Nadra's paintbrush moved over the canvas in front of her with a skilful familiarity. She was in her own little art bubble in her comfortable studio. But all of a sudden, the silence was broken by a loud, sharp ringtone. Her fingers twitched and she grimaced, reaching for her phone to mute it, but it rang sharply once more, the sound making her jolt. She cursed under her breath as her palette fell out of her grasp, spraying the floor in a flurry of crimson and blue. She hissed at the mess and looked at the screen o her phone. 'Mom' flashed back to her.
Grabbing the phone with paint-smeared fingers, she tried to keep her irritation in check. "Mom?"
"Nadra? Thank full you answered!" her mom's voice sounded urgent and breathless. "Listen, I left some really important files by my nightstand. Can you bring it to me? I can't leave and the meeting is about to start!"
Nadra frowned slightly, her unfinished painting tugging at her. "Like right now? I'm working on a painting, Mom."
There was a brief silence before her mom's voice softened, almost pleading. "I know, honey. But this meeting is crucial. You're the only one who can help me, sweetie. Please."
With a resigned sigh, Nadra looked back at her half-finished canvas, the colors waiting for her return. "Fine. I'm coming. Just stay calm, okay?"
"Thank you,hon! I'll be waiting," her mom replied, her voice filled with relief, before Nadra ended the call and placed the phone down.
She made her way to her mom's room and found the files exactly as her mom described, stacked neatly on the nightstand. She quickly wiped paint off her fingers with a damp cloth. She changed into sweatpants and a faded tank top, throwing her hair into a quick bun without looking in the mirror. After stuffing the files into her tote bag, she stepped outside as the sun was setting. She spotted a cab and flagged it down.
She hopped in and rattled off her mom's office address to the driver, who nodded and joined the flow of evening traffic.
When they arrived, she looked up at the towering building with "Rayan Corps" in bold letters above the entrance. Paying the driver, she stepped out, her eyes roving over the intimidating skyscraper.The polished floors and buzz of professionals in the lobby made her feel out of place in her casual clothes.
A text from her mom flashed on her screen. Bring it up to the 44th floor.
With a sigh, she headed to the elevators, ignoring the glances from polished staff. She entered the elevator, pressing the button for the 44th floor. Just as the doors were closing, a tall, sharply dressed man entered. His bronze skin and salt and pepper hair drew her eyes immediately, letting her know how attractive he was despite his age. His presence was intense, his gaze on his phone as the faint scent of expensive cologne filled the small space.
Nadra's phone rang again, breaking the silence. She fumbled to silence it, eventually answering with a quick, "I'm on my way up, Mom," before hanging up, feeling self-conscious in her sweatpants and messy bun.
Suddenly, the elevator jolted to a halt. Nadra gasped, gripping the railing as the lights flickered and went out completely.