Adeline.
Monday morning crept in, unwelcome as always. I groaned, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. Liv slept peacefully beside me, oblivious to the looming workday.
I slipped into the bathroom to start my morning routine. As I dressed, the soft rustle of my white silk blouse and the smooth zip of my dark gray pencil skirt provided a comforting familiarity. Black ballet flats and a simple silver bar necklace completed my outfit.
Grabbing my classic black tote, I headed to the living room. The balcony beckoned, where Soph sat with a steaming coffee and an open book. Her laptop glowed beside her, a testament to her intense focus on AI innovation.
"Hey Soph, seeking life advice from AI gurus?" I teased, smiling as I headed to the kitchen.
Soph's dry response drifted back, "Clearly."
I chuckled. We'd shared this apartment – and our lives – for years, Soph, Liv, and I. Our bond was strong, forged through laughter and late-night conversations.
As I made peanut butter banana toast for us, Soph asked, "Is 'Ethereal' dazzling the fashion world?"
I joined her on the balcony, handing her a plate and pouring myself a cup of coffee. "Haven't heard, Sweetheart! Hard work's done; now it's fate's turn!"
We savored our breakfast in comfortable silence, the city awakening outside.
Finishing up, I stood. "I'll get going! Bye-pie!" I waved, and with a quick smile, I left for the day.
As I stepped into Creative Spark, the familiar energy of our trendy neighborhood enveloped me. Inside, I exchanged warm smiles with Grace at reception, surrounded by sleek fashion magazines and her charming succulents.
The corridor's inspirational quotes and framed designs seemed to hum with creativity. Turning left, I entered the quiet hallway leading to my office.
My cozy cabin welcomed me with its sleek desk, plush velvet armchair, and breathtaking city views. I settled into the armchair, pulling out my planner to review the day's tasks.
Scanning the pages, I checked off completed projects and prioritized ongoing ones. My mind wandered to Eryx, his unexpected declaration to his father – "Addie's my girlfriend" – still echoing, followed by an unsettling silence.
Pushing aside doubts, I focused on the task at hand. Tired of Ethan's drama, I wasn't ready to tolerate more nonsense.
Just as I was immersed in my schedule, Rachel burst into my cabin, slightly out of breath. Our stunning 38-year-old head of studio radiated excitement.
"Guess what?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.
"What?" I replied, curiosity piqued.
Rachel's lips curved into a sly smile, infectious enough to make me grin.
"What?" I asked again, this time with a smile.
"Ready to work with Elite Fashion House?" Rachel's words spilled out. "Elite selected your design for collaboration!"
My heart skipped a beat.
"Which design?" I managed to ask.
Rachel beamed. "Your 'Ethereal Dream' gown. Elena Vasquez herself wants to meet with you."
The room seemed to spin. Elite Fashion House – the pinnacle of luxury fashion – wanted to collaborate with me?
YOU ARE READING
Beyond The Lie
RomanceI laughed and joked with the group, feeling carefree for the first time all evening. But then, I saw Eryx's dark gaze on me, his eyes narrowing as he strode towards me. "Excuse us," he said curtly, his hand wrapping around my elbow like a vice. He p...
