Chapter 2: The Face He Thought He Forgot.
1000 Words
Wutec Corporation.
A name that built empires and broke spirits.
Amara Li stood at the foot of the mirrored skyscraper, its towering frame catching the morning light like a blade. She adjusted the sleek black blazer on her shoulders, her heels clicking with silent power against the concrete. Her figure—a perfect balance between elegance and allure—commanded attention. Soft curls framed her face, a face that once sparked ridicule, pity, rejection.
Not anymore.
Today marked her rebirth.
Her first day.
She had worked for this moment, sacrificed for it, bled for it. And somewhere high above, buried in an office of glass and steel, was the man who once held her when she was broken—and then watched her walk away.
Damon Wu.
But she didn’t know that.
She had no idea the man behind the CEO title belonged to the very past she tried to erase. She thought fate had ended their story. That even if they crossed paths again, he wouldn't recognize her.
That was the plan.
But fate doesn’t take orders.
Upstairs, Damon stood with his hands in his pockets, staring down at the traffic below.
He was not a believer in fate.
And yet, ever since he read that name—Amara Li —a storm had been brewing inside him. There was something about her application, her eyes in the photo, the subtle grace in her handwriting that sparked a sensation he hadn’t felt in years.
Could it be her?
No.
The girl he remembered was shy. She tripped over her words and lowered her gaze too often. This woman? She walked like she belonged to the world.
Still—the brow furrow when she read, the way her lips pressed when she concentrated. It haunted him.
He clenched his jaw.
"Amara Li... who are you really?"
Downstairs, Amara took one last breath before stepping into the elevator.
Mirrored walls surrounded her. Her reflection stared back—not the girl from five years ago, but a woman born from heartbreak, rejection, and rebirth. One who knew how to wear masks.
She would smile.
She would charm.
She would conquer.
And she would judge them all.
Her lips curled into a smirk—sharp, deliberate, dangerous.
But still, her face remained hidden.
She reached the hallway leading to the orientation room, only to be stopped by an obstacle in designer heels.
Kendra Song.
The office's golden girl. All curves, no depth. A smile that sold lies, and a secret that whispered in boardroom corners. She'd seen Amara from afar, and instantly, a fire lit behind her lashes.
Who dares compete with her?
And look that good doing it?
Kendra swayed toward her, latte in hand, planning to "accidentally" spill it. It was her go-to introduction.
But Amara, always aware, sidestepped with the grace of someone who had dodged worse.
The coffee splashed.
Not on Amara.
On Kendra.
Gasps echoed through the hallway. The once-impeccable outfit Kendra had chosen to impress Damon was now drenched.
She let out a shriek.
Amara turned, startled. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there."
Her voice was calm, her expression soft.
But inside, she was rattled. First day and already a mess?
She glanced down at the shattered glass cup and back at Kendra.
This woman... Amara blinked. She’s stunning. Her face was sculpted perfection. Her skin glowed.
If I rate her beauty, it’s a 95.
Mine? Amara hesitated. Eighty-eight, thanks to surgery. Maybe ninety on a confident day.
"I'll get you a new outfit," she offered sincerely.
But Kendra had already composed herself. She couldn't explode—not yet. Not until she found out who this gorgeous new threat was.
"No need," Kendra smiled tightly. "Accidents happen."
More employees walked past, whispering.
"Who's the new girl?"
"She looks expensive."
"She walked past HR like she owned the place."
And worse?
They were noticing Amara instead of Kendra.
Just as Kendra was about to brag about how much her ruined outfit cost, Damon’s assistant approached.
"Miss Amara Li?"
Amara turned. "Yes?"
"The CEO requested you join the orientation room now."
Kendra's lips parted in disbelief. The CEO?
Amara bowed slightly to Kendra. "Sorry again. I have to go."
Then she walked away, her curves swaying, her heels humming a rhythm of quiet vengeance.
Kendra stood frozen. She clenched her fists, her eyes trailing Amara’s form.
Slim thick? Seriously?
She stormed off to fix the stain, but not before vowing to find out everything about this Amara Li.
The assistant led Amara through a polished hallway until they reached a tall wooden door. He held it open.
"He’s waiting."
She nodded. "Thank you."
Her heart thundered.
She stepped inside.
The room was vast, sleek, and cold. Sunlight pooled across the conference table.
And there, back turned, stood a man in a charcoal suit, hands in his pockets.
She cleared her throat.
"Good morning. I’m Amara Li. I was told to report for orientation."
She stood tall. Composed. Masked.
But as the man turned slowly, her mask cracked.
Her breath caught.
Damon.
The boy who once held her as she cried. The one who made her feel seen in a world that treated her like air.
He was taller now. His body more defined. His jaw sharper. His eyes—still unreadable, still cold.
Still breathtaking.
Her knees weakened.
He stopped when their eyes met.
Her heart screamed.
But her face did not flinch.
She bowed, trying to hide the tremble in her limbs.
"Forgive me. I didn’t mean to be late."
Damon’s gaze pierced through her. Something stirred in him—an echo, a flicker.
She didn’t raise her head until he said it.
"Amara."
The way he used to say it.
Not like an employer.
Like a memory.
She looked up.
Their eyes locked again.
A single strand of her hair loosened from the bun and fell behind her ear.
The room was silent.
But the past was screaming.
[End of Chapter Two]
- Writer
