MR.SINCLAIR’S ASSISTANT

Ready for Departure

Aria’s POV

Bellamore Atelier was every bit as refined as Maison Élise, only quieter.

More exclusive.

The showroom had already been prepared by the time James and I arrived. Garment racks lined one side of the room, each piece steamed and arranged by color. Leather handbags sat on illuminated shelves while coats occupied their own section toward the back.

“Good afternoon, Miss Monroe,” the creative director greeted. “We’re ready whenever you are.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

For the next two hours, I moved from one fitting to the next.

Structured wool coats.

Italian leather handbags.

Evening clutches.

Travel coats.

Scarves.

Shoes.

Every item had been selected around the wardrobe I’d already purchased from Maison Élise.

The team worked efficiently, pinning hems, making notes, and discussing alterations among themselves while I changed into yet another outfit.

“This coat pairs beautifully with the navy suit,” one stylist commented.

I studied myself in the mirror.

“It does.”

She smiled.

“I’ll add it.”

“I think one coat is enough.”

She paused.

“We also selected a camel cashmere option.”

“I appreciate it, but I don’t need two.”

Another stylist stepped forward holding a black leather handbag.

“And this one?”

“It’s beautiful.”

She waited.

“But I already chose one this morning.”

James looked up from his tablet.

“Mr. Sinclair requested options.”

“And I’ve chosen.”

He held my gaze for a moment before nodding.

“As you wish.”

The fitting continued.

Every few minutes another recommendation appeared.

Another handbag.

Another coat.

Another pair of heels.

Each one was impeccable.

By the time we finished, my wardrobe for italy was complete.

Professional.

Elegant.

Somewhat sexy.

Appropriate for every meeting on the itinerary.

Exactly what I’d been sent to purchase.

James walked me toward the entrance.

“I’ll have everything delivered within the hour.”

“Thank you.”

“It was a pleasure, Miss Monroe.”

“It was. I appreciate everyone’s help.”

Back in the car, I finally exhaled.

James glanced at me in the rearview mirror.

“Long day?”

“I’ve tried on more clothes today than I have in the last five years.”

He laughed.

“I believe that.”

“I don’t know how people enjoy shopping.”

“They usually don’t do it for hours.”

I smiled.

“Fair point.”

By the time he dropped me off at my apartment, the sun was beginning to dip below the skyline.

“I’ll pick you up at five-thirty for the airport.”

“I’ll be downstairs.”

“See you then .”

After he pulled away, I unlocked my apartment and stepped inside.

Then stopped.

Garment bags.

Boxes.

Shopping bags.

My living room looked like the stockroom of a luxury department store.

I slowly closed the door behind me.

“…What the fu-?”

Every coat I’d left behind.

Every handbag I’d talked myself out of.

Every pair of shoes I’d insisted I didn’t need.

They’d all found their way into my apartment.

A cream envelope rested on top of the nearest stack.

I picked it up and unfolded the card inside.

Miss Monroe,

Per Mr. Sinclair’s instructions, we’ve delivered the remaining selections from today’s fitting. We wish you safe travels and look forward to serving you again.

I read it twice.

Then a third time.

I looked around my apartment again.

The front door unlocked.

My roommate, Maya, stepped inside balancing two grocery bags against her hip.

She froze.

Her gaze swept across the apartment.

Designer boxes.

Garment bags.

Shoes.

Handbags.

Slowly, she looked at me.

“…Aria.”

“Hm?”

She narrowed her eyes.

“…Did you become a booster while I was at work?”

I laughed.

“What? No.”

She gestured wildly around the apartment.

“Then explain… all of this.”

I held up the card.

“My boss had it delivered.”

She blinked.

“Your boss?”

I nodded.

“He sent over everything I left behind at the boutiques.”

Maya looked back at the designer bags before turning to me again.

“My boss won’t even let me leave five minutes early.”

“And gives us pizza parties.”

A dramatic sigh escaped her.

“Yours gives out designer wardrobes.”

A beat passed.

“Can I have your boss?”

I snorted.

“I don’t think that’s how employment works.”

“Well, it should.”

She glanced around the apartment again before shaking her head.

“I definitely picked the wrong career.”

I laughed.

“You think this is crazy?”

“I know this is crazy.”

She leaned against the kitchen island.

“So… what’s the occasion?”

I smiled.

“I won’t be home tonight.”

Her brows lifted.

“Oh?”

“Or for the next few nights.”

“…Aria.”

I pointed at her.

“Behave.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You were about to.”

She grinned.

“I was.”

I rolled my eyes.

“My boss is keeping me at work…”

She shrugged.

“Okay.”

“…In Italy.”

She stared.

“…Italy?”

I nodded.

Her eyes went wide.

“You’re going to Italy?!”

I couldn’t hold back my smile anymore.

“Tonight.”

She squealed before rushing over to hug me.

“Oh my God! Why are you only telling me now?!”

