Maya leaned back in her chair and closed the last file of the day with a soft thud. Her eyes felt heavy from staring at sketches and fabric notes for hours, but her heart carried a sense of satisfaction. 

It had been another long day, yet things were finally falling into place. The office, once buzzing with voices and footsteps, had grown quiet. One by one, the staff had finished their tasks and headed home, leaving the studio in peaceful silence. Maya stretched her arms above her head and glanced at the clock. Elias had promised to come pick her up tonight.

She packed her things slowly, half expecting him...