Walk of life

Gazing at the ceiling, I reflected on every choice I had made to reach the top. Yet, instead of pride, all that came rushing back were regret and shame—two emotions I had never allowed myself to feel throughout the countless challenges and battles I had fought, both knowingly and unknowingly. Shit… Wasn’t I supposed to applaud myself? Why wasn’t I happy? Why did my heart ache so badly? And why was I seeing her face? The questions came one after another, yet I had no answers. Were all the things I did to win… wrong? “Keys!” The sharp voice snapped me back to reality. The dangerous thoughts that had threatened to drag me into ruin vanished as though they had never existed. In fact, I refused to acknowledge that I had allowed myself to wallow in such self-destructive thoughts. Who was I? I was Keira Moss, one of the youngest self-made businesswomen in Skyreach. “Keys!” Keira rose from her bed and walked to the full-length mirror. She adjusted her makeup, smoothed her hair, and straightened the collar of her outfit before heading for the door. She yanked it open. “What?” she snapped at the person standing outside. “Why are you screaming at the top of your lungs? Can’t you knock like a normal person or simply call me? The next time you do this, you’re fired. I won’t repeat myself.” She stepped closer, her icy gaze pinning the young woman in place. “Behave. You’re not some random ostrich running around without sense. You’re my personal assistant. Start acting like one. Understood?” “Yes, ma’am,” Tamie replied immediately, lowering her head. “I’m sorry for embarrassing myself and behaving in a manner unworthy of being your assistant. It won’t happen again.” “Good.” Keira folded her arms. “Now, why were you shouting as though someone was chasing you?” “Ma’am, I received a call informing me that your sister collapsed on stage during the audition. No one knows her condition yet.” “And how do you know that?” Keira interrupted sharply. “Her assistant called me so I could inform you.” “s**t… shit.” Keira rubbed her forehead in frustration. “Can I ever get a moment of peace? Can’t these people live one day without becoming a problem in my life? Does nobody know how to handle anything properly anymore?” “I’m tired… so tired.” She muttered the words under her breath as she hurried downstairs, already pulling out her phone. The moment the call connected, her voice turned cold and commanding. “Brooks, get hold of every camera recording the audition. Then send me the names of every broadcasting crew present there. Forward the list to Tamie immediately.” Without waiting for a response, she ended the call, climbed into her car, and speed off, leaving a cloud of dust and smoke behind. Tamie stood there coughing. Not again… She screamed inwardly before running toward her own car, parked a short distance away. I really thought today would be different. Your sister’s condition is unknown. The least you could do is let me panic a little. This almost cost me my job. Shaking her head, she quickly started her engine and drove after Keira. After about forty-five minutes, they arrived at Lifespring Medical Hospital, one of the largest and most prestigious hospitals in Skyreach. It was a favorite among celebrities because of its renowned specialists and exceptional standard of care. Keira stepped out of her car without wasting a second. Raising the phone resting near her naturally rosy lips, she spoke in a firm, emotionless voice. “Don’t follow me.” She paused only long enough to glance toward Tamie. “Wait here.”