REDEMPTION IN LOVE

THE CROWN OF RESPONSIBILITY

The next morning, I woke before my alarm, my nerves already humming with anticipation. I stared at the ceiling, trying to convince myself that today was just another day, that I hadn’t just agreed to take on the most significant role in my father’s empire. But the reality was impossible to ignore. I was about to walk into my father's company as the CEO, a role I had neither asked for nor prepared myself for. Yet, here I was, ready to face it.

I pulled on a sharp black pantsuit, adjusting the blazer in the mirror. My eyes looked colder than usual, sharper. It was as if the weight of the position had already begun to change me. I welcomed the change. I needed to be someone different. Someone who wasn’t still broken over a failed marriage.

The drive to the office was silent, my fingers tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel. The city was waking up around me, but my mind was still steeped in last night’s conversation. My parents had given me the opportunity, but I knew this was something I had to own. If I showed any signs of weakness, the board would eat me alive.

As I pulled into the underground parking lot of my father's company, I sat in the car for a moment longer than necessary, collecting myself. I took a deep breath, then stepped out. The sharp click of my heels echoed as I walked through the lobby, my every step calculated, my posture rigid. Heads turned as I entered the building, whispers floating through the air. I didn’t care. Let them talk.

When I arrived at the top floor, the executive offices, there was an unmistakable tension in the air. The employees, many of whom had known me since I was a child, gave me wary glances. I offered no smiles, no acknowledgment. I walked through the office like I owned the place—because now, I did.

I made my way to the CEO’s office, my father’s former domain. It was an expansive space, lined with glass walls that overlooked the city. The large mahogany desk sat in the middle of the room, papers neatly organized as though my father had been here just yesterday. It felt strange sitting in his chair, but I forced myself to lean back, clasping my hands on the desk. My father's legacy was now mine to uphold.

The meeting with the board was in ten minutes. I had skimmed through the agenda earlier this morning. Most of the board members had been handpicked by my father, loyal to him for years. But I knew that didn’t mean they would trust me. They would test me. Challenge me.

A sharp knock on the door broke my thoughts. My father's assistant—now mine—peered in.

"Ms. Tanvi, the board is ready for you," she said, her voice laced with hesitation.

I gave her a curt nod and stood, smoothing down my suit. “Let’s go.”

The boardroom was massive, with a long glass table that could easily seat twenty. The room was already filled when I entered, all eyes turning to me. I didn’t flinch under their scrutiny. I let my cold gaze sweep over them as I took the head of the table, where my father had always sat. The silence was palpable.

"Shall we begin?" I said, my voice cool and steady.

One of the senior board members, Mr. Sharma, cleared his throat. He was an older man, well-respected, but I could sense the skepticism behind his eyes.

"Ms. Tanvi," he began, "we understand that this is a...new venture for you, stepping into your father’s shoes. But running this company is no small task. The question many of us have is...do you think you’re truly ready for this? Do you believe you fit this position?"

His words hung in the air, charged with doubt. The other board members shifted in their seats, eyes flicking between Mr. Sharma and me, waiting for my response.

I let the silence stretch for a few seconds longer than necessary, studying their faces. Then, I leaned forward slightly, folding my hands on the table.