MAGNANIMOUS

The sunlight streamed through the tall mansion windows, casting sharp patterns across the polished floors. My heart pounded in my chest as I paced the room, torn between excitement and dread. Jack’s presence always made my chest tighten, and today, with so much at stake, I could barely breathe. “Megan, I don’t know how long we’ll be together, but I hope it’s forever—because I’m madly in love with you. I never want to let you go.” Jack’s clear blue eyes held mine, and every time I looked at him, my chest ached with the urge to tell him the same. “Jack, whatever happens, I’ll be there for you. No matter what my father does, my love won’t change,” I whispered, my fingers brushing against his. “I trust you, Sugarplum.” He cupped my chin and pressed a soft kiss to my lips, and I could have melted right there. The sharp buzz of my phone broke the moment. Mother. “Megan, where are you? The interview is starting and you’re not here!” her voice barked over a noisy background. “I’ll be there in a minute. Something urgent came up,” I lied. “Urgent? What’s more urgent than meeting the new CEO of Schwarz Closet? Come home—NOW!” She hung up before I could respond. Before I could catch my breath, my father called. “Megan! The interview starts at one! It’s 12:55! Be home in five minutes or less!” I glanced at Jack. “I don’t want to go.” “You have to. People are watching,” he said gently, though I could see the tension in his jaw. “I just want to stay with you…” I murmured, leaning closer. “Your parents don’t know about us,” he reminded me, voice low. “If they find out, it’ll ruin everything. Go to the interview. I’ll send drivers if you need them.” I wiped my tears and nodded. “You’re right. I’ll be fine.” We shared one last lingering kiss before I began dressing. He watched me, every touch gentle, every word soft. “You look stunning, Megan. Make me proud,” he whispered as I smoothed my hair, fingers tracing his hand briefly. “I will,” I answered, stealing one last kiss before sliding into my designer bag. On the staircase, Miss Gregoria, Jack’s mother, appeared. “My beautiful lady, leaving so soon?” “I have an interview,” I said, guiding her down the stairs. “I’ll be fine—Jack would never hurt me.” “I know,” she said warmly. “Congratulations—your grandfather left Schwarz Closet in your care. You deserve this.” I smiled and hugged her quickly before hurrying to the waiting limousine. Jack stopped me one last time. “I couldn’t let you leave without seeing you. I kept thinking of you.” We kissed, a desperate, lingering kind of kiss. “You promise you’ll always be mine?” he asked, anxious. “Don’t doubt me,” I whispered, sliding into the car as the limo pulled away. Back at the compound, paparazzi swarmed the moment I stepped out. “Can a 19-year-old handle this company?” “How will you balance being an influencer?” they shouted. “My business is none of your concern,” I snapped, letting the guards shield me as I made my way inside. The elevator carried me to the fourth floor. Smooth bun. Perfect foundation. Red gloss. Confidence on point. The interview room doors opened to reveal my father and the host, Patrick Rodriguez of Karl TV. “MA’AM, YOU’RE VERY LATE!” my father barked. “I had urgent matters,” I said, slipping into my seat, sunglasses on, calm despite the chaos. Patrick smiled. “Ms. Megan Elvira Connor, Managing Director of T&D Company Limited and CEO of Schwarz Closet—welcome.” “Danke,” I replied. He began, “It was disheartening to lose Mr. Schandorf Schwarz months ago and—” “That’s enough,” I interrupted. Old pain didn’t belong here. “Tell us about yourself—who is Ms. Megan?” “I’m Megan Elvira Connor. I’m the Managing Director of T&D Company Limited and CEO of Schwarz Closet. I graduated from Harvard and I’m also an influencer. Thank you to my fans watching.” “Impressive résumé,” he said. “Thank you,” I replied, calm and composed. “And your love life—rumors say you and Jack Otto Klein are together despite your father’s disapproval. Is it true?” “That’s personal,” I cut in coldly. “We’re here for business, not my private life.” “My daughter—” my father began. “Keep personal attacks out of a professional interview,” I snapped, standing. “If it’s about my capability as CEO, ask. Otherwise, I’m done.” I walked out, leaving stunned faces and cameras rolling. My heart raced—not from the media, but because of Jack.