Endless Smiles

Chapter 01

Ariette has always loved the fall, and fall in New York had to be one of the most beautiful sights around the world. She gripped her coat closer to her chest and took a deep breath, an involuntary smile on her face as the familiar smell of the waffles wafted up her nose. She walked closer to the small cafe down the street and placed an order for a hot coffee and a plain bagel. She grabbed her order and looked around the place. It was a really tiny place and she was glad to see that her favourite spot by the window was empty. She rushed towards the window and grabbed a seat. Ariette set her food down on the table and removed her scarf and her coat and draped it on the back of her chair. She sighed in glee as she took a sip of her coffee and relaxed. This cafe was a gem that was somehow not known to a lot of people. It was run by an elderly couple who simply ran the cafe as a means of spending time together and not to earn livelihood from the place. Ari loved Frank and Anne with all her heart. Their kids had settled in Australia and kept calling Frank and Anne there but Anne loved the city and so Frank decided to stay in New York only. She would often sit with them and talk about anything and everything. But today, none of them were at the cafe. It was just their employee Martha who was handling business. But today wasn't a random day. Today was special. She was officially going to begin working from tomorrow.

Radiance Inc. was started by her dad almost 25 years ago and was a very well known name around the city. It is a design house that is reputed in designing fine luxurious jewellery. And tomorrow onwards Ariette will officially start working there. As excited as she was, there was a lot of anxiety and uncertainty as well. She could not screw this up like last time. Ari shuddered at the memory. But this was her chance to redeem herself. She finished the last of her coffee and headed back home. The Rhodes lived in a beautiful brownstone house. It was the perfect blend of warm, cozy, modern and chic. All thanks to her mom and her love for designing. Ariette's mom worked as a freelance interior designer and their house was usually the place where a lot of her visions came to life. She also has an older brother, James. He's usually caught up with work but it was nice to see him put in the hard work. He also worked for Radiance Inc. but Ari wasn't sure if he wanted her to join Radiance Inc. She shook her head at that thought and walked towards the kitchen where she knew her mom had cooked up a storm. She grinned as she saw the wide array of dishes. "Hi sweetie!" She greeted her. Ari smiled and looked at the food and asked, "are we having a party that I don't know about?" She laughed and said, "no no! We are in fact celebrating the last day you will be my little girl, because starting tomorrow you are going to be a strong, independent working woman!" She said proudly. Ari looked away at her words, having heard them before. Her mom sighed as she looked at Ari's face and came closer and cupped her face and said, "sweetheart, learn to let go of the past or you'll never learn to start anew. Whatever happened, happened. It's a new day and a new start. Embrace it." she took a deep breath and nodded. "Now go and freshen up, I'll set the table. Mark and James should be home soon too." She informed Ariette. She agreed and went straight to her room. Her  room was her safe haven. She loved being there. She quickly pulled a pair of comfortable pyjamas from her wardrobe and washed her face and changed her clothes. She pulled her hair into a high bouncy ponytail and walked out of the room. While she was reaching her room she heard her dad's loud booming voice echoing from his study. But before she could go in and check up on him, someone tapped on her shoulder. Ari rolled her eyes knowing exactly who it was. "Don't even think about it!" Said a teasing voice. "Don't even think about what?" she asked. James rolled his eyes and said, "I know you were planning to go and check in on dad, but it's not a good idea. It's work related and you Ari, have one last day of freedom before you are sucked into the same whirlpool." He said. His eyes shining with sincerity. She hmphed at his words but nodded and pulled him away from the door of the study and asked, "So what are we doing today? Mom has planned a huge meal to celebrate the day but I was thinking maybe you and I could watch something together?" Ari asked hopefully. James laughed and hit her on the shoulder and said, "no can do Ari, no can do. I have plans to catch up with some friends later tonight, if you know what I mean!" He said and winked. She rolled her eyes at him and hit him on the back of his head and shook her head at him. James has always been easygoing and popular which would explain why he had so many friends. Ever since high school Ari and James decided not to interfere in each other's social lives and so far it has been working well.