. Mom’s call had reminded me how far I was from the simple life I used to know. Birthdays used to be about homemade cakes and family dinners, not last-minute meetings at corporate offices where secrets and complications lurked beneath the surface.

With a sigh, I pushed those thoughts aside and headed toward Luc’s office, feeling the weight of the day settle in. This birthday was already turning out to be more complicated than I had anticipated. As I approached the glass doors of Apex Partners, I spotted Luc sitting in his car, the engine still running. He hadn’t noticed me yet, his focus on something in the passenger seat—probably one of his countless work files.

Luc Denis was always punctual, always composed, the kind of man who made everything look easy. His appearance mirrored that control: jet-black hair, neatly styled and untouched by the messiness of the world, and sharp brown eyes that seemed to see through you, picking up on every detail without ever making you feel uncomfortable. There was a calmness to him, a steady confidence in the way he carried himself, like he was born to lead.

I admired Luc, not in the way people might assume. He was more like a brother to me—protective, patient, and someone I knew would have my back no matter what. Though he was only a few years older, he had this old-soul wisdom that made me feel like everything would work out if he was around.

What always struck me most about him was his warmth, something that contrasted sharply with the icy professionalism of our work environment. Luc had the rare ability to balance ambition with kindness, and I think that’s what made people gravitate toward him. Even if his heritage made him stand out—a mix of Indian and Canadian roots—he was the one who made others feel like they belonged.

As I walked closer, he finally noticed me, his eyes lighting up in recognition. A smile spread across his face, softening the usual sternness he wore at work.

"Hey, birthday girl!" Luc called out through the open window, waving me over.

I couldn’t help but grin. “You remembered?”

“Of course. How could I forget?” he said," Very Happy birthday. I hope you will have a great day and life without ang wrinkles on your face." Hd stepping out of the car and giving me a quick hug while laughing. Luc wasn’t the type to make a big deal out of things, but his small gestures always spoke volumes.

" Hey, I won't gonna get wrinkles this easy as you." I responded while snatching a pack of chocolates from him. " Huh, chocolate lover you will get fat like this." " I don't care, it's my first love" i chuckled while having a bite of chocolate. We made our way toward the entrance of the building together. Though the day had only just begun, I knew Luc had a hundred things on his mind. But like always, he made space for everyone else’s concerns before his own.