Lost Colors of Love

The airport buzzed with life—a mix of announcements, hurried footsteps, and bursts of laughter. By the glass window, she watched planes ascend into the endless sky, her phone clutched loosely in her hand.

“Hey, I hope you’re doing great,” she said, her tone light and teasing.

“I was hoping you’d pick up my call, but I guess you’re busy as always. It’s okay.”

She glanced out at the planes, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“You know, I used to say ‘see you later’ to you,” she continued, her tone reflective.

“But this time...” She paused, “This time, I’m saying goodbye.”

“Thank you for teaching me what I didn’t know I needed to learn,” she added softly.

“Goodbye, Derek.” Her voice was steady and calm, like the quiet before the bloom of spring.

--

Five years later

The forest was alive with the sound of soft footfalls and the rustle of leaves. Mariana darted between the trees, her breaths steady as she pushed herself harder. The black panther ran beside her, his massive form gliding through the underbrush like a shadow-made flesh.

“Faster, Shadow! Is that all you’ve got?” she teased, her voice carrying a mix of challenge and laughter.

Shadow growled playfully and, with a powerful leap, tackled her to the ground. Mariana let out a laugh as she hit the soft forest floor, Shadow’s enormous frame pinning her effortlessly. He leaned down and licked her face, making her giggle.

“All right, all right, you win!” she said, rubbing his head affectionately. “You’re too strong for me.”

“I’d love to keep playing, but I’ve got to head back,” she told him, standing up and stretching. “I have work to finish tonight, and tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.”

Shadow tilted his head, as if understanding her words, and let out a low huff. She patted his shoulder and started jogging back toward home, Shadow behind her.

The golden hues of sunset bathe Mariana’s house

After a moment of playful chaos, Mariana heads to the bathroom for a shower. As the warm water cascades down, she hears a faint rustling sound outside the door.

Mariana: (playfully annoyed) “Shadow, what now?

Reaching for a towel draped over the door, she feels a tug.

Mariana: (laughing) “Shadow, don’t you dare!”

But Shadow, holding the towel in his teeth, bolts through the house.

Huffing, Mariana grabs a loose T-shirt from a nearby chair and slips it on hastily.

Mariana: (chasing after him) “Shadow, get back here!”

Shadow darts through an open window into the garden. Mariana follows, barefoot, her T-shirt swaying as she runs.

Matthew is jogging along the edge of Central Park, the rhythmic sound of his steps mingling with the evening breeze. The park’s serenity is interrupted by a faint voice calling out in the distance.

He slows down, his brow furrowing as he listens.

Matthew: (to himself) “Someone’s out there?”

Changing direction, he heads toward the forest.

Mariana spots Shadow sitting majestically by a small lake, his reflection shimmering in the still water.

Mariana: (climbing a tree) “You think you’ve won, huh? Watch this.”

As she jumps down to catch him, Shadow leaps away, and Mariana lands with a splash in the lake.

Mariana:(sputtering) “Shadow, you...”

Her scream echoes through the forest. Hearing her voice, Matthew quickens his pace, eventually arriving at the lake.

He pauses at the sight of the moonlit water, then freezes as Mariana emerges from the lake. Her soaked T-shirt clings to her body, accentuating her curves. Her hair cascades over her shoulders, framing her startled face.

Matthew’s gaze lingers for a moment too long.

Mariana: (startled, locking eyes with him) “Pervert!”

Matthew: (snapping out of it) “Excuse me?!”

Mariana: (crossing her arms, glaring) “What are you doing here, spying on me?”

Matthew:(defensive) “I heard someone scream. I thought you needed help. Didn’t realize it was just a pervert girl swimming in the lake ”

Mariana: (indignant) “prevert ? I slipped, you creep!”

Their heated exchange continues as Shadow reappears, leaping onto Matthew and pinning him to the ground.

Shadow growls, his sharp teeth inches from Matthew’s face. Matthew’s head hits a sharp rock. His eyes flutter closed, and he faints.

