Bonds

Chapter 67

-Maya’s POV-

The cacophony of construction filled the air – hammering, sawing, drill whines echoing through the uast putted space. Amidst the chaos, I

stood frozen, a lone island of calm in a sea of activity.

People scurried around me like busy ants–construction workers in hard hats, electricians wrestling with wires, a team of painters meticulously applying a coat of crisp white to the exposed brick wall. I barely registered their presence, my mind lost in a whirlwind of thoughts.

“Amaya?” Ms. Edwards‘ sharp voice cut through my fog. She stood beside me, her clipboard clutched in one hand, the other resting on her hip. “Come on, earth to Amaya. Let’s see what you think of this.”

I blinked, forcing myself back to reality. This was it. The moment of truth. After weeks of planning, mood boards, late nights spent poring over blueprints and fabric swatches, the redesign was finally taking shape. A nervous flutter rose in my stomach.

“Right, sorry,” I mumbled, forcing a smile. “Sure, what is it?”

She gestured towards the center of the room, where a team of workers were assembling a massive structure. It looked like a giant metal frame, but the details were still shrouded in scaffolding and tarpaulin.

“That.” She announced with a flourish, “is the centerpiece of our open floor plan – the collaboration hub.”

“Collaboration hub?” I repeated, peering at the skeletal structure. “Explain?”

Her smile widened. “Ah, yes! The heart of this new design. It’s a multi–level platform, essentially. We’ll have different sections dedicated to different types of collaboration – brainstorming zones, breakout areas for smaller meetings, even a quiet zone with soundproofed pods for

focused work.”

My eyebrows shot up. “That’s actually a great idea,” I admitted. “I remember suggesting dedicated quiet zones during the initial meeting with

Mr. Thorne.”

A hint of amusement flickered in her eyes. “Indeed you did,” she conceded. “And a great idea it was. Mr. Thome was quite impressed with

your suggestion, you know.”

faint pink. “Really?” I stammered,

it during our last call. He even said something about

and focused

would specifically comment on how much he liked my idea. Back then we each did our own thing so we didn’t get in each

take a closer look at the different levels. Up here,

the frame where a platform was taking shape. I could picture it – a clean, minimalist space bathed in natural light, a perfect stage

leading me towards another section of the frame, “we have the brainstorming zone.

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Chapter 67

maybe even a ping

was unexpected, but I liked the idea. A

creativity.

me towards the base of the structure, “we have the quiet zone. Soundproofed pods, comfortable

ventilation systems. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about creating a functional, comfortable space that catered to the diverse

level of detail and thought that had gone into the design. “The mix of open space and dedicated areas really creates a sense

beamed. “Thank you, Amayal it wouldn’t have come together this well without your input. You have a real eye for design and a great understanding

cut through our conversation, and I turned to see

Edwards?” he asked hesitantly. “The electricians need to know

screen.

H

began studying them with a practiced eye. “The projector will be mounted on the ceiling, right here,” she pointed

needs to run…”

for a few minutes, discussing wire placement and outlet configurations. I took the opportunity to wander around the rest of the

light. Demolished cubicle walls had been replaced with sleek glass partitions, allowing

workers was busy constructing a small kitchenette. Modern stainless steel appliances gleamed under

feel real, this vision we’d meticulously crafted on paper, I could almost picture the employees bustling

spaces.

of nostalgia hit me. I thought back to a time when this was what I wanted to do for him. Alex had always been impersonal when

to refocus. There was still a lot to be done. We needed

beside me, the blueprints now neatly rolled up and tucked under her arm. “So, Amaya,”

“Honestly, Ms. Edwards, I’m impressed. It’s exactly how I envisioned it. Maybe even