Prologue

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Eliza, that's what my friends call me, as well as my team in the office. Elizabeth Strauss, a girl born and fed by the ideals of society and the community around her, she was told to act like the ideal lady during her days of growth, hence she delivered herself as a woman worthy of respect during her days of puberty. Being an object her parents can be proud of, she accomplished everything they wanted her to be in an early age, she was the epitome of perfect, just like a trophy in display along with her achievements framed across the room. She's labeled a robot of society due to her perfect looks, perfect job, perfect family, perfect life, she is the daughter of a CEO too, she was perfect, too perfect that one wrong move can tarnish her family's name.

"Elizabeth."

Disgusting. A name that is looked upon by people, 'Elizabeth', a woman who could do anything without hesitation, she doesn't know how to disagree. 'Elizabeth', a woman that is a by-product of her family, they are praised for raising a wonderful young lady yet her own capabilities remain unrecognized. 'Elizabeth', molded by the society and people around her, someone who's identity was built by what the public thinks about her, and for them, she was a lady of perfection.

'I don't even know myself.'

A faint sight escaped my lips, tapping my finger repetitively on the delete button of my laptop, erasing the previously written sentence I constructed. I was asked by the weekly magazine to write something about myself. Shamelessly, I forgot about it due to the pile of paperwork I finished after countless overnights, and currently I'm two days near deadline. The strong smell of freshly ground Robusta Coffee filled my nose, small soft chatters and the sound of electronics as well as paper reside in my ears. Currently, I'm in a small cafe near our company, and surprisingly, there are only few customers around, so it makes me feel at ease. The cafe brings out a natural relaxing atmosphere, I grazed my thumb gently on my laptop, in the middle of deciding whether I should just make my secretary write it for me, the cafe waitress approached me in a nervous stance, holding the coffee I ordered.

"Here's your cup of Cafe Au Lait, thank you for waiting."

I raised my brow in bewilderment, taken aback, I moved my lips to spout a response, but I was interrupted by her manager who summoned her inside the kitchen.

"I didn't order this..."

I muttered under my breath, yet I held the cup and leaned in for a sip, leading my lips towards the tip, taking in a tiny bit of caffeine made my eyebrows furrow.

"Bitter."

The feeling of a displeasure aroused my taste buds causing me to grunt in disgust, though it was never in my options to leave my drink half full, gulping it all in one go was always the answer to my decisions.

So I did.

'Ah, that's going to put a toll in my blood pressure for the day.'

I closed my laptop after sending an e-mail to my secretary about the magazine interview. I stood up to tidy my seat when a man in his late twenties around five-nine tall greeted me with a smile filled with mischief. He was clad in a well-ironed jet black polo and navy blue colored trousers, freshly shaved beard and slick back hairstyle, he looks like your average fuck boy dressed in formal attire. Of course, my usual routine is putting up a facade, I smile back.

"Well well, I never expected Ms. Elizabeth Strauss herself to have a cup of coffee in our small shack. My name is Harriet Anthony, the branch manager, we are pleased to have you here, may we know if you find this place to your liking?"

With no change of expression, I nodded.

"I find your interior quite pleasing, as well as the comfortable atmosphere, I felt a little bit rejuvenated. Though..."

I paused, deciding not to continue. He cocked his head and stared in curiosity, realizing his actions, he apologized and waved his hand and plastered a quizzical smile.

"I apologize for my rude behavior, Ms. Lazarus, but what were you about to say?"

A crooked smile replaced my lips.

"I got my order messed up but it's fine, I did not mind." I retorted.

He had a shocked expression written all over his face, in a disheartened tone, he slightly bowed his head.

"I apologize for my employee's behavior, I'll make sure that it won't happen again. Please let us offer you another cup of your choosing to compensate."

I glanced around and saw other customers stealing looks, emitting an anxious laughter, I stretched my hand to gesture him to stop lowering his head.

"Ah, please raise your head, pay no mind to it, also I have to head out soon so I thank you for your kind offer." I sternly responded with a calm demeanor.

Harriet was about to retaliate in return but in exchange, he sighted in defeat, nodding his head in agreement, he covered his lips with his index finger hiding his small chuckle.

"I cannot argue with you, Ms. Lazarus, thank you for visiting us, please come again and instead we'll treat you to a discount."

I nodded, ignoring the individuals taking their chances to take a glimpse on me, flashing a smile in return as I saunter towards the exit.

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"Now then.." Harriet mumbled to himself.

Customers planted their gaze on him and quickly dropped a sweat, absorbing the cold atmosphere. Harriet switched from looking joyful to his eyes full of disdain while he marched his way inside the kitchen.

"Excuse me, who here served Ms. Elizabeth Strauss?" He exclaimed.

The other employees murmured within themselves, but all eyes were on the newly recruit.

'Huh?' confused, she tilted her head.