Stars of My Heart

Matthew sat in his office at Lancaster Corp, surrounded by glass walls that offered a panoramic view of the city. The skyscrapers gleamed in the morning sun, but he barely noticed the view. Sitting at his imposing dark wood desk, with stacks of documents in front of him, Matthew tried to focus on the family business's commitments, but his thoughts kept returning to Emily.

He opened a report, trying to review numbers and statistics from a new acquisition, but his mind wandered to the conversation from the night before. He remembered the excitement in Emily's voice when she spoke of her first fans, her surprise at finding those eager faces waiting only for a smile from her. It was a different world from his own, but still, Matthew felt a deep connection to her journey. The courage she displayed, facing the spotlight with a sincere smile, was something he admired more than any financial success.

His cell phone vibrated on the corner of his desk, notifications about meetings and pending matters. He sighed, aware of the responsibilities surrounding him. Lancaster Corp was a global empire, with influences ranging from technology to sustainable energy. His father had spent decades expanding the business, and now Matthew was one of those responsible for maintaining and innovating that legacy. However, the more he thought about Emily, the more he questioned what he really wanted for himself.

He got up and went to the window, watching the cars running like little ants below. Despite all the pressure and challenges he faced, there was something in the simplicity of Emily's happiness that made him ponder his own ambitions. He had everything he could possibly want materially, but perhaps he lacked an authentic emotion, something that was just his, like Emily's dream was for her.

"Emily...," he murmured softly, remembering her smile.

Back at the table, Matthew picked up his cell phone and typed a brief message, knowing that she would probably be busy with filming or other activities.

Matthew: "Thinking of you. I hope your day is as amazing as you are."

He sent it and, for a moment, smiled to himself.

---

Emily obeyed naturally, flashing a warm smile that made her shine even more. She knew that Gabriela was shaping her career with calculated precision. Thanks to her, Emily was attending prestigious events, such as film premieres, award ceremonies, and even renowned talk shows. Each appearance was another piece in the construction of her image, and she trusted Gabriela to guide her in this new terrain.

After the show, Gabriela took Emily to a cocktail party in a private room. There, she was introduced to designers, fashion critics, and influencers. Everyone wanted to meet her, to talk to the newcomer who was winning over the public with her authenticity and simplicity. Emily chatted, smiled, and listened attentively, but as the night wore on, she felt tiredness building up. Gabriela noticed, but kept a steady gaze, encouraging her to stay in the game. Success came with a price, and Emily was beginning to understand the weight of that cost.

After leaving the event, the driver took them back to the hotel. Emily looked out the window, admiring the city lights that twinkled like stars. Exhausted, she leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes for a moment, reflecting on how drastically her life had changed.

Finally arriving at the hotel, Emily went up to her room and let out a sigh of relief when she found herself surrounded by the comforting silence. She sat on the bed, taking off her shoes and massaging her aching feet. Deep down, she still had the same simple essence, despite all the fame she was beginning to gain. And perhaps that was exactly what made people identify with her so much.

With a sigh, she picked up her cell phone to check her messages before going to sleep. That's when she saw Matthew's name on the screen. His message surprised her, but at the same time, it brought an unexpected warmth to her heart.

Matthew:

"Thinking of you. I hope your day is as amazing as you are."

Emily couldn't help but smile. It was a simple message, but coming from Matthew, it had a profound impact. For a moment, all the glamour, the pressure, and the exhaustion of the day disappeared. She leaned back on the bed, holding the cell phone with one hand as she stared at the ceiling, feeling a slight blush warm her cheeks.

She typed a reply, but hesitated. She wanted to say something that would convey how much this message meant to her. She thought for a moment and finally let the words flow:

Emily:

"Thank you for making me smile after such a long day. I hope your day was amazing too."

She sent it, smiling to herself as she imagined Matthew's reaction when he read it.

In the office of his company, Lancaster Corp., Matthew reviewed reports and numbers projected on his monitor. The day had been long and exhausting, with incessant meetings and complex decisions to make. Lancaster Corp. was growing at a rapid pace, and he couldn't afford to slow down. Every decision had to be carefully considered to ensure the company remained on top. The soft light from the desk lamp illuminated the room, while the city glowed beyond the large windows.

When he finally had a moment to breathe, Matthew pulled out his phone, waiting for a brief pause before diving into yet another report. It was then that he noticed Emily's message notification. Her simple and genuine response made his face light up in a rare smile, an expression of softness in contrast to his meticulous and austere work environment.

He leaned back in his chair, watching the screen with a warm gaze, as if he could see Emily's brightness reflected in each word. With a slight impulse, he decided to start a conversation.

Matthew:

"It seems like we had an intense few days, huh? How was the show?"

Emily responded almost instantly, as if she was waiting for another message from him.

Emily:

"It was amazing! I met so many people, but I think I'm still getting used to this routine. All this glamour... it seems surreal. What about you? How was your day?"

Matthew read the message, feeling himself relax as he imagined her presence, simple and sincere, so different from everything around him.

Matthew:

"A lot less glamorous, unfortunately. It was just work and more work. But I guess deep down I like the challenge. I feel like each day is a step towards something bigger."

Emily smiled as she read, imagining Matthew, serious and determined, dealing with the immense responsibilities he carried. She could feel the strength behind his words, an ambition that mirrored her own determination in her new world.

Emily:

"You know what I mean, then. I guess we're living different realities, but with the same intensity."

Matthew leaned forward, immersed in the conversation, feeling that these little details of her life brought an unexpected freshness to his own world.

Matthew:

"It seems so. It's funny… I never imagined I would be so curious to know what happens in someone else's day. Every event, every detail of their day… it's like I'm following a new story."

There was a pause before Emily answered, perhaps reflecting on how much Matthew's words meant.

Emily:

"Maybe because we're learning about ourselves, at the same time we're learning about each other. Don't you ever get tired of all that work?"

Matthew thought for a moment, his expression softening.

Matthew:

"Sometimes, but that's what I've always known. I grew up watching my family work, building Lancaster Corp. But you, Emily… what's it like for you to be living something so new?"

She took a deep breath before answering, feeling the complexity of that question.

Emily:

"It's scary and exciting. Every day is a surprise. Sometimes I feel insecure, but then I remember that this opportunity is unique. And, well, I know I can count on special people..."

Matthew smiled, noticing her hint, and decided to respond with the same softness.

Matthew:

"If you need someone to talk to, or simply to laugh about the day's situations, you know where to find me."

Emily smiled, feeling the warmth of that simple but sincere promise. Their conversation continued for a few more minutes, alternating between confiding in each other about their routines and light jokes, as if they shared a silent complicity.

Even after the conversation ended and Matthew returned to work, Emily's presence seemed to echo in the office, making the environment a little more welcoming. That night, they would both go to sleep with the same feeling, that amidst the pressures of their lives, they had found a rare moment of lightness with each other.