Fifty Shades of Grayson.
Botany student Kori Ander's life changes forever when she meets handsome, yet distant, billionaire Richard Grayson. ROBSTAR BBRAE. ARTIST: Yassui.
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Chapter one.
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It starts in downtown Goth, a city known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. The first rays of sunlight painted the horizon in hues of soft orange and pink, casting a gentle glow upon the cityscape. In the midst of this urban jungle, a young man stood within the opulent confines of his spacious manor.
With the city's skyline as his backdrop, the young man meticulously laced up his running shoes. Every morning, like clockwork, he embarked on a ritualistic journey of self-discipline and rejuvenation. The act of tying his shoes was not merely a mundane task, but a symbolic gesture that marked the commencement of his daily routine. He was a man of routine and structure, and did everything in his power to maintain that.
Clad in a dark gray hoodie that concealed his form and sweats that exuded an air of casual comfort, he stepped out of his lavish abode. The manor - a sprawling residence that blended the grandeur of old-world architecture with modern aesthetics.
The streets of Gotham, usually teeming with noise and movement, were remarkably serene at this early hour of dawn. The young man set off on his customary route, the rhythmic sound of his footsteps creating a steady beat against the pavement. As he ventured deeper into the city's heart, the trail began to unfold before him, a secluded path that seemed almost untouched by the chaos that would later consume the day.
His morning run was not just a physical exercise, it was a consecrated interlude that allowed him to recalibrate his thoughts and focus his mind. Each sprint was a cathartic release, propelling him forward as if shedding the burdens of the previous day. The emptiness of the trail mirrored his own quest for solitude amidst the noise of his life.
The young man's senses came alive with every stride. The crispness of the morning air invigorated his lungs, each inhalation a reminder of his vitality. The cool breeze carried the scent of dew-kissed flowers, intermingling with the distant aroma of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café.
As the morning sun ascended higher, casting longer shadows and painting the sky in a vibrant blues and golds, the young man's run drew to a close. With a final burst of energy, he slowed his pace, gradually bringing his heart rate to a steady rhythm. Breathing deeply, he took a moment to savor the start to the day.
Glistening with a sheen of perspiration, he gazed out over the city from a vantage point that only a few experienced. The world was now awake, the symphony of urban life growing louder by the minute. But for that fleeting interval, he had carved out a sanctuary of tranquility amid the chaos—a testament to his unwavering commitment to structure and routine in the heart of Gotham's ever-beating pulse.
Upon arriving back at his luxurious abode, beads of sweat glistened on his forehead as remnants of his invigorating run clung to his skin. The hot water from the shower poured over him, a cascade of warmth that carried away the physical exertion of his workout. The steam-filled bathroom became a sanctuary of renewal, a space where the labor of the morning was replaced with a sense of rejuvenation.
As the water droplets trickled down his toned physique, he let out a contented sigh, feeling the tension leave his muscles. The scent of his preferred eucalyptus-infused body wash mingled with the steam, creating an olfactory symphony that enhanced the sensory experience.
Emerging from the shower, he wrapped himself in a plush towel as he stepped onto the cool marble floor, droplets of water trailing behind him.
With the towel loosely draped around his hips, he walked into his expansive wardrobe—a chamber filled with sartorial choices that were as meticulously curated as his daily routines. The room exuded an air of refined elegance, with custom-built shelves displaying an array of perfectly aligned black suits. Each suit bore subtle distinctions in fabric and cut, tailored to his discerning taste while maintaining an air of uniformity.
His fingers glided gently over the assortment, a practiced gesture that revealed an intimate familiarity with every garment. He selected one of his signature black suits, noting the subtle sheen of the fabric that hinted its exceptional quality. Adjacent to the suits, rows of meticulously arranged ties adorned the walls, each tie a careful accent to his ensemble.
Among the ties, his gaze settled upon a rich, dark blue one—complementary yet distinct. The silk felt cool and smooth against his fingertips as he retrieved it from its resting place.
The suit, now impeccably worn, draped over his form with a bespoke elegance that spoke volumes about his refined taste. The tie was meticulously knotted with precision, a testament to his mastery of even the most minute aspects of his routine. He stood before the mirror, a vision of controlled sophistication, each element of his appearance harmoniously orchestrated.
