Chapter Text
The midday rush in the cafeteria carried random chattering from the employees and the clattering of utensils from the serving counters. Stelle sat alone at the corner table with only a simple salad for lunch. A tablet was propped beside her as she reviewed few notes before starting her next task. She sent her morning update to her employer, Cerydra.
[Me]: Good day, President. Everything is in order. I’ve completed the hand-off tasks Ms. Hysilens left and I’m coordinating smoothly with Director Cipher. As per the arrangement, I will continue on my post as a part-timer.
[Ms. Cerydra – CEO]: Good.
The reply was concise acknowledgment. Stelle was already used to these kinds of short and quick responses from her boss.
Halfway through her salad, the scrape of chairs caught her attention. Two young women put down their trays at the table just behind her. They were close enough that their conversation drifted easily over the soft cafeteria buzz.
“Any word from Hysilens?”
The gray-haired lady asked.
“Not since last night.”
The purple-haired lady simply answered then added, drawing curve into her lips.
“She probably transformed into an island girl overnight. That really sounds like fun.”
The gray-haired woman chuckled then, she responded.
“Well, can we blame her? A five-star hotel on an island? I’d disappear, too!”
Stelle kept her gaze on her plate, spearing another bite of greens although her ears stayed sharp.
Kafka gave a low laugh.
“But . . . I kinda miss her already. We have no one to tease now. Hope she’s doing fine.”
Stelle’s fork paused mid-air. She kept her posture neutral and shifted on her tablet but the conversation tugged her focus.
“She’ll be fine.”
Se-wan said as she chewed her rice. Then, she continued.
“Still, I wonder what kind of boss Ms. Cerydra is. You think she’s like those rumors?”
With a light voice, Kafka replied.
“I don’t think so. Intimidating, yes but . . . she’s so calm when we met her. Or . . . maybe we’ll hear wild stories when Hysilens is back.”
Stelle lowered her eyes to the screen, letting the words wash over her. Part of her itched to lean back and say something reassuring. But she reminded herself of her instructions of absolute discretion. Here, she was only a part-timer hire and not ScepterTech’s CEO’s confidante. No one knew about her except for Hysilens' department boss, Cipher and H&M's very own CEO Herta.
Behind her, the two friends continued their easy chatter about plans for the afternoon and the next project deadline. Their laughter was a counterpoint to the secret Stelle was carrying in silence.
***
It was already late morning when the helicopter had taken Cerydra and Hysilens back to the office. Both returned seamlessly into their routines as if the island interlude had never happened. Meanwhile, Cyrene remained back in the island as she had planned to stay a few more days there to manage family affairs.
In the wide glass-walled cafeteria, the savory aroma of roasted meats mingled with the smell of the freshly baked bread. For once, Hysilens found herself in a rare midday lull. Cerydra had cleared her schedule today, leaving only a single private meeting later with the CEO of H&M.
Just one meeting?
Hysilens thought, putting down her tray onto a corner table.
And she doesn’t even want me there. What could they possibly discuss?
The curiosity itched at the back of her mind but Cerydra’s instructions had been clear. It was for Hysilens to focus on her desk work. Fu Xuan, her assistant for the week, settled across from her with a plate of steaming dumplings.
“Morning felt endless.”
She said with a small smile.
“I think we signed half the continent’s paperwork.”
Hysilens gave a light chuckle, keeping her professional tone in place.
“It was a solid stack. At least the President cleared the rest of the afternoon. You handled them well.”
Fu Xuan waved it off modestly.
“I’m used to it. My father runs a freight business back home. Paperwork is our family curse.”
“Back home? Where’s that?”
Hysilens asked, spearing a slice of grilled fish.
“Yuque.”
Fu Xuan replied.
“Seven hours by plane from here in the country.”
The name brightened a small memory.
“Yuque . . . my friend Kafka spent decades there.”
Hysilens said as she took a small sip of her water. She then continued.
“She isn’t a local. Her father’s job kept their family posted there for a long assignment. ”
Fu Xuan responded with her tone hinting of curiosity.
