Loving The Flame

Chapter Seven

The battle I'm fighting goes beyond seeking revenge on the person who shattered my heart. It has evolved into a struggle to uphold the status that grants me the opportunity to operate from a position of power.

It's absolutely draining. I must admit, I never anticipated the level of busyness that would come with this new chapter of my life. It seems like there's a never-ending stream of meetings, press appearances, and job training to attend to. And let's not forget the occasional need to dress up and have my makeup artist, Melody, constantly perfect my look. On top of that, my assistant Jen is always by my side, keeping me informed of my schedule and ensuring I never miss a beat. And of course, there's the strict diet and exercise regimen that I must adhere to. It's a lot to juggle, but I'm determined to make it work. It feels like I've granted myself the freedom to pursue my desires. It feels like I've lost control over my own life.

Is it worth it? I'm not sure, but I'm determined to adapt and become more comfortable with it. I am not here to complain; I am here for a challenge, and I have made up my mind to never surrender. It's been a mere two weeks since I began, and the challenges have already presented themselves. However, I am taking it all in. The job says jump, and I say how high while I jump before asking.

I couldn't fully embrace the grandeur of my new, luxurious two-story apartment, like possessing a valuable treasure that I am unable to embellish. It's like stepping into an alternate universe, where I enjoy a delicious dinner and engage in a brief chat with the housekeeper, Merry, before calling it a night to ensure I'm well-rested for the day ahead.

The flat is absolutely stunning—a place beyond my wildest imagination. The expansive French window in the living room offers a breathtaking view of the city, transforming into a celestial portal at night and illuminating the urban landscape in all its splendour. The furniture has been meticulously selected, showcasing a harmonious blend of black and white hues and a curated assortment of high-end designs from the company's collection.

The walls are painted in a pristine shade, while the floor boasts a sleek, glossy finish. The kitchen is completely white, just like the rest of the apartment's decor, except for the reflective black epoxy floor. The master bedroom on the first floor has a unique charm with its carefully curated decor that sets a captivating ambiance. A luxurious queen-size four-poster bed takes centre stage in the room, complemented by a cosy brown furry mat underneath on the banana yellow floor. The bed is adorned with small decorative pillows, their colours complementing the mat under the bed and the pillows on the white sofa sets that are positioned near the window.

The apartment comes with two bathrooms, one on the living room floor and the other attached to my bedroom, both equally luxurious and specious, but the one attached to my bedroom has an extra purpose that includes a hot tub and sauna room.

I am spoiled indeed, but the job is as tough as I should be spoiled, and I say I still couldn't enjoy the apartment to the point I could say living here can be considered a job... Perhaps once I become more accustomed to this new lifestyle that has been unexpectedly bestowed upon me, I will be able to appreciate it more.

Just like these past few days, I have completed my morning routine: waking up early, engaging in physical activity, and enjoying a nutritious breakfast. I stepped out of my flat, ready to meet Jen by the car that never failed to arrive promptly, ready to whisk me away to the towering Anderson's Empire building.

"Good morning, Miss Williams," she greets with her usual warm smile.

"Good morning." I approach her and embrace her warmly. I would like to establish a close friendship with her. "I already mentioned that Alora is my name," I say with a smile, mirroring her radiant expression. "I suppose we're meant to meet the event organisers today," I gently remind her as I hop into the car.

"You're doing a great job," she says with admiration as she follows me inside. "However, there has been a last-minute change," she says. "Miss Brown is going there; we have another meeting you should attend to," she says as she closes the door, and I can't help but feel a sense of disappointment. Since we began working together, Olivia and I have primarily focused on work-related matters. Now, she will be assigned to another task that I am responsible for, which means our days will become even busier and our communication will remain strictly professional.

"I was thrilled to go there," I said casually. “Is Olivia informed of the plan?” I asked, worried.

“Yes,” she nods as she goes through a tablet in her hand. "I have already sent her assistant to explain it to her," she says. "Well, as for you, we have a new production team that will work with you and another meeting you have to attend regarding this week's work report," she explains.

"Wait, report?" I ask, and she hands me some papers as she nods frantically.