Descending the grand staircase, his footsteps were measured and purposeful, a cadence that resonated with the rhythm of his life. The aroma of a hearty breakfast wafted through the air, the tantalizing scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the savory notes of bacon and eggs. His loyal butler, an embodiment of seamless efficiency, had orchestrated this morning symphony to perfection.
Seated at the polished dining table, he savored each bite of his nourishing meal. The butler's discreet presence added a touch of formality to the meal, an unspoken acknowledgement of their unbreakable bond.
With breakfast concluded he expressed his gratitude, thanking his butler and bidding him farewell as he rose from the table and made his way to the foyer. Acknowledging his friend's kind offer to provide transportation, his response was one of gracious politeness as he gently declined, opting to drive himself this morning. In a fluid motion, he retrieved the keys to his sleek black sports car from a designated hook, the metallic jingle an auditory signal of his independent departure to work.
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In a distant corner of the sprawling city, the morning light crept through the curtains of a cozy yet modest apartment, casting a warm glow on the young girl as she stirred awake. The soft rustling of sheets accompanied her awakening, a delicate symphony of morning tranquility.
After a brief stretch, she embraced the morning, stepping into the cascading warmth of the shower. The warm water was a soothing rejuvenation, fully waking her up from her sleepiness.
Emerging from the shower, she wrapped her damp, long hair in a towel. Her gaze shifted to the closet, as a moment of contemplation hung in the air. Time seemed to stretch as she deliberated, her fingertips grazing the fabric of various garments. The weight of indecision bore down upon her, each choice an affirmation of the day's narrative. With a quiet resolve, she extracted a blouse that seemed to embody a delicate charm and a floral skirt that carried an air of whimsy. A hint of uncertainty lingered in her eyes as she held the garments against her body, pondering if her selection would align with the forthcoming events.
Untangling her hair from the towel proved to be a task of patience, each strand a testament to her fiery spirit. The mirror in her room bore witness to her struggle, the tangled dance of red locks a visual metaphor for the intricate complexities of her day. With determination, she navigated the unruly tresses, each stroke of the brush an act of negotiation.
Finally, a sense of accomplishment washed over her as the last knot gave way, her hair cascading in fiery waves around her shoulders. A fleeting glance at the vanity mirror revealed her familiar reflection that she hoped was appropriate. Leaning over her disorganized array of products, she quickly put on a minimum amount of makeup, not wanting to look too over the top for today's agenda.
Seeing that this was as appropriate as she was going to look, Kori Anders left her room. Her steps carried her through her apartment's narrow corridors, her stomach beckoning her to the small kitchen. Her fingers deftly grabbed a box of cereal from the shelf, the familiar rustle of packaging punctuating the quiet morning.
Wrapped in a fuzzy blanket on the couch, Kori's roommate and best friend's presence was a cozy refuge contrasted against her less-than-ideal health.
"Are you ready?" Raven asked, her voice a raspy whisper the carried the weight of her illness.
Kori nodded in response. "Yep, I think so." She tried to sound confident, but the nervousness she was feeling was clear in her voice.
Months of persistence and hard work had led Raven to the precipice of a coveted interview with Gotham's famed CEO, Richard Grayson. The pursuit of this opportunity had consumed her, yet an unfortunate case of the flu had cast an unexpected shadow over her plans. Faced with the prospect of canceling, Raven's best friend, Kori, stepped forward, a beacon of support in the face of adversity. Kori's offer to conduct the interview in her place had been accompanied by the quip, "How hard could it be?"
The reality, however, had proven more daunting than anticipated, and Raven's concern was palpable as she watched Kori's anxious demeanor.
"You nervous?" Raven's perceptive inquiry cut through the air, her gaze unwavering.
Kori attempted to shrug off her anxiety with a lighthearted tone. "Who, me? No, I'll be fine. I'm just going to interview one of the richest, most handsome men in Gotham City... I'm peachy." Her attempt at casual reassurance belied the flutter of butterflies in her stomach. She deposited her empty bowl in the sink, the clink of porcelain a testament to her nerves.
"Yeah sure." Raven's scrutinizing gaze lingered, a mix of skepticism and sympathy evident in her expression. A sudden sneeze interrupted the exchange, Raven's delicate hold on a Kleenex serving as a reminder of her illness.
