Rita's Unseen Destiny.

 "Laura, I," he started to say, but he didn't know how to finish. He didn't know how to process his feelings or how to make things right between them.

 As the silence between them grew stronger, Carlson and Laura both realized that they needed to try and get some rest. The night was still young, and they had a long day ahead of them tomorrow.

 Without saying a word, Carlson slowly lay back down on the bed, trying not to make any sudden movements that might break the fragile silence between them. 

 Laura followed suit, lying down on her side of the bed and turning her back to Carlson. They both lay there in silence trying to calm their racing thoughts and drift off to sleep.

 As they lay there, the sound of the rain outside created a soothing background noise, and slowly but surely, they both started to feel their eyelids growing heavy again.

 Despite the awkwardness and tension between them, they both eventually felt asleep, exhausted from the journey of the day. 

 That morning, Carlson quietly got out of bed, trying not to disturb Laura. Who was still fast asleep. He quickly got dressed and prepared for his meeting with investors.

 As he was about to leave, he scribbled a quick note on a piece of paper and left it on the table. "See you in the afternoon, Rita," it read. 

 But as he looked back at Laura, who was still sleeping peacefully, he felt a pang of guilt. He had written the note out of habit, but now it seemed like a cruel reminder of his complicated situation.

 Carlson took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts aside. He had a big meeting to focus on, and he couldn't afford to let his personal life distract him.

 With a final glance at Laura, Carlson slipped out of the room and headed to the meeting. 

 Carlson's presentation went smoothly, and he confidently fielded questions from investors. He was in his element, and his passion for the project shone through.

 Meanwhile, back at the hotel, Laura woke up feeling refreshed. She stretched and yawned, then got out of bed to start her day.

 As she was getting ready, she noticed a piece of paper on the table. She walked over to investigate and found the note Carlson had left. Her heart sank as she read the words "see you in the afternoon Rita, " 

 Laura felt a pang of disappointment and jealousy.She had been hoping that Carlson's feelings for her might be growing, but the note made it clear that his heart still belonged to Rita.

 Despite her feelings, Laura tried to shake off the disappointment. She took a deep breath, refreshed herself and headed down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

 As she sat down at the table, Laura couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the day had in store for her. Would she see Carlson again? And what would happen when Rita found out about their night together?"

 As soon as Carlson wrapped up his meeting with the investors, he couldn't help but think about Laura. He had been so caught up in his presentation and negotiations that he hadn't had a chance to check in with her all morning.

 As he walked out of the conference room, he felt a pang of guilt for missing breakfast with her. He quickly pulled out his phone to send her a text, but then he had a better idea.

 "Why don't I just go back to the hotel and have lunch with her instead? He thought to himself."

 Carlson headed back to the hotel. As he drove, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. He was looking forward to seeing Laura and spending some quality time with her.

 When he arrived at the hotel, Carlson parked his car and stepped out onto the sidewalk. He took a deep breath, feeling the cool breeze fill his lungs, and then he walked into the hotel. Carlson approached the steps to their room.

 As Laura went downstairs, lost in thoughts, she didn't notice Carlson approaching from the opposite direction. She was caught up in her own world that she didn't even see him until it was almost too late. Carlson, on the other hand, had just arrived at the steps, heading up to their room. He was looking up, watching Laura come down, and their eyes met for a brief moment.

 But Laura was too distracted to notice the warning signs. She didn't see the step in front of her, and her foot slipped out from under her. She felt herself falling, her arms flailing wildly as she tried to regain her balance.

 Carlson's instincts kicked in, and he jumped forward, his arms outstretched. He caught Laura just as she was about to hit the ground, holding her tightly in his arms.

 For a moment, they just stood there, frozen in time. Laura's heart was racing, and her face was flushed with embarrassment. Carlson's heart was pounding, and his arms were wrapped tightly around Laura's waist.

 As they stood there, looking in each other's gaze, the world around them melted away. Memories of the previous night flashed through Carlson's mind, and he felt a rush of emotions. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds in the light, and her skin flowered with radiant warmth. He felt a sudden jolt of attraction, and his heart skipped a beat.

 And Carlson realized that his feelings for Laura went beyond friendship. He felt a deep connection with her, a sense of belonging and comfort that he had never experienced since Rita left.

 As they stood there, locked in each other's gaze, Carlson's lips met Laura's in a passionate kiss. It was as if the whole world had come to a stand still, and all that mattered was the love that was blossoming between them.

 The kiss was like a dam breaking, releasing a flood of emotions that had been pent-up for so long. Carlson felt like he was home, like he had finally found the missing piece of his heart.