10th Commandment | Revamped

Chapter 1

Taraji is a beauty mogul with her own line of hair and body products, as well as a fashion label, all branded as TPH by Taraji. Her intern, Fantasia, is known for her clumsy demeanor and lack of competence. But that's just the surface of their public personas.

Behind the scenes, Fantasia rules the gritty streets of New York City. She's a formidable and dangerous presence, and the only reason she sought out a job was due to her parents’ ultimatum. This led her to apply for an internship at Taraji’s boutique.

Unbeknownst to many, Taraji is also the director of the FBI—the ultimate authority.

After completing her interview, Fantasia was instructed to meet the boss in her office. As she knocked on the door, she heard a voice call out, “Come in!”

Stepping inside, she introduced herself, “I’m Fantasia Barrino, your new intern.”

“Oh—” Taraji said, distractedly sniffing various products, appearing indifferent to the new intern's presence. Fantasia clenched her jaw, annoyed at being ignored. “Excuse me? I’m right here,” she asserted. Slowly, Taraji raised her gaze, her eyes calm yet intimidating.

Standing up, Taraji instructed, “Grab a new notepad and pencil from my left drawer and keep up with me as I walk—I'm pretty fast!”

Fantasia hurried to the drawer, grabbed her supplies, and followed Taraji, who walked quicker than she had expected. “How do you move so fast in those tiny shoes?” she wondered aloud.

“Just keep up!”

“I’m trying! Can you slow down a bit?”

“Ready?” Taraji asked.

“Absolutely!” Fantasia gasped, trying to catch her breath, not a fan of racing around in her six-inch heels, preferring sneakers instead.

“I have ten commandments. Don’t ever break them,” Taraji stated, pausing dramatically, “Never!”

Fantasia nodded, jotting down notes.

“Number one: Don’t make me late or miss any meetings.” She raised a finger.

“Got it—no tardiness!”

“Number two: No milk in my coffee. I like it black,” she said as they ventured down the impeccably designed hallway.

“Understood—black coffee it is!” Fantasia replied, her eyes wide with admiration for the beautiful surroundings. “Wow!”

“Three: No talkbacks.”
“Yes, ma’am.”

“Four: No eating in my office.”

“No food!” she quickly noted.

“Five: Ensure I’m home by 9. Sleep is as crucial as my career.”

“I’ll do my best, ma’am. This place is so artistic,” she added, her gaze darting around.

“Six: Don’t try to set me up. I’ll fire you on the spot—just ask my last intern."

“No way, ma’am. I’ve got no interest in your personal life.”

“Seven: Forego the ‘ma’am.’ Call me sir.”

“What?”

Taraji turned, intimidating Fantasia into silence once more.

“I mean, yes, ma’am—I mean sir!”

“Eight: Don’t wear pink with red shoes—it gives me a headache.”

“Got it.”

“Nine: If my mother calls, I’m never in the bathroom. Even if I am. She's got hygiene issues.”

Fantasia chuckled at that.

“Get to work,” Taraji commanded, gesturing toward Fantasia’s desk before heading back to her private office.

“Sir, what's number ten?” Fantasia inquired.

“Fantasia, right?”

“Yes, sir! Wow, you remembered!”

“I have a sharp memory,” Taraji said, walking away.

“But sir, what’s the final commandment?”

“Don’t fall for me!” Taraji called out.

“Wait, what?” Fantasia laughed, glancing at her coworkers. “Fall for you? I’m straight, that’s not happening! I mean, sir.”

“Is that a promise?” Taraji turned, their eyes locking for the first time, causing Fantasia to swallow nervously.

“Definitely, a promise!” she replied, feeling Taraji’s gaze scrutinizing her.

“Good!” Taraji declared before disappearing into her office.

Fantasia let out a breath, grinning. “She is something else. Is she always like this?” she asked her colleagues.

“Every single day. I’m Phoebe, the marketing director,” the young woman introduced herself, extending her hand. Fantasia shook it, still gazing where Taraji had vanished.

“Rule number ten?” Phoebe teased.

Fantasia burst into laughter. “No, it’s like she put a spell on me! As soon as she mentioned it, I saw her in a whole new light! She’s like a voodoo queen!”

Phoebe chuckled in response.

“Is she married?”

“Fantasia! Come on!”

Fantasia raised her hands in a playful surrender. “Okay, okay! I’ll stop! Show me around!”

"Sure thing, just follow my lead!" 
They strolled through the office.

"Wait a minute. Is our boss married or what?" 
"Yeah, but we've never actually met him. He's some big-time international businessman or something. Why the curiosity?" 

"I'm just curious about who gets to enjoy her company every single day. She's effortlessly captivating!" 

"She’s aware of that, which is why she has her rules!" 

"She’s a bit full of herself!" 
"And totally sassy!" Phoebe chimed in. 

"I've got a feeling I'm going to love it here!" 

"Welcome to the dream team, buddy. We put in some serious work around here." 
Fantasia took a deep breath, soaking it all in.

Welcome!!

Warning ⚠️⚠️ this book include ADULT Content and strong language
And might be triggering on the long run....

You know how I often promise, "I'll come back and make those edits," but somehow never get around to it? Well, here I am! My suggestion? Give it another read—you might find it delightful this time around! Well because I'm not taking 15 minutes to compile a chapter.

Some chapters are ready... I'm trying not to make y'all wait too long...