Aurelia: The Exquisite Rose With Thorns

An Opportunity for a Fresh Start

　　In the serene 30th-floor office of Kings Group, there was a palpable sense of fear. The secretary's office was home to 19 secretaries and a special assistant. They were terrified to make even the slightest noise for fear of awakening the King of Hell. The room was predominantly male, with 18 men and only one woman, who stood out as the lone female on the floor. For the past six years, nobody dared to approach the big boss’s office, for he had earned the reputation of being the Devil. However, something changed a few years back, and his already notorious persona worsened, causing the entire office to fear him even more. Amidst this fear, only two people dared to face him directly - Grayson, his special assistant, and Hellen Morgan, the front desk secretary of their floor. They were the only ones brave enough to confront him in his domain but could only talk about work.

　　 Hellen was capable and beautiful. As rumor had it, she would be the one who would be Mrs Kings in the future, as everyone knew that the CEO never allowed anyone of the opposite s*x to approach him. Hellen was the only exception. As childhood friends who grew up together, she had always been considered a part of the family. With similar family backgrounds, she fit in with the Kings and was well-liked by everyone in the office. She took pleasure in the attention and admiration she received, reveling in the respect bestowed upon her as "future Mrs. Kings."

　　 At that moment, she was busy applying another coating of red lipstick as she wanted to go into the CEO’s office to deliver some documents. With an opportunity as rare as this, she knew she had to make a lasting impression. Time was running out, and she was determined to show off her stunning figure to Nate. Her heart raced with excitement as she imagined his reaction. With confidence in her every move, she knew that Nate was already under her spell. Hellen strutted down the hallway, her tight black skirt hugging her curves and a crisp white shirt leaving just enough buttons undone to make heads turn. She reveled in the attention of her coworkers, feeling confident and assertive. She didn't waste a second on those she deemed unworthy of her time, her eyes fixed on her goals and ambitions.

　　When she reached the door, her earlier haughty appearance had turned to a gentle and timid one, like a damsel in distress. Her heart was racing as she approached the Boss’s door, convinced that her delicate and gentle demeanor was what men found attractive. With a deep breath, she put on a dazzling smile and pushed open the door with a newfound confidence, eager to see what fate had in store for her. Her coworkers peeking from their open space shook their heads. Did Ms Hellen enter without even knocking first? They sighed, “I guess even the King of hell was tamed by a beauty,” one muttered under his breath.

　　Meanwhile, in the spacious corner office sat Nate Kings, the company's CEO. He had strikingly handsome features with a chiseled jawline and piercing grey eyes that would intimidate anyone. His sharp dress and confident demeanor suggested that he was a man who had it all, and the world was his to command. However, beneath his composed and self-assured exterior lay a cold and unfeeling heart that was immune to the plight of others. Despite his success and wealth, he remained detached and aloof from his employees and others.

　　Despite his many accomplishments, there was one thing that Nate wanted more than anything else - the girl with the striking blue eyes, Aurelia. They had only spent one night together, but that was all it took for Nate to fall deeply in love with her. Since that fateful night, he had searched high and low for Aurelia, but she remained elusive, and Nate could not shake the feeling that his life was incomplete without her.

　　As he sat on the leather chair, his face was cold, warning anyone not to dare approach him. The hand holding a phone had turned white, showing how hard he was gripping the handset to his ear. Gritting his teeth, he spoke sternly, "Six long years and the same answer every week? What kind of service is this? I pay to get results, no matter the cost. I need you to find her, and I need news ASAP." His head ached, and he felt the toll of sleepless nights and mounting frustration. But Nate knew he had to keep pushing until he found the answers he sought.

He felt his heart plummet as an emotional storm took over him. He spoke under his breath, "Why did you have to do this to me, Elia? How are you even surviving out there? You could have waited for me, but you ran away, breaking my heart and leaving me to pick up the shattered pieces alone." Thoughts of Aurelia flooded his mind, wondering why she didn't have faith in him to stick by his side. It had been six long years, yet he still harbored a glimmer of hope that she would return. As he thought about why she never reached out, a wave of anger surged through him. His eyes smoldered with fury as he imagined all the worst-case scenarios.

