New city
760 Words
This is my first day in California.
Mr. Thomas Blackwood sent me here. He appointed me as the executive assistant at the head office—for his son, Nathaniel Blackwood. I was not interested in coming here at all. I never asked for this transfer. My life was settled. Quiet. Safe.
But Mr. Blackwood insisted.
He offered things I could not ignore.
A new kindergarten for Lily.
A fully furnished apartment under the company’s name.
And a salary so high it made me uncomfortable.
I still don’t understand why he is spending so much money on me.
The truth is, I accepted this offer for one reason only.
I want to adopt another girl child.
The law is strict. My income must be higher. My stability must be unquestionable. Every document must prove I can give more than just love. So I said yes. Not for ambition. Not for comfort.
For a future child who doesn’t know me yet.
I have heard things about his son.
Nathaniel Blackwood is cold. Rude. Emotionally distant. People say he barely speaks unless necessary. They also say his divorce changed him. His wife cheated on him—with his closest friend. After that, he stopped caring about everything except work.
That doesn’t concern me.
I am not here to understand him.
I am not here to fix him.
I am here to do my job and go home.
I have no one in this world except Lily.
She is my morning. My night. My reason.
I want to give more little girls what I never had. A home. Safety. A future. Maybe eight. Maybe ten. I know it sounds impossible. But dreams don’t survive if you think small.
So I will work harder.
I will rest less.
I will stay invisible.
I have my reasons for doing this.
And no one needs to know them.
“Lily…”
“Yes, Mommy?”
“Get ready, pumpkin.”
She giggles and hops off the bed, her tiny feet pattering across the floor. I help her wear her new clothes—a soft yellow dress with tiny flowers. She spins once, then twice, holding the skirt in her small hands.
“Pretty?” she asks, tilting her head.
“So pretty,” I smile, fixing her little collar. “Just like my princess.”
She beams at me and wraps her arms around my neck. Her hug is tight, warm, and full of trust. I breathe her in, letting the fear and worry melt away for a moment.
I brush her hair gently, tying it into two tiny ponytails. She watches herself in the mirror, very serious, then suddenly laughs.
“Mommy, I’m big now,” she announces proudly.
“You are,” I say softly. “But you’ll always be my baby.”
She climbs onto the chair while I help her wear her little shoes. She wiggles her toes and claps when they fit perfectly.
“School today?” she asks.
“Yes, pumpkin. A new school.”
I went straight to the office after dropping Lily at her kindergarten.
The building was much bigger than my old workplace. Tall glass walls. Wide halls. Everything looked polished and powerful. This company wasn’t limited to one field. It ruled many—jewellery, fashion, clothing, and more. Money lived in every corner of this place.
I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and walked inside.
I showed my ID card and appointment letter to the receptionist. She glanced at the papers, then at me. Her eyes narrowed slightly. The look on her face was clear—disapproval. Or maybe curiosity mixed with judgment.
I didn’t care.
Not about the past.
Not about the present.
And definitely not about the future opinions of strangers.
I had learned long ago that people will always look, always judge. Their expressions have no power over me.
The receptionist finally pointed me toward the elevator. I thanked her politely and walked away without looking back.
I checked the floor number once, then pressed the button. The elevator doors closed slowly, and for a brief moment, I stared at my reflection in the mirrored walls. Calm face. Steady eyes. No fear showing.
When the elevator stopped, I stepped out and walked straight toward the CEO’s office.
My new boss was waiting.
Nathaniel Blackwood.
And whatever people said about him—cold, rude, broken—I was ready. I knocked once, steady and professional, before opening the door to face the man who would change my life in ways I didn’t yet understand.
- Writer
