Chapter 3: New beginning
1185 Words
Three months into my design role at CreativeSpark, Emma, the creative director, summoned me to her office.
"Adriana, your work has exceeded expectations," Emma said, beaming. "The higher ups are considering expanding our global presence, and we need someone like you to lead the charge." She said;
I listened intently.
"We want to send you to our Paris office for a three-month design intensive training; Emma explained. "You'll learn from top designers, network, and help establish our European footprint."
What do you think about that?
I nooded my head and smiled at her.
My mind whirled.
I walked into the elevator and Mattie's apartment, felling exhausted from work.
Mattie looked up from her laptop, concern etched on her face. "Hey, how was your day?"
I dropped my bag, taking a deep breath.
"It's happening," I said, a mix of emotions swirling inside.
Mattie's expression changed from concern to curiosity.
"What's happening?" she asked.
"I've been sent to Paris to lead the company's European expansion," I announced.
Mattie's eyes widened.
"Congratulations!" she exclaimed.
Then her expression turned serious.
The baby?"
I smiled reassuringly.
"This opportunity secures the future of me and the baby," I said.
Mattie nodded, understanding.
"We'll make it work out
Mattie's eyes softened.
She placed a reassuring hand on my belly.
"When do you leave?" she asked.
"Two weeks," I replied
"Two weeks?" Mattie exclaimed. "Have they been planning this for you already?"
I nodded, still processing the news.
"Emma mentioned discussions about expanding our global presence before. I guess I'm the perfect candidate."
Mattie's eyes narrowed.
"That's fast. Are you ready for this?"
I took a deep breath.
"I think so. It's a great opportunity for me, Mattie. Financial security, career growth...and a chance to explore Paris and most especially i will able to stay away from chase, if he finds out àm pregnant I don't know what's going to happen." I said to her.
Mattie's expression softened.
"I'll miss you," she said to me again.
I pulled her close.
"I'll miss you too. But we'll make this work. Video calls, emails...we'll stay connected." And you will always com to visit me.
Mattie nodded.
"When do you leave again.?
"Two weeks," I repeated.
Mattie smiled wryly, am just asking again just to be sure you know.
"Guess we have a lot to pack."
"Two weeks to prepare, no office for now," I said, ticking off tasks on my fingers. "Packing, shopping, and tying loose ends."
Mattie nodded enthusiastically. "Shopping spree, here we come!"
We spent the next few days in a whirlwind of activity. Mattie accompanied me to designer boutiques, helping me select stylish, professional attire for Paris.
"Emma wants me to make a statement," I said, holding up a chic black dress.
Mattie grinned. "You'll make a statement,with your figures and good looks it already a statement, I laughed at Mattie's word; all right."
We laughed, enjoying our time together.
As we shopped, I realized Mattie was hiding her concerns.
"Hey, what's on your mind?" I asked, as we sipped coffee.
Mattie hesitated.
"Being apart, for you raising the baby alone...it's scary."
I took her hand.
"We'll face it together, even from afar."
Mattie smiled, squeezing my hand.
One day I was bored at home and Mattie and I decide to go for shopping
As Mattie and I shopped, our laughter filled the boutique. I held up a stylish dress, admiring myself in the mirror.
"Perfect for Paris," Mattie said.
Suddenly, a sly hand snatched the dress from me.
"Hey!" I protested.
A petite woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair smirked.
"Finders keepers," she said.
Mattie stepped forward.
"Return that. It's not yours."
The woman raised an eyebrow.
"Or what?"
I recognized the spark of trouble.
"Let's not make a scene," I said calmly to mattie.
The woman chuckled.
"We'll see about that."
Mattie's eyes flashed anger.
"Adriana, don't let her bully you."
I placed a soothing hand on Mattie's arm.
"It's just a dress."
The woman sauntered off, dress in hand.
"Who was that?" Mattie asked.
"No idea," I replied. "But we won't let her ruin our day."
As we continued shopping, I sensed the woman's gaze lingeris
Feeling uncomfortable.
"Let's get out of here," I said to Mattie, shaking off Sabine's encounter.
As we stepped out of the boutique, my phone rang.
"Emma," I answered.
"Adriana, sorry to interrupt you" Emma said, "but I need to confirm tomorrow's meeting with Julien."
I glanced at Mattie.
"Julien?" Mattie mouthed,
I nodded.
"What time?" I asked Emma.
"10 a.m. at the office. And Adriana?"
"Yes?"
"Be prepared for a big announcement."
My curiosity piqued.
"See you tomorrow," Emma said.
I hung up, turning to Mattie.
"Emma wants me to meet Julien tomorrow. Something big is coming."
Mattie's eyes sparkled.
"Your Parisian adventure is unfolding."
As we walked out of the mall, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Sabine's atitude still lingered
But Emma's call reminded me:
My future awaited in Paris;
"Feeling better?" she asked.
"Emma's call distracted me," I admitted.
Mattie smiled.
"Focus on Paris. You deserve this."
We reached the car, and I unlocked it.
"Let's grab dinner," Mattie suggested.
"At that new bistro?" I asked.
Mattie nodded.
As we drove, my mind drifted to Emma's call.
What was the big announcement?
And what did Julien want to discuss?
At the bistro, we chatted about everything except Sabine.
Over dessert, Mattie's expression turned serious.
"I'll miss you," she said.
I reached for her hand.
Don't worry, we'll stay connected."
Mattie nodded.
"You'll thrive in Paris," she said.
I smiled.
"Thanks to you."
After Adrianna left.
Sabine stepped out of the mall, dialing a number on her phone.
"Hey,," Sabine said, her voice low and conspiratorial.
"I saw your fiancee ex wife today. She's still clueless."
The other person voice was smooth and calculating on the other end.
"Good. Keep monitoring her. I want to know everything."
Sabine smiled.
"Already on it. But i heard her talking about Paris with her friend I think Adriana's got a new life lined up in Paris."
The other person tone turned icy.
"That's not going to happen."
Sabine chuckled, and said but this is a good opportunity at least she's not going to be in your way.
And moreover he loves you, he already divorced her for you that's enough to let you know that you're always in his heart. Sabine said;
The other person went silent for a while before saying okay.
And the line went dead.
As I lay in bed, my mind began to wander.
That woman from the mall.
Who was she?
Why did she target me? when I haven't met her before.
Her smirk and piercing green eyes haunted me.
I tossed and turned, my thoughts racing.
Could she be connected to Chase; or is she the woman chased divorced me for?
After a long sigh, I shook off the thoughts.
Paris awaited.
My future.
I focused on the excitement.
Tomorrow's meeting with Julien.
My designs.
As my mind settled, sleep crept in.
Replaced by the Eiffel Tower.
And the City of Light's promise.
- Writer
