A PERFECT LIFE
The city glittered beneath Elena Ashford's office window like a sea of stars.
From the thirty-second floor of Ashford Holdings, the world looked peaceful. Tiny streams of headlights flowed through the streets below, while the fading sunset painted the glass towers in shades of gold and amber.
Elena leaned back in her chair and stretched her arms.
Another long day.
She glanced at the family portrait standing on her desk. Her parents smiled back at her from behind the glass, frozen in a happier time.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
"I hope I'm making you proud."
The words escaped before she could stop them.
Five years had passed since she inherited the Ashford empire. Five years of board meetings, business reports, investments, and responsibilities she never imagined carrying at her age.
Some days were harder than others.
But she never complained.
This company was her family's legacy.
And she intended to protect it.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
The door opened, revealing her assistant.
"Mrs. Whitmore, your husband is here."
Elena's face immediately brightened.
"Send him in."
A moment later, Adrian Whitmore stepped through the door carrying a bouquet of white roses.
Elena laughed.
"What's this for?"
"Do I need a reason to buy flowers for my wife?"
"You usually do."
Adrian placed a hand over his heart in mock offense.
"I'm wounded."
Elena shook her head, smiling as he leaned down to kiss her forehead.
To anyone watching, they were the perfect couple.
Successful.
Elegant.
In love.
And most days, Elena believed that too.
"Ready to go home?" Adrian asked.
"More than ready."
Together, they left the office.
Outside, the evening air was cool and refreshing.
Their driver opened the car door, and Elena settled comfortably into the back seat beside her husband.
As they drove through the city, Adrian casually spoke about his day while Elena listened.
She liked moments like these.
Simple moments.
The kind that made life feel normal despite the wealth and expectations surrounding them.
When they finally arrived at the Whitmore Estate, the mansion glowed warmly beneath the night sky.
Home.
At least, that's what Elena had always called it.
As she stepped inside, she noticed a young woman standing nervously beside the staircase.
The woman couldn't have been older than twenty-five.
She clutched her hands together and avoided eye contact.
Elena looked at Adrian.
"Who's she?"
"Oh," Adrian said. "I forgot to mention it."
The young woman lifted her head.
"This is Lucy."
"Lucy?" Elena repeated.
Adrian nodded.
"An old acquaintance. She's been struggling lately, so I offered her a position here."
Lucy immediately lowered her gaze.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mrs. Whitmore."
Elena studied her for a moment.
The woman looked exhausted.
Almost frightened.
Something about her stirred Elena's sympathy.
She remembered what it felt like to lose stability after her parents died.
No one deserved that.
Elena smiled warmly.
"Welcome to the family, Lucy."
For the first time, Lucy smiled.
A smile filled with gratitude.
Or at least, that's what Elena thought she saw.
And as the three of them stood beneath the chandelier's golden light, none of them could have imagined how much their lives were about to change.
