Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as Yasmine stepped into the kitchen, her eyes still heavy with sleep. The quiet hum of the refrigerator and the occasional tick of the wall clock were the only sounds that accompanied her early morning routine. She poured herself a cup, the warmth seeping through her palms and chasing away the last vestiges of the cool spring air. Her children, Lily and Alex, were still tucked in their beds, dreaming of another day at school. Yasmine's husband, Tom, had already left for work, his chair pushed out slightly from the table, a reminder of his hasty departure.
Her thoughts drifted to the phone call she'd received from Mark, her boss, the previous night. The tone of his voice had been somber, hinting at an impending storm cloud hanging over their office. She knew the real estate market had been wobbly, but she'd hoped they'd weather the storm together. Yasmine had been with the company for a decade, building a reputation for her sharp negotiation skills and her uncanny ability to read people. The job had been more than a career; it was her identity, her life's work. The thought of it all crumbling down around her was unbearable.
The kitchen light reflected off the gleaming chrome of the refrigerator, casting a cold, stark glow across the room. She leaned against the counter, sipping her coffee and staring at the family photos displayed on the fridge door. Her heart swelled with love for her children, their smiles frozen in time, oblivious to the turmoil that could soon engulf their lives. Lily's ballet recitals and Alex's baseball games filled her weekends. How would she explain to them that things might change?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the garage door opening, signaling the arrival of her mother-in-law, who lived with them to help with the children. Yasmine straightened up, plastering a smile on her face to hide the anxiety that had taken root. They exchanged pleasantries, and she handed over the schedule for the week, feeling a pang of guilt for the extra burden she might soon place on the woman.
With a deep breath, she grabbed her keys and briefcase, stepping out into the cool embrace of the dawn. The drive to work was a blur of red lights and early morning traffic. Her mind raced with scenarios of what Mark could possibly have to say. She had always prided herself on her work ethic, her ability to close deals when others couldn't, and her dedication to her clients. But the market was out of her control, and she knew that.