***
Victoria slowly opened her eyes, the soft morning light filtering through unfamiliar curtains. As she looked around, a wave of confusion washed over her. The surroundings were not familiar—this was not her apartment. She sat up in bed, attempting to make sense of the bizarre situation.
"What kind of weird dream was that?" Victoria muttered to herself, running a hand through her tousled hair. The memories of the cosmic journey, the 'Eternal Canvas,' and the intertwined destinies lingered in her mind like fragments of an elusive dream.
Just as she contemplated the surreal nature of her apparent dream, the door creaked open. In walked Alexander Harrington, a concerned expression on his face. Victoria's eyes widened in surprise, the events of the dream still fresh in her mind.
"Mr. Harrington?" she began.
"Call me Alexander, please. And good morning, Victoria," he greeted with a warm smile. "How are you feeling?"