“Her name sounds foreign. I figured. But she must know quite a lot about Yuque if she lived there for a while.”
Hysilens responded as a touch of interest slipped through.
“Hmm. . . she always described how beautiful Yuque’s night sky is. Like . . . the stars and planets are more visible there compared to any places in the world.”
Fu Xuan’s eyes lit.
“Then she knows the real Yuque. You should visit if you can.”
She said with genuine enthusiasm softening her usually precise manner.
Hysilens allowed herself a small smile then took another deliberate bite of her fish. Outside the tall windows, the city shimmered under the early-afternoon sun as if it was just another quiet interlude before the rest of the day would unfold.
The time just slipped by in a steady rhythm until the appointed meeting hour.
Hysilens stood in the marble-lined lobby at the ground floor with a tablet tucked neatly against her arm. When the glass door of the main entrance slid open, H&M CEO, Herta stepped in. Her stride was unhurried and calm. Her sharp eyes scanned the space with a hint of amusement in her expression.
“Ms. Herta.”
Hysilens who was waiting for her in the lobby greeted her with a polite bow.
“Good afternoon. I’ll escort you to the President’s office.”
Herta’s gaze landed on her and recognition sparked almost instantly. A slight smile curved her lips.
“Enjoying too much here at ScepterTech.”
She clicked her tongue lightly and her eyes were gleaming. Both proceed to walk towards the private elevator.
“How’s their pace treating you? Don’t tell me they’ve already run you ragged? That would be such a waste of good talent.”
“I’m doing well, thank you.”
Hysilens replied, keeping her professionalism steady. The elevator door slid open.
“It’s a different rhythm, but I’m adapting.”
“Mm . . .”
Herta could only lift a brow as if she’d known the answer all along.
“Of course you are. You always struck me as quick on your feet. Still . . .”
She gestured vaguely upwards as if pointing to the top floor of the building. There was a sly glint in her eyes.
“. . . don’t let HER steal all the credit for polishing you up. I’d like to think I had some part in that already.”
Hysilens allowed herself a brief and courteous smile.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The elevator doors slid open onto the top floor. Hysilens led the way through the hushed corridor with her heels clicking softly on the floor. The glass door of the CEO’s office opened. Cerydra was standing behind her desk with a tablet on one hand.
Hysilens walked Herta inside the office and gave another polite bow before leaving the two.
“Ms. Herta.”
Cerydra greeted professionally, stepping forward with a measured smile, offering a formal handshake.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
Herta returned a firm handshake.
“Your invitation was . . . intriguing. I rarely postpone my own meetings but . . . I make exceptions for those who make them worthwhile.”
Cerydra gestured towards the leather chair opposite her desk.
“I appreciate that. I wanted to personally thank you for allowing me to immerse in your company operations last week. The experience was invaluable.”
Herta crossed her legs smoothly. There was a faint gleam of amusement in her eyes.
“Now, I have to ask . . . why would a renowned tech CEO . . .”
She motioned vaguely at Cerydra and continued.
“. . . suddenly decided to immerse herself in a junior position in my company? You didn’t even request to be placed in an executive seat at the very least. I can’t decide if it’s eccentric or brilliant.”
Cerydra’s expression didn’t flicker and her calm was almost disarming.
“I could get to see the finer details if I started from the bottom, couldn’t I?”
She folded her hands lightly on the desk. Her voice was smooth but resolute.
“The work gets overlooked when one only sees from the top.”
Herta leaned back as amusement sharpened in her expression.
“Hm. I suppose it takes a certain kind of confidence to abandon the view from the top just to sweep through the foundations. Not many would dare it.”
She tilted her head with her lips curving in a half-smile. Then Cerydra spoke.
“Let me keep it short. Your company stands out among your peers. I’d like to discuss the possibility of ScepterTech providing a tailored management-training program using our systems and analytics to help scale your growth.”
A flicker of pride touched Herta’s face though her tone stayed sharp.
“High praise from you, Ms. Cerydra. I don’t entertain outside assistance lightly. But since it is you, who’s personally offering it, I’m willing to examine it.”
