Broken

Chapter 3: First impressions

After settling into his new apartment later that morning, Zac decided to take a break. He grabbed his keys and headed out, taking the elevator down to the ground floor. The elevator dinged softly as it reached its destination, and the doors slid open. As Zac stepped out, he accidentally bumped into a woman who was entering.

"Oh, sorry about that," Zac said, steadying her with a gentle touch. He took a step back, taking in her appearance. She was in her early thirties, with a striking dark complexion that complemented her slim figure. Her natural beauty was accentuated by her simple, down-to-earth demeanor, and Zac found himself momentarily captivated.

The woman looked up at him, her eyes widening slightly in surprise before she quickly composed herself. "It's okay," she replied with a soft smile, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her voice was calm and composed, yet there was a hint of shyness in her tone.

Zac, sensing the awkwardness, extended his hand with a friendly smile. "I'm Zac. Just got settled in today."

She hesitated for a brief moment, then reached out and shook his hand. "Diana," she introduced herself, her grip firm but gentle. There was a subtle sense in the way she carried herself, and Zac couldn't help but be intrigued by her.

"It's nice to meet you, Diana," Zac said, noticing a slight blush on her cheeks. He let go of her hand, not wanting to overstay the handshake. "Do you live here as well?"

Diana nodded, her expression relaxing as she spoke. "Yes, I live here with my father and sister. We've been here for a few years now." She glanced down the hallway, as if to emphasize the familiarity of her surroundings.

Zac's curiosity piqued. "That's great. I'm still getting to know the place. It's nice to meet someone who knows their way around."

Diana chuckled softly, the sound light and pleasant. "Yeah, it's a nice community. Everyone's pretty friendly. My sister and I help out with some of the events the building holds, so you might see us around."

Zac smiled, feeling a sense of ease in her presence. "That sounds like a good way to get involved. I'll keep an eye out for you both."

There was a brief pause, a comfortable silence settling between them. Diana seemed to gather her thoughts, then spoke again, her voice soft but sincere. "Well, if you ever need anything or have any questions, feel free to ask. We're all neighbors here."

Zac appreciated her offer and nodded. "Thanks, Diana. I'll definitely keep that in mind. And if you ever need a lawyer," he added with a playful grin, "I might be able to help."

Diana laughed lightly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll remember that. Though I hope I won't need your services anytime soon."

Zac chuckled along with her, the tension from their initial encounter dissipating. "Yeah, let's hope not," he agreed. "Anyway, I won't keep you. It was nice meeting you, Diana."

"You too, Zac," she replied, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Take care."

With a final nod, Zac stepped aside, allowing Diana to enter the elevator. As the doors closed, Zac couldn't help but feel a small thrill of excitement. Diana's presence had been a pleasant surprise, and he found himself looking forward to their next encounter.
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Fatima sat at the head of the long, polished conference table in the boardroom of Wilson Construction Inc. The room was a reflection of her style: sleek, modern, and impeccably organized. Floor-to-ceiling windows allowed natural light to flood the space, casting a bright, almost sterile glow over the assembled team. Around her, key members of her staff were seated, each one a carefully chosen piece in the intricate puzzle of her empire.