Episode Five – The Arrangement
250 Words
The following Monday, the agency buzzed with unusual energy. Models hurried down the halls with portfolios tucked under their arms, stylists compared color swatches, and the air smelled faintly of perfume samples.
Eliana had just settled at her desk when Bryan appeared in the doorway, holding a sleek folder.
“We’ve just secured a campaign for Lumière de Paris,” he said, his voice clipped but calm. “The client wants something fresh. And I’ve decided you’ll be the lead creative coordinator.”
She blinked. “Me?”
“Yes, you.” His tone softened, just slightly. “You have the vision for it. And… I’ll be overseeing the project personally.”
Eliana’s stomach tightened. This was a career-changing opportunity, but working side by side with Bryan meant opening herself up to distractions — and danger.
Before she could answer, Kim appeared behind him, her manicured hand resting lightly on his arm. “Darling, you’re not serious,” she said with a brittle laugh. “She’s new. She doesn’t know the agency’s rhythm.”
Bryan didn’t flinch. “She’ll learn fast.” Then, looking at Eliana, he added, “Won’t you?”
Eliana forced a nod, her pulse thudding in her ears.
As Bryan handed her the folder, his fingers brushed hers — a fleeting contact, but enough to ignite something she thought she’d buried.
This wasn’t just a job. It was a test. And she had no idea who she was proving herself to — him, Kim, or herself.
- Writer