“I just found out today.”

“Today?” Maya repeated, still holding my shoulders. “As in… today today?”

I nodded, laughing.

“This morning.”

Her mouth fell open.

“Aria Monroe!”

“I know.”

“No, you don’t know!” She threw her hands in the air. “You found out this morning that you’re flying to Italy tonight, and you’re just now telling me?”

“I’ve been working all day.”

She looked around the apartment again.

“…Clearly.”

I laughed.

“It’s been one meeting after another, then Maison Élise, then Bellamore Atelier, and now…” I gestured to the sea of garment bags surrounding us. “…this.”

Maya bent down and unzipped one of the garment bags just enough to peek inside.

She gasped.

“Oh, this man has money money.”

I laughed again.

“That’s hardly breaking news.”

“No, but seeing it in your living room makes it feel real.”

She zipped the bag back up and looked at me.

“So… how long are you gone?”

“Four days.”

“Only four?”

“It’s a business trip.”

“To Italy.”

“Yes.”

She sighed dramatically.

“My business trips are to the printer on the third floor.”

I couldn’t help laughing .

She shook her head.

“So, what’s the plan? You land, work, come home?”

“Pretty much.”

She gave me a look that said she didn’t believe me for a second.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“I’m just saying…” she teased. “You’re flying to one of the most romantic countries in the world with your ridiculously rich, ridiculously handsome boss.”

I groaned.

“Maya.”

“What?”

“It is a work trip.”

“Mhm.”

“It is.”

“I didn’t say it wasn’t.”

“You were thinking it.”

“I absolutely was.”

I grabbed one of the throw pillows from the couch and tossed it at her.

She caught it effortlessly, laughing.

“Okay, okay! I’ll behave.”

“You better.”

She smiled, then clapped her hands together.

“Now move.”

“What?”

I glanced around the apartment, then at the mountain of garment bags.

“I don’t even know where to start.”

Maya grinned.

“Good thing you’ve got me.”

She grabbed the nearest suitcase and popped it open on the couch.

Maya wiggled her eyebrows.

“So…” she dragged out. “Tell me everything about this boss of yours.”

I laughed, shaking my head as I zipped up one of the garment bags.

“I wish I could…”

“You wish you could?” she repeated dramatically. “That doesn’t sound promising.”

“It’ll have to wait.”

“Why?”

I checked the time on my phone and my eyes widened.

“Oh, no.”

“What?”

“His driver is picking me up in a few minutes.”

Maya’s mouth fell open.

“A few minutes?”

I nodded, already reaching for another suitcase.

“I still have to finish packing…”

I grabbed my toiletry bag from the bathroom counter.

“…and I need to shower.”

She leaned against the doorframe, grinning.

“Listen to you.”

I glanced over my shoulder.

“What?”

“‘His driver is picking me up.’”

She clasped a hand dramatically over her heart.

“I’ve never said those words a day in my life.”

I laughed.

“You’re impossible.”

“And you’re flying to Italy with a billionaire.”

“It’s a business trip.”

“So you keep saying.”

I rolled my eyes, unable to stop smiling.

“Maya.”

“I’m just saying, if you’re going to leave me behind, at least bring me back some authentic Italian chocolate.”

I pointed a finger at her as I disappeared into my bedroom.

“I can do chocolate.”

“And a designer handbag!”

I poked my head back out.

“Now you’re pushing your luck.”

She laughed.

“Go shower before billionaire boss man sends a search party.”

Shaking my head, I gathered my clothes and headed for the bathroom.

“I’ll tell you everything when I get back.”

“You better.”

“I will.”

“And Aria?”

I paused in the hallway.

“Yeah?”

A genuine smile spread across Maya’s face.

“I’m really happy for you.”

I smiled back.

“Thanks.”

Then I slipped into the bathroom, already hearing Maya humming to herself as she started helping me finish packing.

Twenty minutes later, I changed into a fitted black mini dress and slipped on the pair of red-soled stilettos I’d picked up earlier that afternoon.

I caught my reflection in the mirror and couldn’t help but smile.

Italy was one of the fashion capitals of the world.

The least I could do was arrive dressed appropriately.

Maya looked around the room one final time before nodding in approval.

“I think that’s everything, and you look beautiful.”

“Me too.”

As if on cue, a pair of headlights swept across the apartment wall.

Maya hurried to the window and pulled the curtain back just enough to peek outside.

“I think that’s him.”

I slipped my phone into my handbag.

“My driver?”

She looked over her shoulder with a grin.

“Black SUV. Suit standing beside it.”

I laughed.

“Then that’s him.”

“Your ride has arrived, Miss Monroe.”

I rolled my eyes.

“You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Oh, absolutely.”

I wrapped my fingers around the handle of my suitcase and took one last look around the apartment.

Four days.

Four days in Italy.

Four days working beside the most demanding man I’d ever met.

I drew in a slow breath.

Then headed for the door.