　　At that moment, Hellen barged into his office. Hellen couldn't help but notice the piercing coldness in his eyes. But she pretended not to be intimidated by his uninviting demeanor. Nate's look grew chilly when he saw her, but Hellen was determined to make her presence known and get him to notice her and was confident he would. But she didn't realize how annoying he found her. Nate only resented her more. He thought, If not for his Grandmother’s insistent. He wouldn't have even accepted Hellen to work in his office. She was an eyesore. She was too pretentious to him, and he hated fake people the most.

　　As soon as she entered the room, he shot her a sharp glance and demanded who had invited her in. His tone dripped with resentment, and it was clear that he was not pleased to see her. Hellen’s smile dropped. Nate was aware of the rumors Hellen was spreading, but he did nothing because he hoped somehow the news would reach that heartless woman (Aurelia) and force her out of hiding. He believed Aurelia felt the connection between them, “it can not be only me who feels like this without her, right?” He thought, trying to convince himself.

　　Hellen was so frightened by him that she stood there shaken for a minute before returning to reality. “Mr Kings, I-I just wanted to give this to you. I must have been in a hurry to see you, so I forgot to knock,” she said sweetly with a shy countenance while batting her lashes, hoping to entice him, but the next moment, “Get out.” Hellen's eyes grew wide with disbelief as she glanced at the man to see if he was seriously chasing her out. The expression on his face sent a chill down her spine, causing her to take a step back out of pure reflex. However, that's about it. She didn't plan on leaving without him agreeing to have dinner with her. How else would she plan to drug him through his food work if she didn't get him to eat with her?

　　She had waited for him to notice her, but he didn't. It was no secret he was still waiting for the b***h he met six years ago, who might already be dead, but he still ignored her like she was nothing. She had to do as her father said now, or she must keep waiting. “Once you are mine, you won't treat me like this,” she thought as she worked her courage to speak. Nate, for the sake of our part and our family, can you come and., “Crash.” she jumped in fright as his coffee cup landed right beside her, one of the broken pieces pieced through her ankle, making her hiss in pain.

　　Before she could completely digest what had happened, she heard his furious voice. “Didn't I clarify that you are only here to work? Since when was it your turn to call my name? Are you worthy? We have no relation, and I want nothing to do with a wretched woman like you. Did you look at yourself in the mirror? Next time, dress like you are going to work. My company is not a hookup place. Never in this life enter my office again, or it will be your last in this company. Now, get the hell out of my sight.” Nate had said so much to someone for the first time. His words are always limited to 1 or 2 at most

　　With trembling legs and her head down, hiding the malice in them, Hellen walked out. He treated me like this? He can't blame me for what I do next. Father was right. I can only get him if I use underhanded means. I will leave him with no choice but to marry me. Then, I will get everything he owns under my name. I will teach him and those old fools he calls dear to him a lesson. As she rushed to the bathroom, she heard the whispers of her colleagues.

　　First Man: Ha, Queen B finally goes out in her place.

　　2nd: I told you before the CEO has a woman he loves, and he is waiting for her. I heard him asking people to find her

　　1st: I know that Queen B is too pretentious; if not for her looks, I would not be nice to her.

　　2nd: Haha, what looks, do you guys fancy plastic so much? The IT guy from the 8th floor showed us the pictures of her before her plastic surgery. What beauty? She looked worse than Cassy, the company's hideous woman.

　Ha ha ha, they all laughed. Hellen walked even faster when she heard all this. These useless men who don't even qualify to hold my shoes talk like this behind my back? Wait, after a month, I become the Kings first lady. I will fire them all she said under her breath as she hurried to the restrooms. Once she looked at her face, the malice in her eyes was apparent. She took out her phone and dialed a number. After the first ring came a male rigid voice: “What is it?” She took a deep breath and said, “Father, I am ready. I can proceed with your plan.”

