VEINS OF SILENCE

VEINS OF SILENCE

Chapter 1 – THE ASSIGNMENT...

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the university hallway as Celeste Dela Vega balanced her stack of books against her hip. It was the last week of February, and the air in the capital carried the faint warmth of the approaching summer. Inside the sprawling campus of St. Aurelia University, the main building buzzed with the mixed chatter of students and the occasional call of professors reminding everyone about deadlines.

St. Aurelia University wasn’t like most schools in the country. Founded over a century ago, it had earned the nickname the “University of the Elite”—a place where the children of politicians, business tycoons, and celebrities studied. Marble floors gleamed underfoot, high-arched windows let sunlight stream in, and imported chandeliers dangled from the ceiling like pieces of art. For most students, admission wasn’t just about brains—it was about family name, connections, and influence. Scholarships existed, but navigating this world as an outsider was never easy.

Celeste moved quietly through it all. She belonged to the country’s high society, though one wouldn’t notice it at first glance. Despite her privileged lineage, she preferred a modest, peaceful life, far from the extravagant displays her peers flaunted.

At twenty-two, she had mastered the art of appearing calm even when her mind raced. Her straight, dark hair fell loosely over her crisp white blouse and knee-length skirt—the standard internship attire for graduating students. In just a few days, she and her batchmates from the College of Arts and Communication would begin their final internship, a requirement before graduation.

She wasn’t nervous about work itself—she was nervous about where she would be placed. Rumors spread like wildfire: some internships were dreams come true; others felt like year-long sentences.

Inside Room 402, the senior class gathered for the internship orientation. Professor Ramirez, known for his booming voice and unshakable authority, stood at the front holding a clipboard.

> “Alright, everyone! Listen up! Today, you’ll know your assigned companies and partners. This is your chance to prove you’re ready for the real world.”

Celeste slid into her seat beside her closest friend, Ivy Santos, a cheerful girl whose energy sometimes bordered on overwhelming.

“Any bets where we’ll end up?” Ivy whispered.

Celeste smiled faintly. “Somewhere with air-conditioning, hopefully.”

From the corner of her eye, Celeste spotted three familiar figures strutting into the room—Bianca, Vanessa, and Claire, better known as The Crown Clique. They weren’t just beautiful—they were fiercely competitive, especially with her. For reasons Celeste could never understand, they treated her like a personal rival.

The room quieted as Professor Ramirez began reading names.

“Celeste Dela Vega… and Ivy Santos…” He paused, scanning his list. “…assigned to Horizon Media Group.”

A ripple of excitement ran through the room. Horizon was one of the biggest media companies in the country, known for nationwide broadcasting and glamorous events. Ivy’s hand shot up, grabbing Celeste’s arm.

“This is it, Celeste! Imagine the contacts we’ll make there!”

Celeste forced a smile, her mind already racing. Prestige often came with ruthless competition, and Horizon was no exception.

Then came the part she dreaded.

“Bianca Cruz, Vanessa Lim, and Claire Morales… also assigned to Horizon Media Group.”

The three exchanged smug glances. Bianca’s eyes locked with Celeste’s, a victorious smirk playing on her lips. The rivalry had begun.

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DEPLOYMENT DAY...

Celeste woke with a start, realizing she was running late. Heart pounding, she sprang out of bed and hurried down the stairs.

In the kitchen, a small, unusual mess caught her eye—a coffee mug and a few leftover crumbs. Despite the rush, she couldn’t leave it. She washed the mug, wiped the crumbs away, and grabbed her bag. That tiny, mundane task had delayed her even further—but she had no idea it would become a clue to something much larger later.

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ARRIVAL AT HORIZON MEDIA GROUP...

Celeste arrived to find herself undeniably late. The waiting area, with its spotless glass walls and plush chairs, suddenly felt like a stage where everyone could see her.

There they were—The Crown Clique—perched on the sofa like runway models, radiating effortless confidence. Bianca gave her a slow once-over, lips curling into a knowing smirk.

Bianca: “Well, well… look who finally decided to show up, Celeste. Don’t worry, you’ll probably be fired before anyone even notices your name.”

Vanessa: “Wait, Bianca… are we sure she’s here for the job? I mean—” (glances at Celeste’s bag) “—I thought she was the new janitress.”

Claire: (giggling)

Before Celeste could shrink further, a familiar voice cut through.

Ivy: “Alright, enough. Celeste, come sit here.”

Ivy gently grabbed her hand, guiding her to a chair. “Don’t mind them—they just like to make noise.”

Celeste exhaled, grateful for her friend’s quiet support, and sat down.

Moments later, a receptionist stepped forward with a clipboard.

“Good morning. Orientation will begin shortly. Please make sure your name tags are visible.”

The waiting area slowly filled. Celeste noticed a mix of excited and anxious faces, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of The Crown Clique’s eyes on her.

Bianca: “So… do you even know how to use a stapler, or should I show you?”

Vanessa: “Honestly, Celeste, your bag screams ‘I have no idea what I’m doing here.’”

Claire: (giggling) “This is going to be… fun.”

Celeste clenched her fists under the table, forcing herself not to respond.

Then, the hum of conversation was broken by the purr of an engine outside. All heads turned as a sleek, black luxury car glided to a stop at the entrance.

The doors opened, and a tall man stepped out, radiating effortless authority. His tailored charcoal suit seemed made for him, and a silver watch peeked from beneath his cuff.

Bianca and her clique instantly straightened, their voices syrupy as they made loud enough comments for him to hear.

Bianca: “Now that’s what a real man looks like.”

Vanessa: “Imagine working directly under him…”

Claire: (soft giggle) “I wouldn’t mind being in his department.”

For a brief moment, Celeste caught his eyes—a polite flicker of acknowledgment—and then he disappeared into the executive elevators. Still, she couldn’t deny that Adrian had the kind of charisma that could make anyone believe he was running the show.

Ivy leaned closer. “Did you see that? I swear he looked right at you.”

Celeste shook her head, brushing it off. “Come on. We’re going to be late.”

She reminded herself: this was just the first day. Nothing more. Nothing personal.

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CEO’s Office – HORIZON MEDIA GROUP

The CEO of Horizon Media Group had a presence that demanded attention without trying. Caspian Villanueva, the youngest CEO in the company’s history, possessed striking model-like looks—tall, impeccably dressed, and effortlessly commanding. Behind the polished exterior was a sharp mind and an unrelenting work ethic.

Competitors respected him, rivals feared him, and employees knew better than to slack off under his watch. He wasn’t cruel, but his standards were high, and his eye for mistakes sharper than most. At Horizon, his word was final.

Through the wide glass windows, the faint hum of the city filtered in. Caspian sat at his desk, scanning documents with precise, deliberate movements.

The door opened, and Sofia Cortez, his executive assistant, stepped in with a slim folder.

Sofia: “Sir, the internship placement list is ready. It just needs your signature before we send it to the departments.”

Without looking up, Caspian signed the designated page.

Caspian: “Leave the rest here. I’ll review it later.”

Sofia nodded and left. Moments later, Julian Reyes, his COO and best friend, entered with his usual calm demeanor.

Julian: “By the way, the interns from St. Aurelia University have arrived. Orientation is underway.”

Caspian glanced up briefly, then returned to his papers.

Caspian: “Noted.”

Julian hesitated, then gave a faint, knowing smile.

Caspian: “Anything else you need?”

Julian: “Nothing else.”

He quietly closed the door behind him, leaving Caspian to his work.

To be continued...