Chapter 5 – Separate Days, Subtle Shadows
The morning sunlight spilled gently across Lavida's streets as Livia Konate unlocked the doors to her family's boutique. The soft chime of the bell announced her arrival, and she took a moment to inhale the faint scent of fresh flowers and polished wood that always greeted her. Today, the shop buzzed softly with staff preparing for the morning rush, and Livia moved among them with quiet confidence, adjusting displays, offering guidance, and exchanging a warm smile with her first client.
"Good morning, Ms. Konate," the client greeted, admiring the new stock. "Everything looks exquisite."
"Thank you," Livia replied, her voice calm and poised. "I'm glad you like it. If you need assistance finding anything specific, just let me know."
Her day unfolded In small but meaningful ways checking invoices, directing staff, consulting with suppliers over phone calls. She enjoyed the rhythm of her work, the subtle sense of control and independence it gave her. And yet, there was that faint sensation she couldn't shake a whisper at the edge of her awareness, like someone was nearby. She glanced briefly toward the window, half-expecting to see someone, but nothing was there.
"Probably just nerves," she muttered to herself, shaking off the unease. She focused on her tasks, smiling as a client laughed at a small joke she'd made. Life moved steadily, orderly, and fulfilling in the boutique, and Livia let herself be immersed in it.
Meanwhile, across the city, Tiana stepped into the modern office of Luxe PR & Marketing, a bustling consultancy filled with clients, laptops, and half-completed campaigns. Tiana strode through the space with the confidence of someone who knew exactly where she belonged, her designer heels clicking softly on the polished floor.
"Morning, team!" she called, her voice bright enough to cut through the chatter. "Let's make today productive… and stylish."
Her assistants smiled and nodded, accustomed to her energetic leadership. Tiana moved from desk to desk, offering guidance, approving campaigns, and occasionally tossing a teasing comment to keep morale light. "No excuses today, people. I expect brilliance extra points if you make it look effortless."
Between overseeing client calls and reviewing campaign strategies, Tiana pulled out her phone. A message notification popped up: Livia. Smiling, she quickly typed a reply.
"How's your day, boss lady?"
Moments later, Livia's response appeared:
"Busy, but smooth. I feel… odd, though. Like someone's nearby. Don't know why."
Tiana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Classic Liv always sensing a mystery in the simplest of things."
The day passed, each woman wrapped in her own world. Livia managed staff conflicts with gentle authority, arranged displays to perfection, and even helped a hesitant client choose the perfect item, all the while feeling that faint sense of being observed. Every so often, her eyes flicked toward the entrance, but it was always empty nothing but sunlight and the soft hum of city life.
Tiana's day was equally demanding, juggling client expectations, reviewing marketing materials, and fielding calls from potential partners. Her wealthy background gave her confidence and a certain ease in navigating high-profile interactions, and yet she found herself smiling at Livia's texts, the small connection a welcome distraction from deadlines and pressure.
By late afternoon, both women had finished their main tasks. Livia closed the boutique's doors, ensuring everything was in order, and leaned against the frame for a moment, stretching. That faint feeling lingered, but she dismissed it with a quiet shake of her head. "Just my imagination," she whispered. She focused on the lighter thought of meeting Tiana soon.
Tiana, on the other hand, stepped out of her office, phone in hand, and called Livia. "Lunch?" she asked brightly. "I need to hear all about your mysterious observer."
Livia laughed softly, slipping her coat on. "Fine. But only because I want to hear halfway between their workplaces. The aroma of coffee and pastries mingled with the soft chatter of other patrons, creating a cozy refuge from the bustle outside.
"So," Tiana began as they settled into their seats, "tell me everything. The dream guy? The faint observer? I want details."
Livia smiled, stirring her tea. "It's strange. The dreams… they feel so real, and this one presence lately I can't quite explain it. I only feel it in moments, fleeting, almost like a brush of awareness." She paused, her gaze distant. "And now… I wonder if Alexander will actually help me forget all of it, or make it worse."
Tiana grinned knowingly. "Ah, yes. Enter the charming distraction. That's your golden-boy option, right? I'd say it's perfect for keeping your mind busy."
Livia chuckled softly. "I suppose. But it's not just distraction. It's… I don't know, curiosity, anticipation. There's something about it that makes me tense and alert at the same time."
Tiana shook her head, laughing. "You always make drama sound elegant, Liv. But I get it. Mysterious observers, unexpected distractions… all part of life's entertainment. Just… try not to faint dramatically if he actually shows up."
"Noted," Livia said, smiling faintly. "Though I can't promise I won't notice someone, even briefly, and feel that inexplicable… awareness again."
After leaving the café, the friends parted with a promise to meet later. Livia returned to her office, brushing off the day and letting the quiet settle around her. She sank into her chair and organized a few papers, trying to calm the flutter in her chest.
Her phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw her mother calling.
"Livia," her mother said, stern yet warm, "Grandfather asked me to tell you… Alexander wants to have dinner with you tonight. Just the two of you."
Livia blinked. "Dinner… just the two of us?"
"Yes," her mother replied firmly. "I expect you to behave yourself. Polite, attentive… make a good impression. This is important, Livia."
A faint, teasing voice seemed to drift in the background, unmistakably her grandmother's: "Nene… misbehave so Alex won't like you."
Livia laughed softly, shaking her head. "Grandma, you're impossible."
Her mother's tone sharpened slightly, cutting through her amusement. "Livia, listen. Take this seriously. Be proper, be poised… Alexander must see your best self."
"Yes, Mom," Livia said, amusement threading her voice. "I'll be on my best behavior… or at least try."
Her mother softened. "Good. Enjoy yourself tonight. Remember, this is just dinner but make it count."
Hanging up, Livia leaned back, letting the city hum outside her window. Between her grandmother's playful mischief and her mother's strict guidance, a small thrill tickled at the edges of her composure. Dinner with Alexander promised to be… interesting. And somehow, she had the feeling that this evening might quietly shift the threads of her world.