Amara Collins sat behind her polished mahogany desk, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she typed out an email, the sound of each key punctuating the silence of her office. The late hours had become a familiar companion, a constant reminder of her focus on her career. The city lights twinkled through the glass walls, casting long shadows across the room as night had long fallen.
She glanced at the clock—10:45 PM. Most of her colleagues had gone home hours ago, but Amara stayed, not because she had to, but because she wanted to. The silence of the office was her sanctuary, a space where she could drown out the noise of the outside world, especially the memories she was desperately trying to bury.
Her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Janelle, her best friend since college.
Janelle: "Still at work? Girl, you need a life. Drinks this weekend?"
Amara smiled faintly at her friend's typical concern. She knew Janelle meant well, but getting out there wasn't in the cards for her right now. Not after everything that had happened.
She clicked her phone off and sat back in her chair, her mind wandering to the past. It had been two years since she walked away from the man she thought she'd marry. Two years since she found him in the arms of another woman, his lies shattering her trust and her heart all at once. Love had been a distraction she could no longer afford.
The promotion she had recently received at the marketing firm was supposed to be her new beginning—a fresh start, far away from the mess of her personal life. And it was, in many ways. But no matter how successful she became, there was still that empty space in her chest, a hollow ache she couldn't quite shake.
She wasn't sure if it was the betrayal itself that hurt the most, or the fact that she had allowed herself to trust him in the first place. Either way, she had sworn off relationships for good. Who needed love when you had success? Her career was thriving, and that was all that mattered now.
Amara stood and walked to the large window that overlooked the bustling city below. Her reflection stared back at her—long, dark curls pulled into a neat bun, her tailored suit perfectly pressed, her expression hard and focused. She was proud of the woman she had become, even if it meant sacrificing the softer parts of herself.
Her phone buzzed again.
Janelle: "Seriously, don't make me drag you out of that office. You're not becoming a workaholic on my watch!"
Amara laughed softly and typed a quick response.
Amara: "You might have to drag me. Things are crazy here, but I'll try."
The truth was, she wasn't sure if she was ready to face the world again. The thought of putting herself out there, even just for a casual night out, seemed exhausting. But Janelle was right—she couldn't hide forever.
Amara's phone rang suddenly, startling her. She frowned as she saw her boss's name flash across the screen. What could Mr. Prescott want at this hour?
"Amara speaking," she answered.
"Amara, I'm glad I caught you. I've just gotten word that there's an important client we need to impress at tomorrow's event. It's last minute, but I need you to attend the charity gala on behalf of the company."
Her stomach sank. Charity gala? That sounded like a networking nightmare. But she knew she couldn't refuse. "Of course, Mr. Prescott. I'll be there."
"Good. We can't afford to lose this account. Be ready to meet Noah Bennett—he's the key player. If we can get him on board, it'll be huge for us."
Noah Bennett. The name was vaguely familiar. Amara had heard about him—he was a big-time entrepreneur, and his company was one of the most sought-after clients in the industry. This gala just became even more high-stakes.
"I'll be prepared," she said confidently, even though her nerves were already starting to churn.
"Excellent. I'll see you tomorrow."
As the call ended, Amara sighed. She had been hoping for a quiet night, maybe even a break from the never-ending hustle. But now, she had to gear up for yet another round of schmoozing and impressing powerful people.
She closed her laptop and packed her things, feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion wash over her. Tomorrow would be another long day, but that was her life now. Work, succeed, repeat.
Love could wait. If it ever found her again, it would have to catch up with the woman she had become.