Summoning a reassuring smile, Kori momentarily put her own apprehensions aside. "Raven, I'll be fine." She declared, her voice carrying a resolute undertone. Grabbing her keys and wallet from the side table, she adopted a more assertive stance. "And you, my friend, need to stay put and rest. Understood?"
Raven rolled her eyes at Kori's mothering, a mixture of exasperation in her gaze. "I have everything written down for you." She explained, reaching for her notebook, and handing it to Kori. "Just follow my notes, and try not to get me into too much trouble." Her sarcastic tone had a hint of apprehension and was met with a warm smile from Kori.
"I love you, too." Kori said before shutting the door and leaving the apartment.
Stepping out of her apartment complex, Kori's purposeful strides carried her through the lively cityscape. Her early departure was a testament to her dedication, ensuring ample time to navigate the intricate web of public transportation. She knew that the combination of two buses and a brisk walk of three blocks would lead her to her destination—an expedition she had undertaken numerous times before.
Navigating the lengthy routes had become a somewhat familiar chore, yet there were instances when Kori wished for a more convenient form of transportation. Unfortunately, only working part time so she could attend school made the prospect of owning her own vehicle a distant dream.
However, the journey she was embarking upon today held a different kind of challenge. The towering presence of Wayne Enterprises, with its twenty stories of curved glass and steel, loomed before her. It was a testament to opulence and corporate power, a symbol of Gotham's grandeur that left her feeling like a minnow in a sea of giants.
Wayne Enterprises was a labyrinth of sophistication, the quest to locate an elevator was parallel to navigating a maze, and the clock seemed to conspire against her. The weight of her impending meeting with Richard Grayson intensified her sense of urgency, and she found herself racing against time, her heart pounding with each passing second.
With a last-minute stroke of luck, she spotted the elusive elevator. Quickly stepping into the compact space, Kori couldn't help but feel like an anomaly amidst the impeccably dressed occupants. Her vibrant attire contrasted starkly with the sea of neutral tones and formal suits that surrounded her. The feeling of sticking out like a brightly colored sore thumb gnawed at her, her self-consciousness causing her to tense up.
A pang of regret for not investing more thought into her outfit for this crucial interview tugged at Kori's thoughts. She mentally contrasted her own choice with what she imagined Raven might wear—dark, solid colors that blended seamlessly into the corporate landscape.
Clutching Raven's notepad, Kori glanced at the notes that were prepared for her, trying to control her shaking hands. Taking a deep breath, she tried to compose herself, hoping she didn't look as nervous as she felt.
As the elevator doors opened, Kori took a steadying breath and ventured into the unknown, her steps measured and deliberate. Before she had a chance to fully gather her thoughts, she was met by a striking presence, an elegant redheaded woman who exuded an air of poise. The woman's attire was a symphony of sophistication, from the thick dark glasses to the black pencil skirt and deep blue blouse that spoke of authority.
The women turned to her, and Kori caught a reassuring smile, her gestures offering a gentle comfort amidst the uncertainty that swirled within. "Miss Roth, I presume?" The woman's voice was warm and welcoming.
"Um... Yes." Kori answered, her fingers subconsciously tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, trying hard to hide her anxiety.
"Mr. Grayson is expecting you." The women informed her.
Clutching her papers with a hint of apprehension, Kori followed the woman's lead, her steps echoing softly against the polished floor. They approached a pair of large gray doors, a threshold that marked the beginning of her encounter with the CEO. The woman turned to Kori, her smile a beacon of encouragement, and with a fluid motion, the doors swung open.
"Thank you." Kori offered, her voice sincere and laced with gratitude as she stepped across the threshold. The spacious office stretched before her, an expanse that seemed both awe-inspiring and daunting in equal measure. Her gaze was immediately drawn to the stoic figure standing by the substantial windows, a solitary silhouette against the backdrop of the sprawling cityscape.
As Kori's presence registered her new surroundings, the heavy steel doors closed with an unexpected bang, causing her to involuntarily jump and emit a soft shriek of surprise. The sound seemed to reverberate within the still room, causing Richard Grayson to turn his attention towards her, his eyes meeting hers with a blend of curiosity and concern.
"Are you alright?" His question cut through the remnants of her surprise, his charming voice washing over her like a soothing balm.
