Secret Heartbeats

o finalize, and it's due out next month," I reply, the life of a designer is a constant whirlwind. "Stephen's got some juicy gossip. You'll regret missing out if I can not drag you to brunch," she

vident in her voice. Rose isn't your average lawyer; she is one of the most accomplished young Mexican attorneys around. I've witnessed her journey through law school, convincing her pare

ction will have to wait until tomorrow," she advises, multitasking effortlessly. "Tracy, you're a gem," I say, impressed. "Thank you," she replies with a light chuckle. I collect my purse, phone, and sunglasses. "Enjoy your lunch," I tell her warmly as I depart. Exiting my office, I'm enveloped by the serene ambiance of the workspace. It's a testament to comfort and elegance, a design courtesy of a family friend renowned for her interior prowess. I press the elevator button for the ground floor, descending amidst thoughts of the potential media frenzy outside. My parents' fame-my mother, an acclaimed actress, and my father, a celebrated artist and occasional singer-meant a childhood shrouded in caution against the ever-prying paparazzi. The restrictions were suffocat

ymphony of lights, motion, and the collective driv

new with Rose?" "When can we expect your latest fashion line?" "How are your celebrity parents?" "Is there a baby on the way?" "Whose

lunch. Could you please make

f them replies, a touch

ur notorious circle of friends, all offspring

r mom's health?" Rumors ign

not true,"

ary of the backseat as Mr. Martins secures the d

please," I say, retur

tabloid snapshot of our lives: Rose exiting the courthouse, Chris approaching his car, Stephen departing his towe

e an eyebrow at their

phone, turning my attention t

pproach the door. Molly greets me with her ever

exclaims, pulli

I reply, retur

?" Tanya's voice flo

augh as she joins

voice chimes in, her heel

m me," I jest, earning

of pickled mangoes,

se," I exclaim, eagerly ac

piece, the taste eliciting

he epitome of suave in his tailored blue suit.

lf," I retort, tho

o quiet last night," as h

feelings, but fear risking our lifelong friendship. After a toxic past relationship, I've realized h

just a man who's endured too much, yet never lets it show. His pres

oice snaps me bac

indest souls I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Yet, beneath the gentle exterior lies a fier

ou so much!" he

you?" Stephen shoo

e wrong side of the bed," Chris q

hen herds us away from the foyer, where Tanya is

l," he grumbles, blo

gh his hair, a telltal

t?" Jace inquires, co

just got something

e list

o

wit

etting

air, and I'm rooted