"It's basically what you have been doing these past two weeks," she says as I go through the papers she prepared for me. "I have highlighted the important parts; I'm sure you don't even need that paper."

“Let's see," I whisper as I go through the file, page by page. I have to be as good as what I have been doing, as I explain. I don't want to know who I will be facing to do this, but I need to bring the best of me.

***

I doubt if this feeling would ever get old: me making a grand entrance in this building, everyone turning their heads to look at me, and Jen by my side explaining or reminding me of something. As soon as we reach the floor, we head straight to the photo production team to meet the new team. That's the initial schedule for now, and afterwards I need to submit my two-week work report.

There's no discernible distinction between the first team I collaborated with. In this bustling environment, countless individuals are engrossed in their workstations, diligently typing away. A lively exchange of ideas takes place over a captivating image displayed on a screen. And at the far end of the corridor, one can find the office of the esteemed producer. Jen reached the door, and I stepped into the office.

"Good morning," I say to the person sitting on a chair, their gaze fixed on the window.

"Hello, Alora," a voice I recognise all too well, sends a wave of disappointment crashing over me. He swivels his chair around, revealing Liam's beaming smile. "It's a pleasure to finally collaborate with you." He rose from his seat, offering his hand to me. I remained motionless, studying him intently, concealing my inner turmoil beneath a composed facade.

"So, this is the group?" I inquire of Jen, who appears perplexed as I decline to accept Liam's hand.

"Yes," she nods eagerly. "He is also Mr. Anderson's son," she explains, and I can sense her desire for me to adjust my attitude when it comes to him.

"Sure," I replied. "So, what's the purpose of this meeting?" I direct my question to him.

"I just want to assure you that you're in capable hands," he says with a smile that reveals his slight perplexity.

"Mr. Anderson," I say with a smile, gazing into his eyes. "You can say that when we meet on dutey," I said, and his smile slowly grew into a smug. "If you do your part, I will do mine." I cleared it for him. I could see that remark removing the arrogance from his countenance. I believe I have come to understand that he perceived my presence as a plea for his acknowledgment. If only he knew... "I'd appreciate it if you don't ask for my presence unless it's work-related," I state, and I exit the office, leaving him behind, but I can feel him following me as he walks around his desk to trail behind me. Jen is by my side, confused and scared of how he might act. If I have to be honest, I am too, but I need to stand my ground strongly.

"So, you're that busy?" His voice carries across the room, causing me to pause in my exit from the hall. I glance back to find him, and a smile spreads across my face as I realise he is perplexed. I suppose I just ruined his grand plan to shock or perhaps surprise me.

"Of course," another voice answers on my behalf, and I refrain from using my gasp to answer. I look back, and I fill my chest with air as I see Mr. Anderson walking towards us. His smile is not that visible, but it reaches his eyes so much that it's hard to ignore that he is smiling.

"I am here to welcome my son to the team, and I am glad to see you too," he says as he tucks his hands in his pocket. "My son can be quite insistent," he explains as he positions himself between us, and I offer him a warm smile.

"I believe I made it clear," I state, glancing around at the curious onlookers. Jen appears unsettled, her gaze darting between Liam and his father, who has just come to my aid. "I have to leave now; I need to get ready for my next meeting." I excuse myself.

"Which will be with me?" Mr. Anderson answers, and I gasp with a smile. "So, your assistant didn't explain it to you?" He inquires, taken aback.

"I prefer to be informed of the issue I need to prepare for than who I meet with. So, I am constant in how I execute my job. I always prepare grand for anyone, regardless of who I meet." I explain how we have been working.

"And so, I heard," he nods as he displays a bright smile that clearly displays his pleasure. "We will have a lunch date, and the discussion will be long," he informs me. I look at Liam, who is disappointed to hear the conversation between me and his father.

I say, bidding myself farewell with a nod, and I stroll away. I wonder if Liam will ever provide an explanation for why he called me into his office or if he will find the courage to address our situation. It's been two years, and he never bothered to introduce me to anyone. And now, there's no reason for him to start.

The bigger picture is now clear for me. I know where to hit him hard and where it will hurt him the most. Like a skilled fisherman, I must carefully cast my net into the sea of possibilities, searching for the catch that will bring my plan to reality.