“I’ll have my team draft a framework.”
Cerydra continued.
“We can arrange a follow-up to walk through the details. You’d have full access to our integration specialists.”
Herta inclined her head with a single elegant nod.
“Send me the preliminary scope and I’ll dissect it myself before we meet again. If your proposal stands up to scrutiny, I’ll commit. Let’s set the next meeting in two weeks. My office will coordinate with yours.”
“Agreed.”
Cerydra simply said.
“My team will handle all logistics and ensure the transition is seamless.”
Herta rose in a single fluid motion, offering her hand again.
“Then we’re finished here.”
Cerydra clasped her hand firmly.
“Until next time, Ms. Herta.”
Without another unnecessary word, Herta turned and retreated, leaving behind a trace of her signature perfume and the unmistakable impression of a deal worth pursuing.
***
Most lights were dim now. The hallway now of the support office’s floor was hushed except for the faint movement of the few remaining employees packing up. Cerydra’s last message still glowed on Hysilens’ phone screen.
[+12 3456 789]: You can head home. I’m staying late. Phainon can pick you up.
Hysilens finally typed back.
[Me]: I can stay and help.
Cerydra’s reply came fast.
[+12 3456 789]: It’s past your working hours. Go home, Hysilens.
She exhaled, pocketed her phone and walked towards the elevator anyway.
If I’m supposed to mirror the CEO’s week, I can’t just leave early.
She reluctantly thought.
The glass door of the CEO’s office opened with a soft hiss. Cerydra looked up from her laptop. The sunset was already painting the glass walls in dusky amber.
“I told you to go home.”
She said with one brow lifting.
“And your rule said I’m supposed to mirror you, right?”
Hysilens replied steadily.
“If you’re still working, I should at least stay . . . just in case you need my help.”
Cerydra leaned back slightly. There was a crease at the corner of her mouth.
“Persistent, aren’t we?”
“Just fulfilling my part.”
Hysilens said, matching her calm then another beat of silence.
“Fine.”
Cerydra said at last with a trace of warmth in her voice.
“Do as you please. You can wander around.”
“Understood.”
Hysilens stood for a moment then walked into the private lounge adjoining the CEO's office. Upon entering the lounge, there was a subtle crisp and clean scent mixed with the coffee aroma in the room. It was subtle but unmistakable. She caught herself inhaling before she could stop. There was a pulse of heat flickering low in her chest.
Ridiculous.
She scolded herself, moving towards the small coffee station.
She set two mugs beneath the brewer, deciding she might as well bring Cerydra one. By the time the machine finished, she convinced herself that the scent lingering in her head was just part of the office.
Carrying both cups back, she found Cerydra still by her desk.
“Coffee, no sugar.”
She said, placing one beside Cerydra. Cerydra glanced up, meeting her eyes for a second longer than necessary.
“Thank you.”
She said, giving her a soft smile.
Hysilens felt the warmth of that familiar scent again so she distanced herself and crossed to the couch on the far window instead. She settled there with her own cup, scrolling idly through her phone. The city lights beyond the glass pulsed like a slow heartbeat.
For a long moment, there was only silence in the room except for Cerydra’s fingers typing on the keys. Hysilens who was still sitting on the couch, set her empty mug on the side table and leaned back against the cushions.
The muted tap of keys finally stopped. Hysilens shifted as soft footsteps crossed the floor. Cerydra with her usual composure, sat beside her on the couch. The CEO’s voice came low and teasing like a quiet ripple against the late-night hush.
“Why stay here so long?”
She murmured.
“You could’ve gone back to the penthouse and rested properly? This couch can’t be comfortable.”
The nearness of Cerydra made the familiar scent bloom again, making it impossible to ignore at this point. Hysilens reached automatically for her coffee as to try to hide behind the cup, inhaling the bitter scent to steady herself.
“It’s empty.”
Cerydra observed with her eyes catching Hysilens’. Her lips curved in a knowing smile. Hysilens let out a short and awkward laugh.
“Oh. . . right. Then I . . . should make another.”
