Once a popular it girl, Emma now leads a simple life as a creative advertising director. Her quiet routine is disrupted when she meets Noah, a mysterious businessman, through a dating app. Noah, the app's owner, is a young and famous entrepreneur. B...
The morning at the advertising agency hadn't started much differently from any other day; the same tired faces, the hurried sips of coffee, and the oppressive atmosphere as my boss tried to exert control over everyone... But that day, something felt different. There was a restlessness inside me, a weight on my chest. It felt as though a veil of mist had been drawn over everything, and no matter what I did or said, it wouldn't be enough. That was the feeling I had as soon as I stepped into the office.
I sat down at my desk and turned on my computer. The blinking cursor on the screen seemed to mirror the emptiness in my mind. I had spent years working as a creative director at this small advertising agency, but today, I felt more exhausted and drained than ever. I reviewed the presentation over and over again. Everything seemed to be in place, but would it be enough?
The sound of raised voices from my boss's office pulled me back to the present moment. I had been lost in thought, but now I was back. Waves of fear and anxiety started to rise within me as I took a deep breath, though it did little to calm me. My boss opened his door and walked towards me with determined steps. The sound of his footsteps made my heart race.
"Emma!" he shouted, his voice echoing throughout the office. The anger in his tone filled every corner of the room. Other employees looked up from their desks, watching the scene unfold. The weight of their gazes bore down on me, but there was nothing I could do. "What is this presentation? What are you trying to do? These ideas are completely ordinary, there's no creativity at all! The client will never accept this!"
His words cut deep. All my efforts, all my hard work, were dismissed in an instant. Everyone's eyes were on me, but I simply lowered my head and stayed silent. Inside, I felt like a volcano on the verge of eruption, but I chose silence at that moment. I had no strength left to defend myself. Instead of arguing, I decided to stay quiet until his anger subsided.
I could feel the disdain in his gaze. This attitude had become more pronounced over the past few weeks. No matter what I did or said, it was never enough. It was becoming hard to breathe under the pressure. At that moment, I realized I couldn't stay in the office any longer. I felt like I was suffocating. I got up from my desk and quickly walked towards the fire escape. It had become my refuge—the only place where I could find peace and quiet without being disturbed.
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I sat down on the cold metal steps of the fire escape, dangling my feet over the railing as I stared out at the cityscape. My eyes filled with tears, but I fought hard not to cry. I was trying to stay strong, but something inside me had broken.
I tried to remember why I loved this job. Bringing projects to life with my creativity, turning my ideas into reality, had always excited me. But lately, that excitement had been replaced by fear and anxiety. Every word, every glance from my boss made me feel smaller. I had grown to hate my job, but I couldn't understand how I had reached this point.
Just then, I felt my phone vibrate. I took a deep breath and looked at the screen. It was a message from Noah.
Noah: How are you?
Emma: Like crap.
Noah: Why?
Emma: I'm sick of the harassment at this company. My boss is a terrible, clueless jerk, and he's ruining my life.
I put my phone away and continued staring at the view, my eyes misty with tears. My phone buzzed again with a notification, but I ignored it for a while. Tears rolled down my cheeks.
I thought about my old life. Things weren't always like this. I used to be loved and successful. My grades weren't always the highest, but I was a cheerleader in high school. The gymnastics classes my parents enrolled me in as a child, which I had attended for ten years, had finally paid off. I used to dance ballet, sing, and play the guitar. I was popular, had a wide social circle, and was always well-liked. Despite all this, I was kind and polite to everyone; I never bullied anyone. So when did my life start to fall apart like this? Was it when I graduated and started working at this company, or was it when I chose this major in college? Or was it even earlier?
Finally, I wiped my tears with the back of my hand, and unable to resist my curiosity, I took out my phone.
Noah: I really want to talk to you right now. Can I call you? Please, give me your number.
My heart began to race. I hadn't expected a famous and successful businessman like Noah to ask for my number. Just messaging with him was exciting enough, but now... hearing his voice? That was an entirely different level. The thought of actually talking to him both terrified and intrigued me.
I hesitated for a moment. Should I give him my number? Despite the fear inside me, I gathered my courage and sent him my number. My heart pounded in my chest, and my hands trembled slightly. A few seconds later, my phone buzzed again with another message from Noah.
Noah: Forget it, I take it back. I'm sorry if I bothered you, Emma. After all, you still don't know me.
Reading this message, I felt a warmth in my heart. Noah's kindness and understanding comforted me and made me want to talk to him even more. But at that moment, I was too overwhelmed by my emotions. I was afraid that talking to him on the phone would make me even more vulnerable.
I took a deep breath and, with trembling hands, began to type a response.
Emma: I'm going through a tough time right now. Maybe we can talk later?
After sending the message, I continued to cry. Sitting on the fire escape, facing the city skyline, I tried to hold back my tears. Noah's message came quickly.
Noah: I understand, Emma. I'm really sorry to hear that. I'm having a terrible day myself, and talking to you would have really helped, but I don't want to push you if you're not comfortable. I'm here if you need me, whenever you're ready.
Reading this, something inside me broke. Noah's thoughtfulness and kindness moved me deeply. I wanted to open up to him, but at that moment, I didn't have the strength.
Emma: Thank you, Noah. Talking to you would help, but I'm barely holding back tears right now.
I let the tears flow down my cheeks. All the emotions I had been holding in suddenly poured out. Within seconds, Noah sent another message.
Noah: Listen to me, Emma. Don't let anyone treat you like this. You deserve so much better. You need to value yourself. Remember, you're strong, and you'll get through this tough time. If you need anything, please let me know.
This message began to rebuild something in my heart. Knowing that Noah cared so much about me started to lift the dark clouds within me. I held my phone tightly, feeling his presence giving me strength. With this newfound strength, I suddenly felt a change in my emotions and sent him my phone number.
Emma: +1 (312) 555-**** Emma: I'm waiting.
The moment I sent the message, my phone started ringing from a number I didn't recognize. My heart pounded. He hadn't hidden his number from me. That meant he trusted me!
Biting my lower lip with hesitation, I realized I couldn't hold back any longer. I answered the call and brought the phone to my ear.
