THE PAIN YOU GIVE

CHAPTER 1-Unforeseen Encounters

On a bustling day in the heart of Chicago, amidst the towering skyscrapers that kissed the sky, Chrissy found herself engulfed in a whirlwind of stress and creative turmoil. As a young and talented graphic designer at Gate Advertising Company, her quest for new ideas for an upcoming advertising campaign seemed to hit a dead end. With papers scattered haphazardly around her, Chrissy's frustration reached its peak as she crumpled her failed attempts and tossed them into the bin. The weight of the deadline looming over her hung heavy in the air, driving her to the point of exhaustion. "I need to finish this before the week ends," she muttered to herself in a determined tone. Seeking a moment of respite, 

Chrissy rose from her chair and made her way to the window, casting her gaze upon the sprawling cityscape below. Despite the chaos within her mind, the tranquillity of the view offered a sense of calm, if only for a fleeting moment. Within the confines of Gate Advertising Company, Chrissy was not just an executive but a force to be reckoned with – young, introverted, and exuding creativity and diligence that set her apart. Her ability to command respect and hold her ground in the face of adversity made her both loved and feared among her peers. 

As Chrissy lost herself in contemplation, a gentle knock on her office door jolted her back to reality. Her secretary's reminder of an impending meeting brought her back to the present moment, prompting her to gather her materials and swiftly make her way to the conference room. Hours passed in a flurry of discussions and decisions as the meeting unfolded, testing Chrissy's resolve and strategic acumen. Yet, as the clock struck the end of the day, she emerged from the conference room, engaging in insightful conversations with her colleagues, her mind already racing towards future projects. With the day's work behind her, 

Chrissy bid farewell to the office, locking the door with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. The path to the garage beckoned, leading her towards a moment of reprieve before the next chapter unfolded before her. Amidst the urban symphony of the city, Chrissy's phone rang, a familiar name flashing on the screen – It was her sister Tameka. With a sigh, she picked up the phone" "Hi sis. I hope you haven't forgotten about the party. It just started. Where are you now?" Tameka's voice crackled through the phone, filled with excitement. "I just left the office, Tameka. I'll see you there," Chrissy replied, a smile tugging at her lips. "Fine... but don't be late," Tameka added, her tone was playful yet firm,

Chrissy sat in her car, feeling a wave of reluctance wash over her. She gazed at her reflection in the window, wishing she could just turn the car around and head home. Her sister had organized a gathering with a few friends and their husbands, but Chrissy wasn't in the mood for socializing. All she craved was the comfort of her shower, a chance to unwind after a long day. Despite her strong desire to retreat to the familiarity of her own space, Chrissy knew she couldn't bail on her sister's event. She had made a promise, and breaking it wasn't an option. With a resigned sigh, she resolved to go through with the party, even though all she wanted was to be home. After a few hours, Chrissy found herself standing at the doorstep of her sister's apartment. She raised her hand, about to knock on the door, when it swung open, revealing Tameka with an infectious grin spread across her face." 

Chrissy!!! You came!!!" Tameka exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement as she enveloped her sister in a tight hug and ushered her inside. Chrissy was greeted with warmth by her friends Andrea and Uma, and by Alex and Joe, prominent figures in the business world, who were copartners in one of the country's largest oil companies. The atmosphere inside was lively, filled with laughter, chatter, and the pulsating rhythm of music. Amidst the revelry, Chrissy found herself seated, her attention captivated by her phone screen. 

It wasn't long before Tameka herself interrupted her with a raised voice and a perplexed expression. "What do you think you're doing?" Tameka's voice sliced through the air, pulling Chrissy attention from her phone and back into the bustling scene before her. "You can't come to my party and remain seated like that, you have to mingle!" Tameka insisted, settling down beside Chrissy with a determined air.