Unexpected Encounter in the Lift
877 Words
Lily Sophia Turner was a junior majoring in Media Studies at A University when she started her internship. Thanks to a friend's introduction, she landed a gig at Western Star, where she began working as an intern assistant for minor celebrities—essentially doing odd jobs.
Six months ago, by a stroke of luck, Mellisa asked her to be her assistant, a step up from her previous role.
Mellisa, a new talent signed by the company, had recently gained popularity for starring in a web series.
After working together for three months, Lily and Mellisa developed a good rapport. In July, Lily was set to become a permanent employee.
Mellisa sat in the room, flipping through her script and making notes. As a newcomer, she took her acting career very seriously.
Lily placed a cup of coffee next to her. “Mell, your coffee.”
Mellisa glanced up. “How are you feeling?”
Lily was startled by the sudden question. “I’m fine.”
Mellisa scrutinized her for a few seconds, saying nothing. “Lily, why aren’t you an actress?”
With her looks, Lily could easily become a star, yet she chose to be a mere assistant.
Lily smiled. “It’s not for me.”
“There’s no such thing as ‘not for you.’ Do you think everyone in this industry is born for it? If you want to pursue this, I can recommend you.”
Lily shook her head firmly. “Mell, thank you, but it’s not my ambition. I will never be a star.”
Mellisa frowned, changing the subject. “Do you know Mr. Thompson? Our big boss, Mr. Thompson.”
Lily was taken aback and quickly shook her head. “No, I don’t know him.”
Mellisa closed her script. “Alright, if you’re not feeling well, go home early. Aren’t you moving? Take a couple of days off.”
Thinking about moving gave Lily a headache. As a fresh graduate, finding affordable housing in A City was challenging.
Fortunately, she had saved up enough from part-time jobs to cover three months of rent.
But she couldn’t go home now; the big boss, Mr. Thompson, wanted to see her.
Lily stood by the elevator, unsure whether to go in.
What would she say when they met?
Would Luke Oliver Thompson, like in the dramas, offer her money to pretend nothing happened that night?
If he did, she would seriously consider it.
After half an hour of contemplation, she braced herself and went to the 28th floor.
It was her first time there, and the floor was eerily quiet.
Finally, she saw Luke Oliver Thompson’s assistant, Henry, whom she recognized.
Henry frowned at her. “Which floor are you from? Why are you here?”
Lily quickly explained, “I’m here to see Mr. Thompson.”
“To see Mr. Thompson? Do you have an appointment? Which company are you from?”
“Mr. Thompson asked me to come.”
Henry seemed to realize something. “Lily Sophia Turner?”
“Yes, that’s me. How do you know?”
Henry smiled. “Mr. Thompson is in a meeting. You can wait in his office.”
“No, I’ll wait outside.”
Henry opened the door. “Come on in. No one’s there.”
Lily was ushered inside.
Henry checked the time. “I need to pick someone up. Sit tight.”
Lily, feeling awkward, entered the office.
It was spacious and bright, decorated in a minimalist black-and-white style.
She walked over to the bookshelf, filled with neatly arranged books on economics and film. What caught her eye were the photos.
Lily couldn’t help but stare.
In the middle was a family portrait, taken recently by the looks of it.
Thompson’s parents stood in the center, with Luke Oliver Thompson and his sister on either side.
His mother was a beauty, and Luke took after her, while his sister, Aria Isabella Thompson, resembled their father.
Comparing the two, Luke was undoubtedly more attractive. Having such a handsome brother, did Aria ever feel envious?
Lily tiptoed to get a closer look but heard footsteps behind her. Someone had entered.
She was so nervous that she banged her knee against the bookshelf with a loud thud in the silent office. Luke Oliver Thompson looked over.
Lily quickly turned around, standing stiffly, her face full of panic. “Mr. Thompson…”
Luke glanced back at the people behind him. “Do as we discussed in the meeting. You can go now.”
He closed the door and walked to his desk.
Lily, clenching her fists, explained, “I ran into Henry outside…”
Luke nodded. “Were you looking at the photos?”
Lily, embarrassed, nodded. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.”
“The photos are there for everyone to see. What do you think?”
Lily bit her lip. “Your family is beautiful.”
He smiled. “Thank you for the compliment.”
Lily fell silent, not knowing what to say. Nervous, shy, and harboring a secret, she dared not speak freely.
Those who knew Lily well would find her a charming girl.
Luke pursed his lips. “Lily Sophia Turner, let’s talk.”
He paused briefly. “About that night.”
- Writer
