The gym was illuminated by golden morning light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels. This was not just a gym; it was an elite sanctuary where discipline and luxury merged seamlessly. The faint scent of polished wood mixed with the clean aroma of sweat, a reminder that everyone who entered this space sought to experience every moment with elegance. The walls were minimalistic and sophisticated, with nothing unnecessary. The floor, made of the finest wood, absorbed each step like a soft whisper. The exercise equipment was lined up flawlessly, their polished surfaces bearing no trace of imperfection.
But in this space, the most captivating sight was not a machine—it was Carolina.
As she spread her mat in the corner of the gym, the light accentuated the curves of her back with delicate precision. Her seamless white sports leggings and matching fitted bustier were designed not just for performance but also for an understated allure. The high-waisted leggings hugged her waist perfectly, accentuating the curve of her hips and the length of her legs. The way the fabric molded to her body became even more evident with each movement.
Carolina began to stretch, each motion a testament to her flexibility and control. As she bent forward, her spine arched with effortless grace, her hands sliding down her legs to reach the floor. The movement made the fabric of her leggings tighten around her body, emphasizing the contours of her muscles and curves. Her mind was entirely focused on her breathing—or at least, that’s how it appeared. But she was aware of the glances around her. Knowing this gave her a silent power.
She adjusted her pose, lifting her hips higher. The movement was slow and controlled. The waistband of her leggings sat perfectly, framing her figure. Her bustier fit snugly, accentuating the subtle rise and fall of her chest with each breath.
Others in the gym seemed focused on their workouts. Yet Carolina’s presence quietly altered the room’s dynamics. The reflections in the mirrors, the ones who stole glances without making it obvious… She acted as if she didn’t notice, but she did. She noticed everything.
Still, she tried to focus on her routine. But no matter how much she tried, her mind betrayed her.
The Crumbling Foundations of Comfort
No matter how hard she suppressed them, the thoughts always returned.
Money.
She had never known true poverty, but now she felt its looming shadow. The foundations of the comfortable life she had always known were slowly but steadily crumbling. Bills, household expenses, her children’s needs… Everything weighed on her shoulders like an unbearable burden.
This place was just a temporary escape. But outside, the real world was waiting.
She needed a job. But what kind of job? She had never needed to work before. There had always been a safety net, always support. But now… she was alone.
Her gaze swept across the gym, lost in thought. Most of the women here lived in luxury, provided by their wealthy husbands. Their days were divided between beauty salons, luncheons, and gym sessions. For them, security was unwavering.
But Carolina’s security had already been shattered.
And this realization left an odd emptiness in her chest.
She didn’t know what to do, but she knew one thing—she had to stand on her own feet.
Maybe she could open a boutique, maybe offer consultancy services… But those required time and investment.
Carolina had time.
But she had no money.
She needed to find a way to earn fast.
Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed when the glass doors silently opened.
And the two people who walked in instantly commanded her full attention.
Ethan.
And beside him, a tall, long-legged young woman.
A vague unease settled in Carolina’s chest.
It had been a long time since she’d seen him.
But just his presence alone was enough to shift the energy in the room.
The woman beside him gazed at him with open admiration. She wasn’t even trying to hide it.
Carolina narrowed her eyes, watching them. A strange discomfort stirred inside her. Was it just curiosity?
Or was it something more?
And Ethan being here… Was it a coincidence?
Or was this day about to take an entirely different turn?
The Shadow of the Past
Carolina’s mind drifted into the shadows of the past.
Ethan’s mother… Celeste.
That name whispered in her mind, and she took a deep breath.
Once, Carolina and Celeste had been the most talked-about women in this city. Their elegance, their allure, and the impact they left in every room they entered… They had been an enviable duo.
But now…
Those days were long gone.
And so was that friendship.
Carolina narrowed her eyes.
She hadn’t spoken to Celeste in years.
Because some friendships quietly chose different paths.
And Carolina knew exactly where their paths had diverged.
Because Celeste had been in love with Richard.
And Carolina had chosen him.
Celeste had never expected her closest friend to choose Richard, and the betrayal had irreversibly shattered their bond.
And that day, everything fell apart.
Shaking off the memories, Carolina’s gaze returned to where Ethan stood at the edge of the gym.
She had never seen him like this before.
Under the golden light streaming through the gym’s massive windows, their eyes met for a brief yet intense moment.
Ethan was 22 years old. Young, confident, and undeniably attractive.
She had heard the stories about him. His rapid rise, his powerful connections, the way women were drawn to him… He was no longer a boy.
But in Carolina’s mind, she still held memories of his childhood. The boy who used to come over as Tom’s friend, the one who never strayed far from his family…
Now, standing before her, he carried himself with a self-assured presence shaped by the years.
His gaze locked onto hers before trailing down her body, unashamedly taking her in.
He wasn’t hiding what he was thinking.
For a split second, Carolina felt the urge to turn away.
But she didn’t.
She had to stay composed.
In that brief moment of locked gazes, Carolina instinctively cleared her throat and turned away, bending down to roll up her mat.
Ethan, placing a light touch on the waist of the young woman beside him, sent Carolina a slow smile.
She tried to ignore it.
But the uneasy feeling settling in her chest told her that she hadn’t succeeded.
Carolina took a deep breath as she gathered her mat. This was nothing. A fleeting moment, just a few seconds of eye contact.
But still…
Ethan had grown up. He was no longer a boy.
And she could see it—just like everyone else.
But this realization unsettled her in a way she couldn’t quite name.
What am I doing? she thought to herself.
She tried to dismiss the feeling gnawing at her. It was nonsense. She was just tired, her mind distracted. And yes, Ethan was incredibly attractive, but that didn’t mean anything.
Even thinking about it was absurd.
With quick steps, she moved toward the showers, desperate to let the hot water wash away the nonsense lingering in her mind.
As she walked through the corridor, thoughts still swirled in her head, but she was beginning to regain her composure.
Her hand reached for the door handle—
And then, behind her, a deep, youthful voice echoed.
“Hello, Carolina.”
The sound of it silenced every thought in her head.
She closed her eyes briefly, took a slow breath, and then turned around.
Ethan stood there.
And his gaze was fixed directly on her.
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