ShadowsAndRoutine
Breakfast at the Reeve mansion was quieter than usual that morning.
The long table stretched on endlessly, as though designed to emphasize the distance between those seated. Killian sat at the head, reading the financial section of the newspaper, while Elara sat a few seats down, her posture composed, her plate barely touched. Asher and Lily sat across from each other, stealing occasional glances at Elara- curious, but not hostile.
Mrs. Reeve sat across from Killian, regal in her silence, her expression unreadable. Mr. Reeve was absent, as usual, no doubt already halfway into another coldly efficient day.
"Are you attending the board meeting today?" Lily asked Elara suddenly, her voice light but sincere.
"I am," Elara answered with a small nod. "It's important I'm there."
"Good," Asher added, flashing her a grin.
"It'll be fun watching the old men squirm."
Mrs. Reeve didn't respond, but her gaze lingered on Elara for a beat too long.
Whatever she was thinking, she kept behind her porcelain expression.
"I'll be going with her," Killian said, folding his paper. "We leave in ten."
The conversation stilled after that.
Ten minutes later, Elara stood in front of the mirror near the foyer, adjusting the collar of her soft cream dress. Her makeup was light, professional. Her gaze, hard. Killian joined her, offering a silent nod before they stepped outside.
The Reeve Corporation building loomed ahead like monument to power. Its sleek glass facade reflected the morning sun and the weight of legacy. Employees straightened at their desks as the couple walked through the lobby. Whispers trailed behind them like perfume.
In the private elevator, silence settled between them again-this time not uncomfortable, merely routine.
"I'll brief the department heads," Killian said at last. "Your presence is enough."
Elara nodded. "I'll contribute if necessary."
The elevator dinged open.
On the executive floor, they walked through rows of offices, heads turning, eyes tracking their every move. The glass conference room buzzed with low conservation until Killian entered, followed closely by Elara.
She took her seat beside him. Their presence quieted the room instantly.
The meeting began with quarterly updates- sales growth, international partnerships, new contract approvals.
The business wheel turned, but a cautious tension threaded each report.
When Samuel, the CFO, shifted uncomfortably in his seat and cleared his throat, everyone knew what was coming.
"We've started early preparations for the annual gala," he said, eyes flicking to Killian and then Elara. "Traditionally, the family-"
"She'll be attending," Killian cut in coolly.
A few exchanged glances. No one challenged him.
Elara, calm and unreadable, folded her hands on the table. She didn't need their approval. She only needed to endure.
The meeting wore on. Whispers turned into reluctant acknowledgements.
Congratulations were mumbled, thinly veiled. Elara took note of every ally, every skeptic, every snake in the grass.
When the board dismissed, people filed out slowly. Some paused to offer stiff nods. Others hurried away as if her presence burned.
"You handled yourself well," Killian said once the room was empty.
"I wasn't raised to break," she replied, adjusting a button on her sleeve.
A flicker of something passed across his face. "No, I suppose you weren't."
She stood, gathering her tablet. "I'll be in my office."
He nodded. "If anyone bothers you-"
"They won't."
And with that, she walked the halls of power again- not as a manager, not as a pawn-but as a woman who had learned how to survive in a world that only accepted strength in silence.
This time, she was ready.
She got to her office, and started working tirelessly to make up for the days not working.