Chapter One: A Life With Complications
The alarm rang for the seventh time that morning, but Lucy was already awake.
“Lucy, don’t forget to pick up the dry cleaning after work,” her mother’s voice rang from the kitchen. “And remember, you represent this family. You’re lucky to work at Safari Dynamics, the best fashion company in Miami. Don't embarrass me. You’re beautiful, you’re smart, use that to your advantage. Do you understand?”
Lucy bit her lip, clutching her bag tighter. Beautiful, smart but never enough for her.
“Yes, Mom,” she whispered, though her chest felt heavy.
By the time she rushed out of the house, she noticed that the road was congested, with cars moving at a snail's pace, and Lucy realized she would be late for work.
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When she finally reached, she rushed into the glass skyscraper of Safari Dynamics, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Her best friend, Benny, was waiting at the elevator, arms crossed.
“You’re late. Again.”
Lucy exhaled, brushing her hair from her face. “Don’t start. My mom had me running around all morning. I’m exhausted, Benny.”
Benny Chuckled. She had known Lucy since high school through exams, heartbreaks, and now into their careers. “One day, you’re going to collapse from all this pressure. And I’ll be the one dragging you to the hospital.” Lucy gave a tired smile,
“I forgot, Lucy. Mr Marcel wishes to see you,” Benny said. “Oh not again I'm going to be fired this time around,” Lucy said
Standing with her back to the boss's front door office.
“Mom, you have to understand,” said Lucy, as she spoke loudly at the top of her voice while talking to her mom over the phone,
“Are you okay Lucy?” A masculine voice said while standing behind her back "I know that voice" Lucy murmured as she turned around, her eyes scanning the place till it landed on a figure that made her feel a flutter in her chest,
And there he was tall, with eyes so sharply blue they seemed to see through her. His dark hair was perfectly in place, his jaw strong, his expression unreadable, yet commanding enough to steal her breath.
“I'm good Sir,” she stuttered.
“Miss Norman.” His deep voice cut through the quiet. “Come in.”
Her heart plummeted.
The office was sleek and intimidating, with its all-glass and steel design. Marcel turned, arms folded.
“This is the third time this month,” he said evenly. “Safari Dynamics is not a place for… excuses. Perhaps you should reconsider your position if you cannot keep up.”
Lucy swallowed hard, shame prickling her skin. “I’m sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.”
He studied her for a long moment, his gaze unreadable. Then, unexpectedly, he said, “You’ll stay tonight. We have paperwork for the Fashion review. Since you enjoy arriving late, you can make up the time after hours.”
Her stomach dropped. Overnight? With him?
“Yes, sir,” she murmured, because what else could she say?
Two pairs of eyes were waiting for her as she approached her desk. Benny gave her a questioning look, “What did Mr Marcel say, Lucy?” Benny asked with so much concern
“I wasn't fired but I have to work overnight today,” Lucy said
What she didn’t notice, however, was the man leaning against the far cubicle wall, watching her as she spoke with mild amusement.
Ethan. One of the company’s employees is known for being nonchalant and impossible to read. He smirked faintly before turning back to his desk, hiding the truth no one knew.
And he and Marcel couldn’t stand each other