The next morning, a piercing alarm jolted Mariana awake. Her eyes snapped open, and she sat up abruptly, the clock on her bedside table glaring at 8:15 AM at her.

“Oh no! I’m late! I’m late! I’m late!” she exclaimed, jumping out of bed in a flurry of motion.

She darted to the bathroom, her morning routine compressed into lightning speed. After a quick shower, she threw on her clothes—a sharp yet effortless outfit that spoke of her confidence and style—and bolted downstairs.

On her way out the door, she stopped suddenly, spinning on her heel. “Shadow!” she called out. The panther padded out of another room, his golden eyes watching her curiously.

“I’m late! I’ll be back soon, so don’t make a mess, and definitely don’t go outside, okay? No scaring the neighbors this time!”

Shadow blinked at her slowly, his expression almost mischievous.

“Promise me!” she said sternly, pointing a finger at him before rushing out the door.

Mariana’s heels clicked rhythmically against the sleek floors of her walking in her company’s door. Her assistant approached briskly, tablet in hand.

“Good morning, Miss Brooks,” she greeted. “We’ve got a busy schedule today. First, there’s a strategy meeting at 9:30, followed by a lunch meeting with the marketing team, and finally, a financial review with the board at 3.”

----

An elegant black car pulls up to the towering corporate headquarters of Everly Group. The morning sun glints off the vehicle’s polished surface as Matthew steps out, the sharp lines of his tailored suit exuding authority. Employees line the entrance, their serious expressions reflecting the weight of his presence. Without a glance, he strides into the building.

Inside, the air is thick and efficient. Matthew’s assistant approaches him with a folder in hand.

Assistant: “Sir, here’s your schedule. You have a meeting with the board in 30 minutes, and later today, you’ll need to review the proposals for the new product launch.”

Matthew: “And the partner company? Do we have a meeting set?”

Assistant: “LumenWorks has responded. They’ve agreed to meet later at 2 pm.”

Matthew smirks, his expression unreadable. “Cunning as a fox. She knew we’d come to her.”

Across town, Mariana sits in her sleek, modern office at LumenWorks. The morning light streams through the glass walls, illuminating her composed demeanor. Her assistant enters, holding a tablet.

Assistant: “We just received an email from Everly Group. They’re requesting a meeting later at 2 pm to discuss their luxury skincare launch.”

Mariana leans back in her chair, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. “Perfect. Just as planned.”

The bustling energy of the day fills the sleek corporate headquarters of LumenWorks. Employees whisper among themselves as Matthew strides through the entrance, his commanding presence turning heads.

Employee 1: (whispering) “That’s Matthew Brooks, CEO of Everly Group. He’s here for the partnership meeting.”

Employee 2: (nodding) “I heard he’s tough but handsome .”

Matthew adjusts his suit as he steps into the elevator, ignoring the quiet chatter. Moments later, an assistant escorts him to the meeting room.

Assistant: (opening the door) “Please wait here, Mr.Hart. Ms. Brooks will join you shortly.”

Matthew enters, his sharp eyes scanning the modern, minimalist design of the room. He takes a seat, his mind already strategizing the upcoming discussion.

Suddenly, the door swings open, and Mariana walks in, a confident smile on her face—until her eyes land on Matthew.

Both freeze, their expressions morphing into shock.

Mariana: (screaming) “You?!”

Matthew: (equally loud) “You?!”

The tension in the room is palpable as their gazes lock.

Mariana: (recovering, crossing her arms) “What are you doing here?”

Matthew: (standing up, equally defensive) “I could ask you the same thing. You’re the CEO of this company?”

Mariana: (smirking) “Surprised? I run things around here, Brooks.”

Matthew: (chuckling dryly) “Well, this partnership just got a lot more interesting.”

The room falls silent as they stare each other down, the unresolved tension from the night before hanging thick in the air.

And so, the game begins.

End of Chapter One