Episode 2

Aria wakes up early, getting ready for work. She helps Axel, her 5-year-old son, get dressed and ready for school. As they finished breakfast, Aria glances at the clock and smiles. "It's time for you to go school, go get your bag" Aria said.

Axel got down from his chair and went to get his bag. Aria takes his hand leading him downstairs to the car. Aria starts the engine. As she drives him to school, she thinks about her life, grateful for her son.

Meanwhile, Liam is searching for her Aria, unable to shake the memory of their passionate night together. He doesn't know about Aria and Axel's life now. He only knows he needs to find her again.

As Aria drops off Axel at school, she feels a sense of pride and fulfillment. She watches him run into the school, waving goodbye and blowing a kiss before driving away.

Aria drives to work, enjoying the quiet drive. As the financial manager of a successful company (GreenTech Inc), she is responsible for making key decisions that impact the company's future.

Aria arrived at the office, she pulled into her reserved parking spot on the second level of the garage, her Audi A7 tires softly humming on the smooth concrete. She grabbed her bag and stepped out into the cool morning air, clicking on the key fob to lock her car before heading towards the elevator.

Aria stepped into the elevator, her heels clicking on the polished floor. She pressed the button for the 20th floor, where her office was located. As the doors closed, she took a deep breath, preparing herself for the busy day ahead.

The elevator doors opened, and Aria walked out into the bustling office suite. She was greeted by friendly faces - colleagues, who were already sipping on their morning coffee.

"Good morning, Aria! Big day today, isn't it?" her colleagues, John, asked, nodding in her direction.

Aria smiled, nodding in agreement." It certainly is". Aria walked into her spacious office, adorned with awards and recognition for her expertise. She takes her seat behind her mahogany desk, boots up her computer and begin replying to urgent emails, her fingers flying across the keyboard. After a few minutes of typing, her gaze falls on the clock on the wall - 8:36 AM. "I have a few minutes before Rachel arrives with the day's financial report and schedule" Aria said.

Just as Aria continues typing, she hears a gentle knock on the door, Rachel right on cue. "Good morning, Ma'am! Ready to tackle the day?" Rachel says with a smile. "Your schedule is packed, but I got everything under control."

"Here's the financial report and your schedule" Rachel says, handing me a thick folder, I've highlighted the key areas including revenue, expenses and cash flow".

As she finishes reviewing the report, she feels a sense of pride and accomplishment because of a significant rise in revenue then Rachel reminds her of the upcoming merger meeting with Smith & Co which is scheduled at 10 AM the next day.

Aria realizes she needs to prepare and make a note to review the client's portfolio. As Aria gets to work, Maya, her best friend and marketing manager, burst into her office, plopping down into a chair across from her desk. "Hey girl, I'm starting to think you are avoiding me. We haven't hung out in ages!"

Aria looks up from the financial report on her computer, smiling warmly, "Mayaa I'm so glad you're here! I was just thinking about how much I need a friend break. This meeting with Smith & Co investors have been stressing me out."

Maya grins mischievously. "Well, stress less, girl! Let's ditch this and grab lunch instead."

Aria laughs, shaking her head. "Can't I have to crunch some more numbers and make sure our financials are perfect. Besides, I have to pick Axel up from school.

Maya's face lit up. "Ooh how's my favorite mini human doing? I feel like I haven't seen him in ages!"

Aria smiled pulling out her phone to show Maya a picture of Axel. "He's doing great he's currently obsessed with dinosaurs."

Maya giggles, "That's amazing! I need to take him to a dinosaur theme park soon."

Aria glances at her watch, "Well it's time for me to go pick him up from school. But we should plan a play date this weekend, just the three of us!"

Maya nods enthusiastically. "Absolutely, let's hit the dinosaur theme park, Axel would love it!"

Aria stands up, gathering her things. "That sounds perfect." Maya smiles. "Sounds like a plan!" Aria heads out, and Maya calls out, "Drive safe, give Axel a hug for me and tell Aunty Maya says hi!"

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***