SECRECTS AND SPARKS

Beyond expectations

The door swung open, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me as Chloe's familiar face appeared in the doorway. I guess everything was just in my head, I thought, trying to shake off the lingering anxiety. Chloe's eyes locked onto mine, and she noticed my face wasn't bright. She crunched near my table, her voice soft and concerned.

"Is everything alright, Leigh?" she asked, her brow furrowed in worry. "You didn't even respond to anyone when we greeted you. Did you wake up on the wrong side of your bed?"

I didn't answer right away, my gaze fixed on hers as I struggled to compose myself. Chloe's face drew closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She seemed to be searching for answers, and I could sense her genuine concern.

"Did I do anything?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, withdrawing her face in a state of confusion. "I don't know of..."

I decided to brush it off, not wanting to burden her with my worries. "No, you didn't," I said with a forced smile, trying to reassure her. "Just don't take my seriousness as my mood not being bright, I'm fine."

Chloe's expression softened, and she nodded understandingly. "Okay, if you say so," she said, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism.

I took a deep breath and changed the subject, trying to steer the conversation towards more productive topics. "So, did Mrs. Miller get back to you?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Chloe's face lit up with a smile. "Oh, yes! Didn't you receive anything?"

I felt a jolt of panic. "No!!!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in alarm.

Chloe's face fell, and she looked sheepish. "OMG, I'm so sorry! I thought I emailed you the designs, Mrs. Miller wanted you to look at it before she comes this afternoon."

My mind began racing as I processed the information. "Wait, wait... she's coming this afternoon? Why didn't you inform me?" I asked, trying to keep my tone even.

Chloe's eyes dropped, and she glanced at her watch.

"You know what? Where are the designs? I need to review them before she comes. By what time is she coming?"

"In an hour," she replied, her voice laced with regret. "I'm so sorry."

I knew Chloe didn't do it intentionally. She's one of the most committed people I work with, and I trusted her judgment. So, I decided to let it slide. Besides, where would I have the time to reprimand her?

"Don't worry, it's okay," I said with a reassuring smile. "You can go, I need to be focused now, I'll call you when I'm done or when she's here."

Chloe bowed slightly and left my office, leaving me to my thoughts. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. Okay, I got this.

I opened my computer and began reviewing the designs, my fingers flying across the keyboard as I worked. Time seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, Chloe was back, her voice breaking into my concentration.

"Leigh, she's at the entrance of the building," she said, her eyes shining with excitement.

Mrs. Miller was one of the shareholders of Aura Luxe, and this was my first time getting to design a dress for her since I started working here. I was determined to do my best, not just for recognition but to bring joy to others through my work.

I grabbed my sketches, the ones I had drafted with care and precision, and took the elevator with Chloe right behind me. As we descended, I felt a sense of anticipation building inside me. This was it, my chance to shine.

The elevator doors slid open, and we stepped out into the lobby. I could see Mrs. Miller standing by the entrance, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for someone. I took a deep breath, pasted a smile on my face, and walked towards her, my heart pounding with excitement.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Miller," I said, extending my hand in greeting. "It's an honor to meet you."

Mrs. Miller's eyes locked onto mine, and she smiled warmly. "The pleasure is all mine, Leigh. I've heard great things about your work, and I hope my review too would be the same"

I felt a surge of pride and gratitude. "And I won't let you down," I said, trying to reassure her. "This way, Mrs. Miller."

She smiled and suggested, "Why don't we discuss it in the waiting area? I have a thing for elevators." I was taken aback, wondering if she was serious about her aversion to elevators. Her expression turned playful, and she began laughing. "I was just joking, did you take me seriously?"

I chuckled, feeling a bit relieved. "No, no, no, it's alright. We can discuss it in the waiting area."

Upon reaching the waiting area, I spotted Mr. Sage, our enigmatic CEO. I put on a serious face, bowed slightly, and was planning to pass by without interrupting their potential meeting,or more like trying to avoid him. However, Mrs. Miller and Mr. Sage started exchanging pleasantries, or rather, she was the one doing most of the talking. Mr. Sage didn't even offer a handshake or a smile, his demeanor as stoic as ever.

I've never seen him smile, and it made me wonder how his family members cope with such a man. Just then, I heard my name being called. Mrs. Miller was telling Mr. Sage about me, "Leigh, I heard she's one of the best designers you have here."

I didn't dare look him in the eye, keeping my gaze fixed on Mrs. Miller. However, I could sense someone's penetrating gaze on me. "Leigh Williams," Mr. Sage's deep voice called out, sending a shiver down my spine. He knows my full name,of course why won't he know my name, for f**k sake I work for him.

I still didn't look up at him, trying to maintain my composure. Larry, Mr. Sage's assistant, approached him, whispering something in his ear. Without another word, they left, leaving me feeling both relieved and intrigued.

Mrs. Miller turned to me, her expression curious. "What was that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled, trying to brush it off. "It was nothing. Can we go take a seat and discuss?"

She nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Okay, you really have a stoic and hot boss. Don't let him intimidate you, and don't let his face deceive you."

I didn't want the conversation to take another turn, so I ended it nicely. "Thanks for your concern. I understand."

As we sat down, I brought the sketches closer to her. "So, look at your designs and the one I sketched. Instead of making it have these colors, how about a purple and black with a split here, and then the hands would be like a rising flower? How do you see it?"

She studied the design, her expression thoughtful. "It's okay, but..." I knew there was going to be a but. I'd heard she wasn't easy to please.

"You can go ahead," I said, putting on a smiling face.

She continued, "Okay, I think this isn't a wedding or a ceremony. I want this, for example, to make it look more unique. Let it be longer. The color... I really don't like purple. How about red and black?"

I nodded, my mind racing with ideas. I loved when clients gave me creative freedom and ideas. It was a challenge, but I thrived on making my customers reach their heart's desires.

"Let's see... red and black, longer, more unique," I repeated, my fingers itching to get started. "I think I can work with that."

The possibilities were endless, and I was excited to bring her vision to life. As we continued discussing the design, I felt a sense of creative energy building inside me. This was what I loved about my job, the opportunity to turn ideas into reality.

With every passing moment, our conversation flowed smoothly, and I could see the design taking shape in my mind. I was determined to create something extraordinary, something that would exceed Mrs. Miller's expectations.

As our discussion came to a close, I felt a sense of satisfaction and anticipation. I couldn't wait to get started on the design and bring Mrs. Miller's vision to life.