Esmeray
I worked hard to come this far. I didn't get here through birth, luck or connections just hard work and pain or rather I'd say, a force, a drive that kept me going…
"Good morning Miss. Adams" my employees greet me as I stride down the hallway, the sound of my heels clicking on the polished marble floor. I offer them a simple nod, acknowledging their presence without losing focus.
Their eyes follow me as I walk past, the air thick with the usual tension and fear whenever I walked past them "Do you think she's in a good mood?" a female voice asks her tone a blend of curiosity and nervousness.
"Let's just hope she is and nothing ruins it" another voice responds tinged with both hope and dread.
The corners of my lips curl into a small satisfied smile. Of course I'm in a good mood. This morning, my company, Appura Studios, which I must brag about was ranked number one in the fashion industry for the third time in three consecutive years, beating my major rival AppVanguard for the third time. It's a victory that tastes sweeter considering the fierce competition and the fact that my company was the first to do this.
But it gets better I and the CEO of AppVanguard decided to open another company together, which of course is going to be a hit. We haven't confirmed it to the public yet but just the rumor alone is driving them insane—in a positive way. Last week, though, the CEO passed away…
May his soul rest in peace.
His unexpected death was a big blow, but his step son will be taking over. Though I've never seen him, from what I've heard, he's capable, if not more so. Meaning our plans for the new company will still continue as intended, despite the change in leadership.
"Miss. Adams, good morning" my secretary, Lucy, calls out as she approaches me with her usual tablet clutched in hand. It always seems like she's working, that's why I've come to appreciate her.
"Lucy, hey."
She halts in front of my office, her gaze steady and professional. "The new CEO of AppVanguard is inside"
I can't help but smile to myself, everything I've worked hard for…okay not everything but over half of everything I've worked hard for is finally happening. Nothing could go wrong.
I give Lucy a nod signaling her to open the door. As the door swings open, I step into the room with a sense of purpose. The new CEO is seated on the chair opposite my desk, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Just from the back of his head I can feel the aura he exudes of intelligence and authority
But as I step further into the room, my heart begins to pound harder. The world seems to slow down each beat of my heart echoing louder in my ears. My eyes are drawn to the figure before me, and as he turns around, the world tilts on its axis. Time itself seems to stop and the room becomes a blur of sound and color.
When he finally fully faces me, the full impact of his presence hits like a wave crashing over me. I recognize him immediately—though I hadn't seen him in years how could I forget this face. Those deep blue-green eyes I often saw in my dreams, the way they crinkle at the corner when he smiles, the shape of his jaw, all of it so achingly familiar My legs freeze, seemingly rooted to the ground, even though I so badly want to move them and stride into my seat they refuse to listen to me and so does my rapid beating heart as unwanted memories flash through my mind.
"Ray, come on."
"You have no idea how much you drive me crazy."
"It's just you and I Ray, you and I."
He laughed bitterly. "You seriously don't believe I have something going on with her right?"
Remember how I said nothing could go wrong? Well, I take it back.
What could not go wrong?