The plan
1123 Words
ISABELLA'S POV. (FIVE YEARS LATER)
I’ve never been good at hiding my nerves. No matter how much I practice my smile or straighten my posture, my body always finds a way to betray me, shaky fingers, restless breathing, a heartbeat that feels too loud in my chest.
This morning was no different.
It didn't help that I was about to go face to face with the monster that ordered the m******e of my entire family. I knew I would get the job. For five years, I've worked hard just to reach this level.
I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in my best charcoal blazer and pencil skirt. The white blouse beneath was crisp, almost stiff, like it understood the seriousness of today. My black heels added two inches to my height and a little too much pressure to my toes, but they made me feel… capable.
My fiery red hair was pulled into a low bun, neat enough to look professional, yet still allowing a few loose strands to frame my face. I wished they’d behave, but they never did, just like me.
My sea-green eyes stared back at me in the reflection, bright but restless. And then there were the freckles across my nose and cheeks, the ones I used to hate but now accepted as something that made me different.
I gripped my black leather folder tighter, the edges pressing into my damp palms. Today wasn’t just about an interview, it was about revenge.
Five years of pent up rage. I wouldn't mess things up. I couldn't. I had to do this. For my family. For Elias and for myself. One deep breath. One last look in the mirror. And I walked out the door.
The air outside hit me sharp and cool, carrying the smell of rain that hadn’t quite fallen yet. The city was already awake, cars rushing by, strangers weaving through the sidewalks, coffee shops spilling warm light and the scent of fresh pastries into the street.
My heels clicked against the pavement, my steps quick, purposeful. My phone rang at that moment and Elias's name flashed across the screen. I smiled softly, a smile only he saw and answered the phone.
“Hello, Princess. Ready for your interview?” He asked me softly.
“Yes. Although I don't know why this is necessary. I'm well trained and I could just sneak in and kill him.” I told him, walking down the steps of my apartment.
“You do that, his men kill you. You have to be smart about it, Isa.” My real name sounded so foreign in my ears, reminding me of memories I tried to forget.
“Isabella is dead. I keep telling you that.”
“She isn't to me, princess. She's still there.” I didn't want to talk about it anymore with him because I knew that he wouldn't let it go so I changed the subject.
“How's Manhattan? Found a girlfriend yet?” He chuckled, obviously knowing my intention to end that conversation.
“Nahh, but when I do, you'll be the first to know. Besides, I don't think I can move on from my true love anytime soon.” His voice was laced with sadness and I was guilty for bringing up his love life. I knew he loved my sister.
“I'm sorry, Elias.” I told him softly.
I'm alright, princess. How are you?”
“Frustrated. I don't know if I can keep up the act for long. Might just slip poison into his coffee.” We both laughed at that.
“Just remember why you're there, Princess. Infiltrate his circle, earn his trust and then, kill him. Don't lose focus and make me proud, alright?”
“Alright. I have to go. I'm gonna be late for my interview. Bye, Elias.”
“Bye, Stephanie Harris.” I chuckled and ended the call. I hailed a cab and entered.
“Carter's Enterprise, please.” I told the driver and he nodded and drove off.
When we got to the building, I was in awe of how beautiful the place was. I quickly got out of the cab and paid the driver. From where I stood, the building towered above the others, all sleek glass and steel with the company’s name shining at the top.
Out front, there’s a neat garden, a fountain, and security at the doors. Inside, the lobby is wide and bright, with reception in the center and people moving in every direction.
I put on my best smile and walked towards the reception desk and the receptionist smiled at me.
“Welcome to Carter Enterprise, ma'am. How may I help you?”
“Hi, I'm Stephanie Harris. I'm here for the interview.”
“Oh, Miss Harris. Right this way please.” She stepped out of the cubicle and I followed closely behind her. We rode the elevator to the last floor. Then, when we got there, she directed me to sit in the lounge area.
“I'll check if Mr. Carter is free at the moment, Miss. Hold on one second.” I nodded slowly as she walked away, entering the large office at the end of the hall.
I heard voices from the office and a moment later, she walked out and I stood up.
“Mr. Carter will see you now, Miss Harris. Good luck on your interview.”
“Thank you. I don't know your name though.”
“It's Rosa, Miss.” She replied
“Please, call me Stephanie.” She nodded softly and walked away. I composed myself, reminding my mind and body not to jump on the bastard's body and drive the knife I was wearing through his chest.
When I got to the door, I knocked and a deep voice answered.
“Come in.” I pushed the door open and when I saw him, all the air left my lungs. I had seen his pictures on billboards and magazines. Even on the Internet, I knew the man was handsome. But, damn he was even more good looking in person.
He lifted his head to look at me and I was stunned. There was no doubt he was tall. He was broad-shouldered, had jet-black hair framing a face too handsome for its own good, piercing blue eyes glinting behind sleek glasses, and an authority in his posture that seemed to pull all the air in the room toward him. He studied me for a few minutes before he spoke to me.
“Good morning, Miss Harris. You can sit.”He said and I nodded, moving and sitting right in front of him, his eyes never leaving mine.
My enemy.
- Writer