Kori's heartbeat gradually steadied as she attempted to regain her composure. "Yes." She managed to say, her voice carrying a touch of breathlessness as she willed her cheeks not to betray her embarrassment.
With graceful poise, Richard strode towards her, closing the distance between them. His extended hand hovered in the air, an unspoken invitation that Kori accepted, her own hand meeting his in a handshake that felt oddly electrifying. "Hi… I'm-" She began, only to be gently interrupted by his calm, assured voice.
"Miss Roth." He finished, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that was both disarming and captivating.
A tinge of exhilaration fluttered within her as their hands connected, a sensation that took a fleeting moment to subside. Kori's nerves tingled as she continued, her words tumbling out in an attempt to clarify her presence. "Anders, actually." She corrected, her voice still betraying a hint of nervousness. "I'm Kori Anders. Raven Roth is my friend. She's home with the flu. I'm filling in for her." She tried to say calmly, but she was well aware that it didn't come out as such.
Richard's expression shifted to one of understanding, a hint of amusement glinting in his eyes. "Ah, a last-minute substitution." He remarked, his tone carrying a subtle blend of curiosity and intrigue. "Do you study journalism as well?"
Kori's lips twitched into a nervous smile. "I'm actually majoring in botany." She admitted, her voice wavering slightly as she looked up at him.
"Plant life." He mused, his gaze briefly trailing down to her floral skirt. "I should have guessed. Well, we better get this interview started." He spoke, getting right to the point, his tone carrying a sense of purpose. "I have a very tight schedule." He finished, gesturing for her to sit.
"Of course." Kori replied, her voice carrying a mixture of enthusiasm and readiness. She settled into a chair, her papers spread out in her lap, and watched as he made his way to his own seat behind the desk.
She shuffled her notes, her fingers tracing the lines of her meticulous preparations as she collected her thoughts. Kori's gaze lifted to meet his, a glint of excitement dancing in her eyes. "Ready?" She inquired, her voice carrying a hint of eagerness.
Richard's bemused expression at her lack of proficiency softened into a small smile. "Whenever you are." He replied, his voice carrying a note of encouragement.
"Wonderful..." With a composed demeanor, Kori glanced down at her notes, her heart thudding with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. She took a steadying breath, her fingers gently tapping against the edge of the paper as she prepared to delve into the heart of the interview. "We all know how you became Bruce Wayne's ward." She began, her voice clear and measured. "It was all over the news for years - Billionaire Bruce Wayne adopts a young orphan, making him his new heir." Her gaze lifted from her notes, locking onto Richard's as she posed her question. "How have you equipped yourself to fit the part?"
Richard's contemplative gaze drifted away, his thoughts seemingly carried back in time as he pondered her inquiry. "Like you said." He began, his voice carrying a hint of reflection. "I wasn't born into this life. I was only ten when I was forced into it." His words were laced with a complexity that hinted at a past shrouded in shadows. He walked away from the desk, his steps echoing softly against the floor as he continued, his gaze now focused on the sprawling city beyond the window. "Of course, a child was nowhere near ready to manage an empire." He continued, his tone carrying a mixture of gravitas and vulnerability. "And it took years of work, studying, and training… to become the man I am today." His posture was poised, his presence commanding even as he grappled with memories that shaped him. The enormity of his journey was etched across his features, a map of determination and resilience that spoke volumes. "It wasn't an easy journey." He acknowledged, his gaze finding its way back to Kori. "I doubt you, Miss. Anders, have ever met Mr. Wayne. But he's not exactly the jovial type." He continued as he walked closer to her before leaning back on the front of his desk.
"I see you two have a lot in common." She spoke, shocked that the words left her lips. The realization of what she had just said caused a sudden tension to ripple through her, stiffening her posture as she grappled with her unanticipated candor. A swift clearing of her throat punctuated the moment, a subtle attempt to regain her composure as a faint warmth crept into her cheeks, a visible sign of her slight blush and the quiet embarrassment that tinged her features.
Richard's quirked eyebrow didn't go unnoticed, and Kori's heart raced as his gaze held hers. "Bruce was no father." He revealed, his voice carrying a note of complexity that resonated deeply. "But he did raise me. He taught me control and balance, something I exercise frequently."
"So, you're like a control freak?" She asked, and she immediately wished she had worded her sentence differently.