As she’s about to rise, Cerydra shifted closer. The heat of her presence brushed against Hysilens’ shoulder.
“Running away?”
The question came soft but edged. Her gaze held Hysilens in place.
“What are you even talking about . . .”
Hysilens managed though her voice faltered.
Cerydra leaned in just enough that the world narrowed to a single heartbeat. Her face drew near until the distance between them was a whisper.
But then, Hysilens jerked awake.
The office was quiet and the city lights were already shimmering beyond the glass. She was now lying properly with a soft blanket drawn over her shoulders, scented unmistakably of Cerydra’s perfume.
For a moment she stared at the fabric as heat prickled her skin.
A dream . . .
She told herself. The click of a drawer made Hysilens blink fully awake. Cerydra was standing now, gathering the last of her files before walking towards her direction.
For a beat, the sight felt like a perfect echo of the dream she’d just shaken off. Her heart kicked.
Not again . . .
Before she could stop herself, she shot upright.
“Uh . . . pinch me.”
Cerydra halted mid-step with her brows lifting.
“Excuse me?”
“Just . . . pinch me. Please.”
Hysilens straightened, half-flustered.
“I need to be sure this isn’t still . . . a dream.”
The CEO tilted her head with a faint amusement sparking in her eyes.
“I’m firmly against workplace violence.”
She said evenly.
“Even minor assaults.”
Hysilens exhaled then a chuckle broke through as she rubbed her own arm.
“Right. I’m awake. Definitely awake. Forget I said anything.”
Cerydra’s mouth curved the smallest fraction before she studied her a little more closely.
“What on earth were you dreaming about . . .”
She asked.
“. . . that made you need proof you’re awake?”
Heat rushed to Hysilens’ ears. The memory of that almost-kiss burned too vividly.
“It’s nothing.”
She said quickly, waving a hand.
“Just—uh—instant noodles talking to me. Weird stuff.”
One elegant brow arched.
“It made you ask for a pinch?”
“Very realistic . . . weird stuff.”
Hysilens replied as she grabbed her bag. Cerydra let the subject drop with a soft hum though the hint of a knowing smile lingered.
“Come on. Let’s go home.”
They left the office side by side. In the basement garage, Cerydra’s blue convertible was already waiting. After a long but steady day at Sceptertech, neither spoke much as fatigue hung over them.
Hysilens who sat in the passenger seat watched the trail of streetlights blur past. Cerydra who was calmly driving with one hand on the wheel and the other resting near the console focused her gaze on the road. Then, Hysilens’ phone buzzed. She stiffened slightly when she saw the caller ID lit up. She hesitated just long enough for Cerydra’s eyes to flick briefly towards her before returning to the road.
Finally, Hysilens inhaled then answered.
“Hello . . . Doctor Hyacinthia?”
“Good evening, Hysilens.”
The doctor greeted warmly and continued.
“It’s good to hear from you. How are you?”
“I’m well.”
She replied softly, glancing out the window.
“How about you?”
“I’m doing fine. Thank you for asking. Well . . . I’ll keep this short. I’m actually calling regarding next Friday’s schedule. We’re having another open visitation.”
Hysilens froze. The words sat heavily in her chest. It was not a mandatory check but just another event. This time, it would be a charity program which meant to uplift the patients and their families.
“It’s going to be a small center event.”
The doctor continued gently.
“The patients will participate in small activities. Families are encouraged to attend for support. I thought I should inform you early and be able to attend this time.”
“I—”
The reply tangled on her tongue so she exhaled softly, steadying her voice.
“Maybe . . . next time, Doctor.”
There was no judgment on the line but only a soft hum of understanding from someone who had seen too many complicated reunions over the years.
“I understand.”
Dr. Hyacinthia said kindly.
“IThere will always be another opportunity.”
“Thank you.”
“Of course. One more thing before I let you go.”
Hysilens straightened slightly.
“There was someone who tried to visit your mother a few days ago.”
The doctor said.
“They claimed to be a relative.”
Hysilens’ brow furrowed. Her heartbeat kicked up in confusion.
