What is to be... Torn between Two Worlds

Chapter 3

The office hums with its usual rhythm, a blend of clacking keyboards and hushed conversations. But today, there's an undercurrent of excitement that makes it feel different. It's in the way people glance at each other and the buzz of whispered conversations that seems to follow me as I navigate through the workspace.

It starts with whispers around the office, and snippets of conversation that pique my curiosity.

"Did you hear? Ryden Radley is coming in next week," I overhear Gloria telling another editor, her voice tinged with excitement.

"From Aerogas Processors? That's one of our biggest clients!" the other editor gasps.

Gloria nods, a smug smile on her face. "Exactly. And guess who's going to be his main point of contact?"

I try not to eavesdrop, but I can't help my growing interest. Over the next few days, the buzz around Ryden's visit grows. Even Sarah mentions him in our team meeting, stressing the importance of making a good impression.

"Aerogas Processors accounts for a significant portion of our corporate publishing contracts," Sarah explains. "Ryden Radley is their key representative. We need to ensure he's satisfied with our work."

As the week progresses, Ryden becomes a frequent topic of conversation. His name is everywhere, and everyone seems to be preparing for his arrival. I find myself caught up in the excitement, even as I try to maintain my focus on my current projects.

Then, one crisp morning, the day of Ryden's visit arrives. I'm at my desk, working on the details for the Aerogas project, when he walks into the office. Ryden Radley is everything the office buzz had promised. Tall, impeccably dressed, and exuding an aura of confidence that seems to command attention. His presence is magnetic, and it feels like the entire office has shifted its focus to him.

He strides through the space, exchanging pleasantries with the staff, his eyes scanning the room as though assessing every detail. I can't help but watch as he approaches Sarah's desk, where she greets him with a warm smile and leads him toward the conference room.

As he passes by my cubicle, our eyes meet briefly. I feel a strange flutter in my stomach, a mixture of curiosity and something else I can't quite place. Ryden's presence is undeniable, and it's clear that his visit is about to change the dynamics around here.

The day goes by in a blur of meetings and briefings, with Ryden's voice and laughter occasionally drifting through the open doors. I find it increasingly hard to concentrate on my work. Every time Ryden appears in my peripheral vision, my focus shifts, and I find myself distracted by the way he carries himself with effortless charm.

By the end of the day, as I pack up my things, I can't shake the feeling that this project, and Ryden himself, are going to be significant in ways I hadn't anticipated. The excitement in the office is palpable, and I'm left wondering just how much Ryden Radley will influence not only my work but my life as well.

The office hums with the usual activity as I sift through a stack of documents on my desk, my mind consumed by the Aerogas Processors project. Suddenly, I notice Ryden Radley approaching, his stride purposeful yet relaxed.

"Mariana, right?" he says, stopping just in front of my desk. His voice carries that familiar blend of confidence and warmth that seems to put everyone at ease.

"Yes," I reply, looking up with a polite smile. "I think we've seen each other a few times, but haven't really talked."

Ryden nods, a curious expression crossing his face. "I thought so. I've been here quite a bit lately, but we've never really had a chance to speak. How are things going on your end with the project?"