Tingling Sparks

Alisha returned home after a long and eventful business trip with her boss, Zeriel. As she entered her apartment, she was surprised to see her close friend Maddie waiting for her, a big smile on her face. Before Alisha could even drop her bags, Maddie rushed forward to give her a warm hug.

"Welcome back, Alisha! I've missed you so much," Maddie exclaimed,her face beaming with smiles and excitement radiating from her. Alisha returned the hug, feeling grateful for Maddie's presence and support.

"Why did you suddenly cut me off?" Maddie queried! With a slight frown on her face,she carried the travel bag from Alisha and dropped it on the couch.

"What do you mean?" Lisha asked

As they sat down on the couch, Alisha couldn't help but feel a surge of relief, "You didn't keep up with the gist,you stopped informing me of every detail" she said, rolling her eyes. "Oh that '' Alisha sighs as she packs her hair up in a bun, she was tired and exhausted,it was visible on her face. "I've been busy," she told Maddie.

"I don't care" Maddie retorted,start spilling it out and not a single detail left she chucked. Alisha nodded knowing fully well she couldn't escape it, "may I get a glass of water before I commence p-please" giving Massey that cute puppy look with a smile.

Maddie stands up and heads to the fridge. In the kitchen in a jiffy she comes out with a chilled bottle of water and hands it over to her Lisha.

"Here,drink" she gives her the water. Alisha opens it without hesitation and gulps the water.she seemed dehydrated but felt refreshed after taking the water. "Okay where do I start from?" "The beginning" maddie replied in enthusiasm.

knowing that she could confide in Maddie about everything that had transpired during the trip. Maddie was not just a friend; she was someone who always understood Alisha, even without words.

Maddie looked at Alisha intently, waiting for her to share all the juicy details. Alisha took a deep breath and began recounting the events of the trip. She told Maddie about the work-related discussions and the moments they spent exploring the local culture together. But there was another aspect that Alisha wanted to talk about - her unexpected insights into Zeriel's character.

She recounted her ordeal of how Zeriel showed her kind gestures which was really the opposite of his character, so she thought. "I think he really changed" lost in her own thoughts maddie snaps her finger and lisha suddenly jerks up.

"What's on your mind? It seems you've really fallen for him huh" Maddie chuckled. "Stop it" avoiding her gaze, Alisha stood up and walked into her room.

"You're not done yet!Why are you shying away?"

"I need to freshen up, I'm starving, you only care about gossip your good friend is starving" she said as her voice echoed from the bathroom.

I ordered some takeout not long ago,I'll microwave it for you,just as Maddie said that she hurriedly made her way to the kitchen.

***

back home. Zeriel nodded, relieved to hear that his father was doing well. He set the box down which his father asked Logan to pass to him on his desk. The box looked like an antique,it looked old but was shiny and well polished. It was engraved with his fathers royal seal on the top of the square shape box with a small complicated lock which seems like it had a hidden mechanism which only the royal bloodline could unlock.

With a deep sigh he turned his attention back to Logan.

"Thanks for bringing this, buddy. It's always good to know that my old man is alright," Zeriel said with a grateful smile.

Logan shrugged, a hint of fondness in his eyes. "No problem, buddy. You know it's my duty to serve you and your family. Besides, it was a good excuse to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while."

Zeriel chuckled, leaning against the desk. "You always did enjoy our hometown more than I did. I'm glad you had a chance to go back and refresh." "Sometimes I wish I could at least visit sometimes, but I don't want to incite war again between the two sides.My existence alone has caused my family alot of pains which I don't want to recall.

Anytime Zeriel recalls about home,there's this sadness and pains that creeps in.At this point he  was already looking pale,his eyes darkened with anger,and his mind clouded with pain.

"Zeriel! Zeriel!!" Logan called his name repeatedly as he saw the countenance of his friend had changed. He knew that things were getting out of hand and he couldn't afford to let Zeriel lose it. Immediately he called his name  for the second time he immediately snaps out

I know you're emotional right now,but why don't you take your mind off it and update me on your business trip he said as he smiled mischievously.

Zeriel sighed and rolled his eyes at Logan's teasing. "No, nothing happened between Alisha and me," he replied defensively. "We had a professional trip, and that's all."

Logan smirked knowingly. "Come on, Zeriel, I've known you since we were kids. I can read you like a book. There's definitely something going on with you and Alisha. I can see it in your eyes."

Zeriel's expression softened, and he couldn't help but chuckle at Logan's persistence. "Fine, maybe there were some moments on the trip that made me see Alisha in a different light. But it's complicated, and I'm not sure how to approach it."he grinned "you know I don't do so well in relationships. I'm not capable of loving a woman" he declared.

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? What's so complicated about it? If you like her, just make a move. Life's too short to hold back on your feelings."

Zeriel sighed again, feeling torn. "Feelings you say? I think it's a mere fling which will die down soon." "Why not try things out with her then you can conclude if the feeling is genuine or just a fling like you call it ''Logan advises . It's not that simple, Logan. Alisha is my employee, and I don't want to mix business with pleasure. I have to consider the consequences and potential complications it could bring." I just want her to focus on the production.

Logan crossed his arms, looking determined. "Look, Zeriel, I understand your concerns, but you can't deny your feelings either. It's obvious that there's a connection between you two. Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith and see where it leads. Besides, love and work can coexist, as long as you handle it maturely."

"Cut it out" Zeriel warned, "what did you just spill out?"

"Hey easy bro" Logan said laughing.

"Why don't you called one of your numerous mistresses to cool off" he said to Zeriel raising a brow

As he heads towards the door knowing fully well of the words he said could have made Zeriel infuriated.

Zeriel gave him a stern warning look. "Get out of my room" he thundered and he looked around for an object to stone Logan who already read him and escaped through the door laughing.

Considering the fact that Logan purposely brought up the words to diss him off. He knew his friend kept numerous women and broke up with them when he discovered a slightest hint of love. He always warns them not to fall in love with him which each of the women always defaults to.

He wondered what was so special about his friend that made them all fall for home despite his cold demeanours.