“A . . . relative?”
“Yes. But since they couldn’t provide identification or supporting documents, we couldn’t let them in. Policy, you know.”
The city lights washed over Hysilens’ expression. There was concern and a faint prickle of unease for a moment.
“I see…”
She murmured.
“We don’t really . . . have relatives here. None that would visit her. Did they leave a name?”
“Unfortunately, no. They left before we could ask further. But I thought you should know.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“Anytime. Call me if you need anything. Your mother is looking forward to see you very soon.”
The line ended with a soft beep. Hysilens lowered the phone to her lap as she stared at the dim screen. Her thoughts churned with the doctor’s words replaying and refusing to settle.
Someone tried to visit mother? Who could that be? And . . . why . . . .
Out of the corner of her eye, she felt Cerydra’s silent attention. She simply drove steadily but her gaze flicked towards Hysilens again for a brief moment enough to register the shift in Hysilens’ expression.
“You went quiet.”
Cerydra said calmly.Her tone was not demanding but undeniably attentive.
“Are you alright?”
Hysilens instantly straightened in her seat.
“I’m fine.”
She said but her words came out too quickly.
“It was just . . . family matter.”
Cerydra didn’t challenge her but the subtle tilt of her head told Hysilens she wasn’t convinced. When Cerydra spoke again, her voice was softer than usual as if her concern was stripped of any pressure.
“Hysilens.”
She said.
“If something bothered you . . . you can tell me. You don’t have to. . . but you can.”
That firm yet gentle tone slipped under Hysilens’ defenses with unsettling ease. She clasped her hands together on her lap. Her eyes were fixed forward. The light from the passing streetlamps brushed over her face in warm streaks.
“It’s nothing bad.”
She finally murmured.
“Just . . . unexpected.”
Cerydra remained silent, letting her continue. Hysilens exhaled softly. Cerydra did not push. Another few seconds of silence drifted between them. Then Hysilens continued with her voice now a little softer.
“She said someone tried to visit my mother. Someone who said they were . . . a relative.”
She shook her head slightly as her brows pulled in confusion.
“We don’t have any relatives here.”
Cerydra absorbed that information without interrupting. The soft glow of dashboard lights reflected in her eyes.
“Did she describe them?”
Cerydra asked even if she did not know who called Hysilens or the overall idea of the whole phone conversation.
“No. Just that they couldn’t provide an ID so the staff didn’t allow them in.”
Hysilens let out a slow breath.
“It’s probably nothing. Maybe a mistake.”
“Does it worry you?”
Cerydra asked simply but Hysilens hesitated. Then, she gave a smallest nod.
“A little. I don’t know who would go out of their way to visit her.”
Her voice dropped.
“Or why.”
“If you want, I can have someone look into it.”
Hysilens’ head whipped towards her in surprise.
“What? No—you don’t have to do that. It’s my family matter. I don’t want to involve you in—”
“I offered.”
The words were calm but gentle.
“And I won’t insist unless you want me to.”
Hysilens swallowed. Her throat tightened for a reason. After a moment, she shook her head lightly.
“Thank you, but . . . I think I should wait first . . . see if the doctor learns more.”
Cerydra inclined her head in a small and accepting nod.
“Then we’ll wait.”
‘We’ ? Why 'we' . . . .
Hysilens noticed.
Silence settled again. After a moment, Hysilens added quietly yet almost reluctantly.
“Thank you . . . for asking.”
Cerydra didn’t smile but her voice carried warmth.
“You’re always welcome.”
Hysilens stared out the window. Her chest had begun to feel tight like the kind of weight she used to drown out with cheap liquor back at home, or a glass of wine on nights when her thoughts ran too far ahead of her. She clasped her hands in her lap. After a long moment, she turned slightly towards Cerydra.
“Um . . .”
Her voice was almost embarrassed.
“When we get home . . . can we open a bottle of wine?”
Cerydra’s eyes flicked towards her again, understanding immediately. There was no judgment in them but only softness.
“If that’s what you want.”
She said.
“We can do that.”
