"These are the ones that caught my eye," Roman said, glancing between the diver's watch and the grayish tie on the counter.
Silas leaned against the display case, watching with nonchalant brown eyes. He recognized the brand of the watch instantly—high-end, luxury, and well out of Roman's price range. The tie, however, Roman could actually afford.
Jeremy, the clerk, picked up the watch and scanned it into the system. Taking in Roman's tall, sharp presence, Jeremy naturally assumed money wouldn't be an issue.
"The wristwatch is eight thousand two hundred dollars, and the tie is one thousand," Jeremy announced smoothly.
Roman's heart skipped a beat. Eight grand? The price was far steeper than he'd anticipated.
"Okay," Roman murmured, keeping his composure while Silas observed him passively. He wanted the watch badly, but paying full price felt like an unnecessary blow to his wallet. "I'll take the tie... but is there any room for a discount on the watch? It's quite expensive."
"I'm sorry, sir, but our prices are non-negotiable," Jeremy replied politely, angling the watch to show off its casing. "It's an exclusive piece—that's what makes it so unique." He set the fine, bluish-gray watch back on the plush tray, giving Roman a knowing look.
Panicking a little inside, Roman subtly shifted tactics. He couldn't buy it himself, but he knew how to drop hints that might prompt Silas to step in.
Reading Roman's dilemma right away, Silas finally spoke up. "I'll take it," he said simply.
Roman blinked in surprised delight. Just like that, Silas was taking care of it.
"Certainly, sir," Jeremy said, turning to package the items.
Roman leaned close to Silas, dropping his voice so the clerk wouldn't overhear. "Thank you, Silas. You're a great friend."
"Don't worry about it," Silas replied, pulling out his wallet. He tapped his card against the terminal. He appreciated Roman's gratitude, and covering a luxury purchase for a friend was small change to him.
Roman felt a wave of satisfaction. Silas was always a reliable cushion whenever they went shopping together.
Once the card cleared, Jeremy handed over the sleek shopping bag. Roman took it, peeking inside to admire the boxed watch and tie.
A few moments later, the two stepped out into the crisp air.
"Thanks again, Silas. You're the best," Roman said as they walked toward the car. He felt a fleeting sting of shame—he hated feeling like he was begging—but the thrill of the new watch quickly pushed that thought away.
"Anytime," Silas smiled faintly, pleased to see his friend so genuinely thrilled.
Inside the car, Roman placed the bag safely behind the seat. They spent the rest of the afternoon driving out to a resort to relax, catch up, and unwind. By the time evening rolled around, Silas drove Roman back toward his neighborhood, pulling up near his house.
"Thanks again for the gift, Silas. I really appreciate it," Roman said, clutching the shopping bag.
"Don't mention it," Silas nodded.
"Seriously, man, you're the best."
"It's fine, Roman. Have a good night," Silas said, looking through the open window as Roman bent down to bid him farewell.
"Good night, Silas."
Silas gave a final nod before driving off into the evening, while Roman headed inside, feeling thoroughly satisfied with the day.
The days slipped by, filled with the usual demands of work.
Silas Wayne spent a quiet afternoon resting at home, slowly turning the pages of a hardcover book in his lounge. Though technically retired, Silas still dropped by his former company out of sheer habit. Keeping a toe in the business world kept his mind sharp. His routine was simple and comfortable: wake up, have breakfast, do a light workout, watch some television, and review old corporate files he no longer needed to manage. It was a peaceful life, and he was quite content with it.
Across town at Crescent Company—a powerhouse fashion and editorial publication—Roman Niles was seated at his office desk, a red pen in hand as he reviewed the master schedule for next month's issue. His job as Coordinating Director wasn't about taking photos or writing articles—it was about keeping the entire machine running. On his computer screen were three open department boards: Photography, Copywriting, and Design.
He quickly typed a reminder to the lead stylist to confirm the wardrobe shipment for Thursday's cover shoot, signed off on the travel budget for the European fashion week crew, and flagged a late article submission from the editorial department. He was the bridge between every division at Crescent Company—making sure the creatives hit their deadlines and stayed on budget.
Roman worked as the Coordinating Director, a position he'd secured through his connections—specifically through his relationship with the Editor-in-Chief. The role elevated his standing in the industry, giving him a sense of status he thoroughly enjoyed.
By midday, Roman wrapped up his tasks and headed downstairs.
He crossed paths with Lauren Cameron in the lobby. In her mid-thirties, Lauren had a commanding presence—sharp brown hair pulled into a neat ponytail, striking red lipstick, and a tailored black business suit. She was strictly business, a fact Roman knew all too well.
"We have a few team assignments to go over," she said in a brisk tone, stopping in front of him. "Make sure everything is lined up."
"Will do," Roman replied casually.
"There's a board meeting coming up—I don't have the exact schedule yet, but I want the entire team ready," she explained, pausing thoughtfully.
"Understood."
"Beyond that, I have a few things to resolve on my end before we meet."
"Very well."
"That should cover it for now," she concluded.
"How have you been?, she asked, checking up on him.
"Good, and you Lauren?, he asked.
"Good, she said, preparing to step away.
"You know..." Roman paused, "It feels like it's been a while since we talked."
Lauren looked at him. "We work in the same building, Roman."
"Well, I mean personally." His voice dropped into a lower, sultry register.
Lauren caught the flirtation immediately and wasn't impressed. She saw potential in Roman, but she had zero patience for unprofessional games at the office.
"Focus on your duties, Roman," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Realizing he'd misread the room, Roman instantly backed off. "I'm sorry. I'll keep it strictly business, Lauren."
"Good." She adjusted her folder. "That will be all."
"Yes, of course," he replied, watching her head toward the elevators.
Lauren carried herself with a natural, magnetic authority that Roman couldn't help but admire. Watching her walk away, a mix of envy and ambition stirred inside him. He wished he owned a company like this. He wished he'd taken his early career more seriously.
After all, he hadn't built his current position through raw effort—Lauren, a friend from their college days, had practically handed him the opportunity and remade his professional standing. He was grateful for her help, but standing in the vast, grand hallway of Crescent Company, a part of him wished he had carved out a path entirely his own.
Upstairs, Lauren stepped into her executive office, still on a call with a tech studio. It was a personal investment venture she had been spearheading herself—a collaboration between firms.
"I understand," she said crisply into the receiver, looking sleek and focused.
"So, will the deal be finalized?" asked the voice on the line—the CEO of Boom Spring Company, who was negotiating the partnership with her.
"I believe so," he replied.
A confident smile touched Lauren's lips. While Crescent Company technically belonged to her father, she had earned every ounce of authority through her own sharp instincts and relentless drive. She was smart, resourceful, and capable—and she knew it.