Chapter Three: Drenched in mystery
809 Words
Charlotte stared at her reflection in the mirror, adjusting the silk scarf around her neck. Her outfit was effortlessly chic-a white cropped blazer over a fitted black dress, paired with designer heels that clicked softly on the marble floor.
Yet, as flawless as she looked, her mind was a mess.
That text message.
She hadn't responded. Hadn't even mentioned it to anyone. But the words had been burned into her brain.
Stay away from Jasmine Hashlaw. This is your only warning.
A chill ran down her spine just remembering it.
"Charlotte?"
She spun around to see her mother, Laura, watching her with that sharp, knowing gaze.
"You look stunning, but something's off. Where are you going?" Laura asked rhetorically, arms crossed.
"To see Jasmine," Charlotte answered smoothly, forcing a smile.
Laura raised a brow, closing the fashion magazine in her hands. "Jasmine Hashlaw?"
"Yeah."
Laura studied her for a moment. "You look tense. Everything okay?"
Charlotte hesitated for a second too long. "Yeah, totally fine."
Her mother's gaze didn't waver. "Mmm. If you say so."
She clearly wasn't convinced, but she didn't push further. Instead, she sighed and leaned back. "Be careful, sweetheart."
"I will," Charlotte promised before heading out the door.
As she walked out, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of her mind-like she was forgetting something.
But she ignored it.
---
Charlotte had expected Jasmine's office to be extravagant, but she wasn't prepared for this.
The building screamed money.
Tall glass windows stretched across the floors, reflecting the city skyline. A massive golden logo of Jas_ñ_myn hung at the entrance, and when Charlotte stepped inside, she was greeted by a scent she couldn't quite place-something rich and luxurious.
Jasmine's assistant led her to an elevator, and when the doors slid open, Charlotte's jaw nearly dropped.
The office was a dream.
Everything-from the sleek white furniture to the modern glass walls-radiated elegance. But what caught her attention the most were the electronics.
Hensheng.
Everything in Jasmine's office was Hensheng.
From the smart glass table to the state-of-the-art security system, the branding was everywhere.
"You're staring," Jasmine's voice teased from behind her.
Charlotte turned around, still in awe. "This is... wow."
Jasmine smirked, flipping her wavy blonde hair over her shoulder. "Glad you like it. Let me give you the tour."
Charlotte followed her through the different sections-her private lounge, her high-tech conference room, and even a hidden showroom featuring exclusive fashion designs from Jas_ñ_myn.
"You're literally living the dream," Charlotte said, running her fingers across an exquisite silk fabric.
Jasmine shrugged. "Perks of hard work and inheritance."
They laughed, but as Charlotte admired the space, that uneasy feeling crept back in.
Someone was watching her.
She turned her head sharply.
Nothing.
Just glass walls reflecting the city view.
She shook off the feeling and followed Jasmine to her desk. As she sat down, she placed her phone on the table without a second thought.
---
Charlotte waved as she stepped out of the building, sliding into her car. The tour had been amazing, but that nagging feeling hadn't left her.
She shook her head. Maybe I'm just paranoid.
Halfway home, the rain started.
Then, her car stopped.
Charlotte frowned, turning the key again. Nothing.
"Are you serious right now?" she muttered, gripping the wheel.
The street was nearly empty, and the rain was getting heavier.
She sighed and reached for her phone.
Only-
Her hands met nothing.
Her phone wasn't there.
Her heart sank.
She had left it at Jasmine's office.
Great. Just great.
She groaned, resting her forehead on the wheel. Just then, a sleek black sports car glided past her.
Without thinking, she stepped out, waving her hands.
The car slowed.
The tinted window rolled down just slightly.
Her breath hitched.
Damien.
His cold, dark eyes met hers.
He said nothing.
Just stared.
Then-
A mischievous, devilish smile played at the corners of his lips.
And then-
He drove off.
Charlotte stood there, drenched in the rain, speechless.
What the hell was that?
---
Minutes passed.
Charlotte was shivering when she saw another car approaching.
This time, it was a silver sedan.
The window rolled down.
"Charlotte?"
She turned, startled.
A guy with soft, dark brown eyes and neatly styled hair was staring at her.
Reginald.
A classmate she never really noticed.
"You okay?" he asked, concerned.
Charlotte hesitated, then nodded weakly. "My car broke down."
Reginald smiled gently. "Come on, I'll take you home."
Grateful and exhausted, she slid into the car.
As he drove, she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. He had a calm presence-gentle, steady.
"Thanks," she murmured.
"No problem," he said, flashing a reassuring smile.
Charlotte leaned back, her mind racing.
Between the mysterious warning, the eerie feeling of being watched, and Damien's cruel smirk...
Something was definitely wrong.
And she couldn't quite place what
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- Writer