Her agreement was gentle like she was giving Hysilens something fragile she asked for without saying why. And somehow, that made Hysilens’ chest loosen just a little.
“Thank you.”
She murmured.
The rest of the drive settled comfortably but heavy with thoughts.
Finally reaching home, Cerydra unlocked the penthouse door with her usual unhurried motion.
Hysilens stepped inside. Her thoughts still lingered on the phone call. She automatically drifted towards the couch like it’s her usual spot whenever they arrived home back at her apartment. But before she could sit, Cerydra called to her gently from the hallway.
“Come.”
She said, already holding the wine bottle and glasses for them both.
“The terrace is a better spot.”
Her tone was calm and certain enough that Hysilens found herself shifting direction without thinking much about it.
The terrace welcomed them with the cool night breeze. City lights glittered below. The distant echo of the traffic contrasted with the stillness up there, making the space feel suspended from the world.
Cerydra set the bottle and two glasses on the small table by the terrace railing. The city below shimmered in scattered light and above them stretched a clear night sky. They sat not across from each other but side by side, angled towards the view. Cerydra poured the first glass, sliding it gently towards Hysilens. Hysilens accepted it with both hands, letting her fingers warm the stem before finally taking a slow sip. It helped. Not the alcohol itself yet, but the ritual of it. For a long moment, neither spoke.
Eventually, the tightness in Hysilens’ chest eased just enough for her shoulders to drop. She let out a quiet breath, stared out into the skyline and took another sip.
Her gaze drifted then stalled. Cerydra’s telescope elegantly stood near the railing. Almost hesitantly, she still continued.
“ . . . You really like stargazing, don’t you?”
Cerydra followed her line of sight then leaned back slightly in her chair.
“It helps me calm my thoughts.”
She answered.
“And sometimes, it’s the only thing that feels . . . uncomplicated.”
Hysilens stared at her, surprised at the openness of it.
For a moment, she forgot about the phone call and the worry twisting in her stomach. She looked at the telescope again but this time with genuine curiosity.
“I’ve wondered.”
She murmured.
“What you look for up there . . .”
Cerydra didn’t immediately answer. Instead, she studied Hysilens’ face in the dim terrace lighting. There’s still a trace of tension lingering beneath her features but there was thoughtfulness in her eyes.
Then she finally answered.
“Peace, mostly.”
Her gaze returned to the sky.
Hysilens’ fingers tightened slightly around her glass. She had been chasing the same on some evenings. And tonight is one of those evenings.
Cerydra then set her wine aside.
“Would you like to try it?”
Hysilens straightened slightly.
“What?”
Cerydra’s voice stayed gentle.
“If you want to try, I'll teach you how to use it.”
Hysilens hesitated only a moment longer before a small nod slipped out of her.
“I . . . okay. Let me try.”
Cerydra’s lips curved faintly before she moved to the telescope. She adjusted the angle and the focus. Her movements were sure and almost reverent as if the act itself steadied her.
Hysilens watched her as curiosity stirred in her chest. This time, not just about the telescope but also about Cerydra with the calmness she had and the strange sense of peace she carried in moments like this. After few adjustments, Cerydra stepped aside.
“Try now.”
Hysilens approached slowly. She leaned slightly, fitting her eye to the lens. Her brows lifted in surprise.
The stars were clearer and sharper than she had expected. They were almost hypnotically close. It was like a slice of the sky that felt impossibly far yet intimately near at once.
“ . . . Oh.”
It slipped out almost automatically. Cerydra’s voice came from beside her, low and steady.
“The city has too much light pollution for perfect clarity. But on clear nights, you can still catch something worth looking at.”
Hysilens did not look away from the stars.
“This is wonderful.”
“Mm.”
Before stepping back from the telescope, she turned to face Cerydra.
“I think I understand now why you like it.”
Cerydra held her gaze. There was something gentle flickering just beneath her composed exterior.
“Good.”
She murmured.
And as Cerydra continued to show Hysilens the beautiful sky, the night wrapped around their silhouettes and the terrace felt like an island of its own where peace finally settled even for just a short moment.