Once again, her choice of words bemused him, causing him to stare intriguingly at her. "I guess you could say that." He replied, his tone laced with an understated amusement that drew a hesitant smile from Kori.
She shifted her focus back to her papers, her knees feeling slightly unsteady beneath her as she tried to regain her professional composure. The weight of the interview, the intricate dance of questions and responses, was a challenge that stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her.
Her awkward, uneasy and fidgety demeanor immediately captured Richard's attention. His keen observation skills honed in on her, his gaze fixed upon her with an enigmatic blend of curiosity and fascination, drawing his focus towards her with an inexplicable sense of intrigue that he found difficult to ignore.
"Do you have any interests outside of work?" Kori managed to ask, her gaze lifting once more to meet Richard's.
Richard's gaze held hers, a moment of silence passing between them before he began to speak. "There are many things that interest me." He replied, his words carrying an air of mystery that only deepened the intrigue. "And I have learned that when I'm interested in something…" He paused, "I uncontrollably pursue it."
Kori's brows furrowed slightly, her thoughts racing to decipher his cryptic answer. It was a puzzle she struggled to unravel, a testament to the complexity of the man before her. Turning her attention back to her notes, she decided to tread carefully, her voice carrying a note of gentle determination. "Are you homosexual?" The words left her lips before she could fully process them, and she immediately felt embarrassed for the invasive question.
Startled, Kori's eyes widened as she read the question for a second time, recognizing its unlikely nature. She was certain that Raven wouldn't have posed such an intrusive inquiry without some external influence, likely from her boss.
Richard's surprise was palpable, mirrored in the arched brow and incredulous expression he directed her way. "Excuse me?" He questioned, the unexpectedness of the question evident in his tone.
Kori's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she stumbled over her words as she attempted to explain. "Well… it says here that you are never seen out with any women." Her voice carried a hesitancy that matched her uncertain gaze. "So, the assumption is you..."
He almost laughed, but instead let out a light breath at the assumption, his amusement evident in the quirk of his lips, yet he maintained his composed demeanor. "No, Miss Anders, I'm not homosexual." He clarified, the intensity of his gaze unyielding.
"Asexual?" She suddenly asked, and it was another moment where she was shocked the question even came out of her mouth. It was a stark reminder of her need to refine her thought process and exercise greater discretion in her words.
His response was simple yet enigmatic. "No, I'm not asexual." He stated matter-of-factly. "If you must know, I am heterosexual. But I'm also a very private person, and I tend to keep my private life… private."
Kori's heart sank slightly, the weight of her intrusion settling upon her shoulders. "I apologize." She quickly interjected, her voice a blend of regret and embarrassment. "Sometimes I struggle with not saying everything that comes to my mind."
Richard's reassuring tone carried a touch of understanding, a testament to his willingness to extend a measure of grace. Kori's gaze shifted back to her notes, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she struggled to regain her footing within the conversation.
Richard's gaze remained fixed on her, a curiosity evident in the subtle quirk of his lips. Her every movement, her earnestness, seemed to captivate his attention, offering a fleeting glimpse beneath his typically composed exterior.
As Kori looked down at her notes, her pink sparkly pen caught his attention. Subconsciously, she nibbled on the cap, her nervous energy manifesting in the absent gesture. Unbeknownst to her, Richard's gaze remained trained on her, captivated by the unique and unfiltered essence she brought to the interview.
"What about you, Miss. Anders?" He suddenly asked, his tone holding a note of genuine interest that sent a flicker of surprise through her.
"Huh?" Kori stammered, momentarily taken aback by the shift in their dynamic. She had been the one asking the questions, steering the conversation, and now, the spotlight was unexpectedly turned on her.
"Why don't you ask me a question you want to know?" Richard suggested, a hint of a playful smile tugging at his lips. He rose from his desk, his movements fluid as he settled into the chair beside her, his proximity sparking a new layer of anticipation.
Caught off guard and feeling slightly unprepared, Kori's mind raced to formulate a question that would mirror the depth and insight she had gleaned from their earlier exchange. "Earlier, you said there are many things that interest you." She began, her voice betraying a hint of hesitancy. "What might those be… exactly?"
Richard's gaze held a thoughtful gleam as he considered her question, his mind sifting through the tapestry of his interests. He was about to respond when a sudden knock at the door shattered the moment, and the redheaded woman from earlier made an appearance. "Mr. Grayson, your 11:00." She reminded him, her tone carrying a professional efficiency.
