The Stark curse

1.6

Finding yourself

As the first rays of sunlight peeked through the windows of Stark Towers, Cassidy stirred from her troubled sleep. Determined to shake off the remnants of her sorrow, she decided to explore the vast expanse of the tower, eager to find solace in its grandeur. Walking through the pristine corridors, Cassidy marveled at the advanced technology that surrounded her. The air hummed with the energy of innovation, sparking a glimmer of curiosity within her wounded soul. She ventured into various rooms, each filled with marvels that showcased Tony Stark's genius.

Feeling a renewed sense of purpose, Cassidy decided to venture beyond the confines of the tower. With her mind set on reclaiming her sense of self, she stepped out into the bustling streets of the city, a sea of strangers rushing past her. Her first stop was a small café, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air. Cassidy ordered her favorite latte and indulged in a sweet treat, savoring each bite as she watched the world go by.

With her hunger satisfied, Cassidy felt a desire for change. She made her way to a nearby salon, where she entrusted her locks to the skilled hands of a hairstylist. As the scissors snipped away the weight of her past, Cassidy felt a renewed sense of lightness, as if shedding the remnants of her old self.

With a fresh haircut and a newfound confidence, Cassidy made her way back to Stark Towers, her steps lighter than before. As Cassidy made her way back to Stark Towers, lost in her own thoughts, she inadvertently collided with a young man. They stumbled back, surprised by the sudden encounter.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Cassidy exclaimed, regaining her balance. She looked up to see a friendly face staring back at her. "No worries, it was my fault too," the young man replied, flashing a warm smile. "I'm Peter, by the way." Cassidy returned the smile, feeling a hint of amusement at their unexpected meeting. "Nice to meet you, Peter. I'm Cassidy. Are you heading to the tower as well?"

Peter nodded, adjusting his backpack. "Yeah, I'm interning with Mr. Stark. It's pretty cool." Cassidy raised an eyebrow playfully. "Interning with Tony Stark? Impressive. Well, I was just on my way back there too." They fell into step together, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Cassidy found herself drawn to Peter's easygoing nature and genuine charm. It was a pleasant distraction from the turmoil that still lingered within her.

As they strolled through the bustling streets, they engaged in lighthearted banter and shared snippets of their lives. Peter's quirky anecdotes and Cassidy's quick-witted sarcasm created a dynamic that put a smile on both their faces. With each passing minute, Cassidy felt the weight on her shoulders lighten. It was as if Peter's presence provided a temporary escape from her own inner battles. They talked about movies, hobbies, and dreams, creating a comfortable bond that seemed to form effortlessly.

As they approached the grand entrance of Stark Towers, Cassidy couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment that their impromptu encounter was coming to an end. She knew deep down that she needed time to heal, to find herself again. Being alone seemed like the best option for now. "Well, this is my stop," Cassidy said, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. Peter glanced up at the towering structure, then back at Cassidy. "It was really great meeting you, Cassidy. Maybe we'll run into each other again."

Cassidy smiled, grateful for the unexpected connection she had found in the midst of her struggles. "Yeah, maybe we will. Take care, Peter." They exchanged a final farewell and went their separate ways, each carrying with them the memories of a chance encounter that had brightened their day.

Tony, dressed in his usual sophisticated attire, prepared to leave the compound to meet Peter at Stark Tower. However, before departing, a nagging concern tugged at his mind. He decided to check on Cassidy, making his way to her room and knocking on the door. To his surprise, there was no response. Frowning slightly, Tony pushed the door open and peered inside. The room was empty, the bed neatly made. It didn't take long for him to deduce that Cassidy had ventured elsewhere. He sighed, not overly concerned but still curious about her whereabouts.