~ Rewritten Fates ~

Chapter 5 - Lost in time

Henry jolts awake, his face still resting on his laptop from the night before. Glancing at the clock, panic hits him. It's already 8 AM! "Holy shit!" he mutters under his breath, scrambling to his feet. Without wasting a second, he hurries over to wake Diana, gently shaking her, "Ana, wake up!"

As Diana groggily rubs her eyes, Henry rushers her toward the bathroom, "Go, quick!" he says, his voice urgent but careful. In the meantime, Henry races to pack his backpack, shoving papers and his laptop inside, barely paying attention as he tries to get everything together.

"Papa, where are you going?" Diana asks, her voice muffled as she brushes her teeth. "I have a meeting, love," Henry replies, hurriedly zipping up his bag. "You don't have to go to school today. Instead, stay with aunt Lily and play with her daughter, okay? I'll be back soon." he tries to sound calm, but the rush in his movements gives away his anxiety.

Henry rushes into the kitchen, quickly throwing together a simple breakfast for Diana - just bread and butter. "Here, eat up quickly, love," he says, sliding the plate in front of her. While Diana eats, Henry dashes into the bathroom. The cold water hits him as soon as he steps into the shower. "Oh fuck, it's so cold!" he yells, causing Diana to burst into laughter from the dining table.

Henry hurriedly slips into his black jeans and navy blue shirt, glancing at the clock anxiously. "Hurry up, Henry! Or you're gonna make another mistake of your life!" he mutters to himself, brushing his hair hastily, his reflection in the mirror adding his frustration.

"Take care, sweetie, okay? I love you," Henry says, kissing Diana's cheek before leaving her with Lily. "All the best, Papa! Bring me ice cream!" Diana calls after him. "Okay!" Henry replies, then mutters to himself, "Run, Henry, run!" as he starts his scooty, racing against time.

~~~~~~

Around 9:45 AM, Henry arrives at the location. He steps off his scooty and gazes up at the towering, lavish building in front of him. It looks like the kind of place a billionaire would live in. Taking a deep breath, he gathers himself and walks inside.

The lobby is bustling with people, everyone focused on their own tasks. Henry weaves through the crowd and approaches the reception desk.

"Uh.. excuse me, I have an appointment today," he says, feeling slightly out of place. "Yes, Henry Fox, right? Sir is already waiting for you," the receptionist replies with a polite smile. "He's on the 12th floor. Good luck."

"Thanks," Henry responds, flashing a brief smile before heading toward the elevator.

>>>>>>

The elevator doors slide open with a soft chime, revealing a sleek, morden hallway. "I can do this," Henry mutters under his breath, feeling the weight of his anxiety pressing down on him.

He approaches the office, his heart pounding faster with each step. Reaching the door, he knocks gently, the sound almost drowned out by his own thoughts.

"Yes, come in," a calm voice calls from inside the cabin. Henry takes a deep breath, gathering his courage, and pushes the door open, stepping inside. "Good morning, I'm.." Henry's voice falters as he struggles to find his words.

"Henry Fox, I know," the man interjects with a warm smile. "I'm Rafael Luna, the CEO of this company. Come, have a seat."

Henry nods and sits down, his nerves making him fidget. His eyes dart around the spacious office, taking in the sleek furniture, large windows, and subtle yet expensive decor, trying to calm his racing thoughts.

"Mr. Shrivastava already sent me your profile. You're really a good designer, I must say," Rafael says, his tone warm and appreciative. "Thanks a lot, sir," Henry replies, trying to maintain his composure. "If you're okay, can I show you the drafts?" he asks nervously, shifting in his seat.