In a swift motion, Richard dismissed the interruption with unwavering determination. "Cancel it." He stated without hesitation, his focus unwaveringly fixed on Kori. "We're not done here." He declared, his blue eyes locking onto hers with a sense of intent that was hard to ignore.
Caught between the desire to conclude the interview and not impose, and the curiosity of where this unexpected extension might lead, Kori felt a mix of conflicting emotions. "Oh, no. I… I think we have enough." She hastily rose from her seat, a silent plea to wrap up the encounter tugging at her thoughts.
But Richard's insistence was unyielding. "I would like to know more about you." He suddenly revealed, his voice carrying a note of determination that matched the intensity of his gaze.
Kori's gaze met his with a blend of surprise and vulnerability, her heart fluttering in her chest as she absorbed the weight of his statement. "Well… there's not much to tell." She admitted bashfully, her voice full self-deprecation. The spotlight that had shifted to her was both exhilarating and intimidating, a testament to the unexpected turn their conversation had taken.
A charming smile graced Richard's lips, a gesture that held a magnetic quality. "I think you know as well as I do that that's not true." He countered, his words reassuring and intriguing.
Kori's gaze held his, a swirl of emotions churning within her as she found herself ensnared by his penetrating blue eyes. Her lips parted as she searched for words, her thoughts a tumultuous cascade of thoughts and feelings.
"I want you to come back, so we can finish this interview." Richard stated, his voice soft yet resolute, his gaze unwavering in its intensity.
Kori's resolve wavered, her mind grappling with the implications of his invitation. A rush of thoughts flooded her mind, each competing for her attention, each carrying a whisper of uncertainty. "I think you know as well as I do, that I don't fit in here." She admitted, her voice carrying a note of vulnerability as she gestured to her attire that stood in stark contrast to the formality of the setting. Her fingers lightly tugged at the end of her floral-printed skirt, a nervous gesture that betrayed her inner turmoil.
"I am." He replied simply, his gaze unwavering. The weight of his scrutiny, the depth of his interest, was palpable, igniting a surge of awareness within her.
A rush of warmth flooded Kori's cheeks, a vivid display of her heightened emotions in response to the charged atmosphere between them. Her heart raced within her chest, the palpable energy of their connection causing her pulse to quicken. "I should go." She blurted, her words hurriedly escaping her lips as her apprehension spiked. Yet, in her haste and nervousness, her grip faltered, and her fingers released the papers she held, allowing them to flutter to the floor in an unexpected flurry.
But Richard surprised her once again, his graceful movements mirroring her own as he bent down to help her retrieve the scattered notes. His proximity sent a jolt of electricity through her, his hand brushing against hers as he handed her the papers. Her breath caught, her pulse quickening as their fingers briefly intertwined.
"Thanks." Kori breathed, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and intrigue. His captivating smile held her gaze, a flicker of understanding passing between them as their eyes locked.
Richard's hand found hers once more, his grip gentle yet firm as he helped her stand. His touch sent a shiver down her spine, his proximity eliciting a mixture of excitement and apprehension that left her momentarily breathless. "Thank you for the interview." She managed, her voice carrying a note of sincerity as she reluctantly broke their connection.
"The pleasure has been all mine." He responded, his tone carrying a resonance that stirred something deep within her. With a final, lingering smile, he opened the door, inviting her to step out into the world beyond his office.
Kori's heart raced as she walked alongside him, his presence beside her a stark contrast to the formality of the corporate environment. The gazes of the people they passed held a mixture of surprise and curiosity, their whispered exchanges adding to the air of intrigue that seemed to envelop them.
"I hope to see you again, Miss Anders." Richard said, his words carrying a touch of anticipation as they reached the elevator. "Kor." He corrected, his voice soft yet determined, her gaze meeting his with a newfound sense of connection. She stepped into the elevator, her heart pounding in her chest as the doors began to close.
"Richard." She breathed, the name escaping her lips in a soft whisper, a promise of encounters yet to come. The doors sealed her within the confines of the elevator, and as it began its descent, Kori's thoughts swirled with a mixture of exhilaration and wonder, her heart carrying the imprint of a remarkable encounter that had defied all expectations.
…