　　Somewhere in the South. At Nightmare Den base, a woman sat in a black leather chair. In front of her was a big mahogany table. Both men and women sat in leather chairs around the table. A meeting was in progress. “Godmother, I finished my task in city L and just arrived. I heard that the office buildings in Branford city are all ready. Can I also follow you?” Lola said. “Me too, Black Widow. I won't cause trouble, and I can live with you and care for the little ancestor.” The others are afraid of him, so only I can fill in. Lara said, smiling smugly, but the woman they called Godmother/ Black Widow remained silent.

　　Her face was blank of any emotions. No one could guess what she was thinking. Her eyes narrowed as she raised her hands, and with an authoritative voice, she uttered, “Behave.” All thirty of you are here to get your task. They all looked crestfallen as they thought, she won't take us along. Some even wiped imaginary tears, which amused the woman sitting at the head of the table, but her face never changed like she had face paralysis.

　　She continued, those in the law firm who are here, take this. She lifted a folder, and about six strong men stood and bowed before taking it. You will go to Bradford City tonight. “You start work as early as tomorrow. The Nightmare Den Building has a floor entirely for you; you can have customers who know the types of cases we take, and I trust in your judgment. The ones you can't handle, only then can you contact me. I will decide if I will take it.” They cheered and said yes to Black Widow before taking their leave.

　　She lifted a vast envelope and said it was for those attending the Nightmare Black Site. “You will need to keep up with your training, or you will have to return to the south and train here with the remaining teams; someone will replace you. Elite or not, keep up with your training, and I need monthly reports on your progress. This file contains the information about the new mansion in Branford, and it's big enough for you to make a training ground. It has an extensive forest at the back,” she said, the last part watching a few of her people who had their secrets. She knew they would need to be near a forest often.

　　“We have bought many condominiums in a high-end district under Kings Group, those who will work at the offices, and even those at the mansion. If you wish to reside outside, we kindly request that you adhere to our established guidelines and regulations, regardless of location. If you face any trouble, report it to the Den, and we will solve it. We are all family.” They all cheered again, but she raised her hand. “I will personally come to sign the contract with Kings Group in two days so we can have the district under our control. Outsiders can't move in there. The mansion is a walk away from the neighborhood.”

　　“For the clothing brand, you guys can choose where to stay, too, like others, but your new office is not at the new building. You will be working in a different place. Word about our branch in Branford has already spread, so you will have your hands full. I will come to assist often, and Ramon has already put notice to get models for the upcoming show. You can review them on Monday. So you have time to prepare.”

　　“One team of Shadow Knights should protect Kayden in the dark. I don't need any shadows unless necessary. The shadow elites must separate. I'll provide you with a list of individuals to monitor closely and gather information about their every move. If you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, it's essential to prioritize your safety. Retreat from the danger if possible, and if you can't, make sure to alert others. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings, and if you get discovered, retreat.” the seriousness in her voice left no room for arguments.

　　“Biomedical Engineering, AL has a well-equipped lab in Bradford. However, our headquarters will remain here for the time being till we know more about the market in Branford. Those who want to stay back here, you can. If you want to take turns going, you can too. It's just a trial. We will sell 30% of the AL in Branford, benefiting the government and making it easier to enter the city’s market.”

　　She raised her hand to check the time and saw it was time to go home. “Ramon, Lola, Roy, you will leave with me tomorrow. Lara, you are with the fashion team; I will see you guys when you come.” As soon as the words left her lips, she rose from her seat and motioned for the three she had mentioned to come along. The sound of cheerful laughter from the meeting room only added to the excitement of their departure. Roy shook his head, muttering, “They are back to behaving like harmless kids.” Lola chuckled and said, “I'm missing out. Today, I'm playing with the big boys.”