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
RomanceShe took a step closer, her eyes blazing with anger. "You want to know what's really unfair? It's that you're mad at me for doing what you should have done in the first place. You should have come to talk to me, should have made an effort. But no, i...
