The Arrangement

24

Carina and Maya returned to Seattle, ready to settle back into their everyday lives after the whirlwind of their wedding and honeymoon. The transition from the excitement of their travels to the familiarity of home brought a mix of comfort and new challenges as they resumed their routines.

Maya dove back into her demanding work schedule, splitting her time between her role at the corporate law firm and the responsibilities tied to her family's business empire. Her days were filled with meetings, conference calls, and strategic planning sessions, leaving her little time to adjust. Yet, every evening, she made a point to come home and unwind with Carina, knowing that this time together was crucial for maintaining their connection.

Carina, meanwhile, picked up where she left off at the marketing firm she worked for, a family-owned business that was thriving thanks in part to her efforts. She managed campaigns, coordinated with clients, and worked on expanding the company's reach. Despite her busy days, Carina found solace in her evening routines with Maya, where they would cook dinner together or relax on the couch with a glass of wine.

The transition back to normal life wasn't without its bumps. There were moments when the stress of their jobs and the residual tension from their honeymoon discussions about the future crept into their relationship. Maya found herself wrestling with the expectations of her father and the legacy of the family business, while Carina sometimes struggled with the reality that their idyllic honeymoon was over and they were back in the real world.

— — —

Maya's first day back at the office started early, the sun barely peeking over the horizon as she made her way into the high-rise building where her corporate law firm was located. The sleek, glass façade reflected the morning light, and as she walked through the revolving doors, she felt a mixture of anticipation and determination.

The lobby was already buzzing with activity—employees hurrying to their desks, clients arriving for early meetings—but as Maya stepped into the elevator, she found a moment of calm. She took a deep breath, adjusting the strap of her leather briefcase and straightening her tailored suit jacket. Today was the beginning of getting back to her routine, but also an opportunity to bring the fresh energy and perspective from her honeymoon into her work.

She was immediately greeted by Sarah, her assistant. Sarah's eager smile was the first thing Maya saw as she walked through the door, and the quickness of the greeting made Maya uneasy.

"Good morning, Maya! How was the honeymoon?" Sarah asked, her tone overly familiar as she leaned against Maya's desk. As Maya walked into her office, the familiar scent of polished wood and the sight of the Seattle skyline greeted her. The large windows offered a panoramic view of the city, and for a moment, Maya allowed herself to soak it in. On her desk, she noticed a small bouquet of flowers with a note from Carina, wishing her luck on her first day back.

A smile tugged at her lips as she opened the note, the words in Carina's elegant handwriting reminding her that even though she was back in the thick of work, she wasn't alone. Maya forced a polite smile, still trying to find the balance between professionalism and the discomfort Sarah often caused her. "It was wonderful, thank you," she replied, setting her briefcase down and taking off her coat, trying to keep her tone neutral.

But Sarah didn't pick up on the hint to back off. "Did you go somewhere exotic? I've been dying to hear all about it," she pressed, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she could pry out details with sheer persistence. She moved closer, her voice lowering. "I heard rumors that your father was very involved in the planning. How did that go?"

Maya's discomfort grew. The questions were too personal, crossing a line that Sarah didn't seem to recognize. She couldn't help but feel like Sarah was fishing for something—information, leverage, or just a way to insert herself into Maya's life.