Beyond the Headlines

CHAPTER 9

I-Times Office – A First Meeting

Interior: I-Times Office

The I-Times office is buzzing with energy as usual. The team is scattered across the floor, working on various projects. Millie is sitting at her desk, flipping through some notes for an upcoming segment, while Honey lounges in her chair, scrolling through her phone and sipping on coffee.

A soft knock on the door breaks the rhythm of the office. Ryan enters, smiling as he looks at the two women.

Ryan:
"Ready for a special guest today?"

Honey glances up, intrigued, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.

Honey:
"Special guest? Who?"

Ryan’s smile widens, his tone playful.

Ryan:
"Mathew. I invited him over for a tour of the office."

Millie looks up, her expression neutral, though a faint curiosity dances in her eyes.

Millie:
"Mathew? As in... the businessman we met at the anniversary party?"

Ryan nods, confirming it. Just as he finishes speaking, the door opens, and in walks Mathew, exuding confidence in his tailored suit. He’s carrying his daughter Sammy , the six-year-old giggling as she points around the office, her big eyes wide with wonder.

Mathew:
"Ryan! Thanks for having us."

Ryan extends his hand to Mathew, who shakes it warmly, then looks down at Sammy, who is already surveying the room with an inquisitive expression.

Ryan:
"Of course, Mathew. We’re glad you could make it."

As the two men chat, Honey can’t help but whisper to Millie, her voice teasing.

Honey:
"I see Ryan’s making a good impression. All professional, huh?"

Millie raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment, her attention momentarily diverted to Sammy, who is still bouncing around with energy. Without warning, Sammy darts toward Millie’s desk, her tiny hand reaching for the stack of papers Millie was working on.

Millie (smiling):
"Hey, what’s this?"

Sammy giggles and grabs a piece of paper, twirling it in her hands.

Sammy:
"Can I play with it?"

Millie laughs softly, her voice warm and kind. She scoots the papers to one side of her desk.

Millie:
"Sure, but only if you promise not to make a mess."

To Millie’s surprise, Sammy plops down next to her and begins making shapes with the paper, chatting non-stop about the colors and how they make her feel. The connection between them is instant, as if they’ve known each other for years. Millie listens with genuine interest, charmed by Sammy’s childlike enthusiasm.

Honey watches from her desk, her eyes flickering between the scene unfolding in front of her and Mathew, who’s speaking with Ryan, a proud but slightly amused look on his face.

Honey (whispering to herself):
"Looks like Millie’s a natural with kids..."

A few moments later, Mathew notices his daughter’s new best friend. He turns to Millie, smiling in recognition.

Mathew (grinning):
"Looks like you two are getting along well."

Millie looks up from Sammy, a bit startled but quickly recovering with a smile.

Millie:
"She’s so sweet. I didn’t expect us to hit it off so quickly."

Mathew nods, his eyes softening as he looks at his daughter..