𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄

𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

𝐂𝐎𝐙𝐘 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

“Roux!” Miguel’s stern voice called out as he emerged from the living room, his disappointment was evident in his expression. “Do you have any idea how much you’ve let me down with your recent decisions?”

My heart sank, again. I knew our father had high expectations for me to follow.

“Dacre has proven himself capable of managing the business in Portugal,” He continued, his voice filled with frustration. “But you, Roux, you seem more interested in your own whims and pleasure.”

“I have my own dreams, dad.” I responded, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil within.

“What good will that do to our legacy?” He retorted, his disappointment turning into anger. “Your brother is successful because he knows the value of hard work and dedication!”

“Dacre had it easy,” I shot back, unable to contain my resentment. “He was groomed for that since we were kids, while I’ve always felt like the black sheep of the family!”

My gaze averted to Dacre who came from the hallway. He stepped forward, his face’s a mix of concern and frustration.

“Enough, Roux!” He said. “You’ve always had the same opportunities as me. You just chose to squander them on fleeting adventures!”

“Maybe if you had shown some support for my passion, things would be different.” I countered, the frustration in my voice is rising.

Before they could even speak, I swung the door open and stepped outside. I slammed the door shut.

“Roux, come back!” I couldn’t bear to hear more lectures about living up to dad’s expectations. The pressure to conform and follow in Dacre’s footsteps had become suffocating, and I needed to escape, even if just for a little while.

I walked towards my car, the echoes of my father’s calls were fading into the background. I knew I was risking further confrontation, but I couldn’t bear to stay and continue the argument that seemed to have no end.

As I fumbled with my car keys, my hands were trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. Dacre’s behind me, pleading me to come back inside, but I am determined to find solace away from the constant pressure and comparison.

—

The rain poured down in a symphony of rhythmic beats, as I stepped out onto the front porch, hoping for a moment of tranquility.

As I stood there, I noticed a figure standing by the gate, seemingly unfazed by the rain. It didn’t take me long to recognize the silhouette of Roux.

Without a second thought, I took my umbrella, and hurried down the steps to meet him. “Roux, what are you doing here?”

He turned to face me, “Teagan,” He was slightly breathless.

“Let’s go inside before you catch a cold,” I insisted. I took his hand and guided him. “You’re soaked!”

He hesitated for a moment but didn’t resist as I led him inside. The warmth of the house enveloped us, providing a stark contrast to the chilly rain outside.

I quickly fetched a towel, handing it to Roux to dry off.

“Thank you,” He said softly. I just smiled at him.

“What happened?”

Roux took a deep breath. “I needed to clear my head, and I realized the only place I wanted to be was here.”

—

“Would you like some hot chocolate, Roux?”

He nodded. “That sounds wonderful, thank you.”

I got up from the couch, making my way to the kitchen to prepare the hot beverages.

As I returned to the living room with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate, I was surprised to see Blake at the doorstep, holding a bouquet of chocolates.

“Blake, you’re home!”

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Blake teased, playfully raising an eyebrow.

I rolled my eyes. “This is Roux, my boss. Roux, this is Blake, my best friend.”

“Oh, calling him by his first name. I see.” Blake chuckled. “I’ll be back!” She went upstairs.

I handed the mug to Roux. “Thank you, Teagan.” He took a sip.

As I settled back into the couch, I wrapped myself in a cozy blanket. Blake scrolled through the movie options on the streaming service.

“This one’s good. Rogue Dynasty.”

—

The rain had finally subsided. The night air felt cool and refreshing as Roux and I set off on a night stroll. The streets glistened with raindrops, and the soft glow of street lamps added a touch of magic to the atmosphere.

As we drove through the quiet street, the only sound was the gentle hum of the engine and the music playing. I leaned back on my seat, gazing out of the window at the city lights twinkling in the distance.

“Thank you for bringing me along,” I said, breaking the comfortable silence between us. “It’s such a beautiful night.”

Roux smiled warmly, his eyes were flickering with admiration as he stole a glance. “The pleasure is all mine, Teagan. There’s something special about night time adventures, don’t you think?”

I nodded. “The world feels different at night — mysterious and full of possibilities.”

Roux glanced at me again, his gaze lingered for a moment before he turned his attention back to the road. “Speaking of possibilities,” He began. “Have you thought more about your dreams? What do you truly want to pursue in your life?”

I looked at him. I appreciate the genuine interest from Roux. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot, actually,” I said. “I love my job but there’s a part of me that yearns for something more, something that ignites my soul.”

Roux nodded. “I know exactly what you mean,” He said. “For so long, I’ve felt like I was living in someone else’s dream — trying to fulfill that weren’t truly mine.”

My curiosity piqued. “What’s your dream, Roux?”

“I want to have my own app, Teagan.” He said, his voice’s carrying a hint of excitement.

I smiled. “Tell me more.”

“It’s called Invisible String. It’s more than just a dating app — it’s a platform that connects people in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.”

“That sounds amazing, Roux!”

“Imagine a space where people can share their dreams, their passions, and aspirations.” He said. “It’s a platform that matches like-minded souls, bringing them together in a way that feels almost serendipitous.”

TO BE CONTINUED.