Adeline
I opened my eyes to the gentle patter of rain against the windowpane. The sun was slowly rising, casting a warm glow over the room. I checked my watch – 6 am. As I sat up, I realized I wasn't alone. Eryx lay beside me, sleeping peacefully, his chest rising and falling with each breath.
I gazed at him for a moment, then quickly looked away, feeling a flutter in my chest. I got out of bed and began my morning routine, trying to shake off the awkwardness.
Dressed and ready, I walked out of the room. "Good morning!" I said lightly, finding Eryx already up.
"Morning," he replied, his deep voice laced with sleepiness.
"I need to leave early for work," I said, glancing at him.
He nodded without argument.
"I'll be downstairs," I said, heading out.
After bidding farewell to Susan, David, and Liam, I stepped outside. That's when I overheard Eryx's hushed conversation on the phone.
"Keep digging, I want answers!" he ordered, his tone firm.
I paused, intrigued.
Eryx ended the call and turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine. He walked towards me, took my hand, and I remembered our charade. I played along, holding his hand as I waved goodbye to Susan.
He opened the car door for me, and I slid in.
***
The car ride was blissfully silent, the only sound being the gentle hum of the engine. I gazed out the window, watching the rain-soaked roads and trees whizz by. Eryx's profile was chiseled, his eyes fixed intently on the road.
I let the silence wrap around us, sensing he needed space. Maybe he was still reeling from our interactions with Susan.
Eryx's deep voice broke the silence. "Do you need assistance with anything?"
I turned to him, arching an eyebrow. "Hm? With what?"
"Anything," he replied, his gaze still on the road.
I teased, "Help me find my lost hair bands?"
A hint of a smile danced on his lips. "I'm not a detective."
"You're somewhat similar," I said, and he chuckled.
His smile was mesmerizing – a rare, radiant sight that left me breathless.
"You should smile often!" I exclaimed, my thoughts spilling out.
Our gazes met, and I quickly clarified, "I mean, people should smile a lot, right?"
"Was that a compliment?" Eryx asked, his voice low and husky.
"I mean... your smile isn't that bad. Of course, it's nice," I said, downplaying my sincerity.
He smiled again, and a fleeting blush crossed his face.
"And that assistant offer was a thank you, wasn't it?" I asked, recalling his initial question.
Eryx nodded, his expression soft.
"You're starting to get me. Not good," he said with a hint of amusement.
I smiled and gazed out the window, feeling a comforting silence settle between us.
Eryx's focus returned to the road, his thoughts likely mirroring mine.
***
As we arrived at my place, Eryx pulled up to the entrance. "I'll drop you off here," he said, his eyes meeting mine.
"Thanks," I replied, gathering my belongings.
I arrived at Creative Spark, the office still quiet and empty. Nobody else had arrived yet.
I slipped into my workspace, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
As I settled in, I began organizing my thoughts and prioritizing tasks for the day.
My design work demanded focus, and I dove into brainstorming ideas for an upcoming campaign.
Occasionally, my mind wandered to Eryx – his smile, his intensity, and the cryptic phone call.
But I pushed those thoughts aside, concentrating on the creative process.
Time flew, and before I knew it, the morning sun had risen higher.
The silence was interrupted only by the hum of the air conditioner and my laptop keys clacking.
I worked steadily, lost in my designs.
***
Wednesday morning dawned bright, and I arrived at Elite Fashion House, excitement coursing through my veins.
Elena Vasquez greeted me warmly, her smile infectious. "Today, we'll dive into the Grand Showcase's theme, expectations, and timelines."
I took a deep breath, ready to absorb every detail.
The conference room buzzed with creatives: designers, stylists, and models, all eager to bring "Ethereal Dreams" to life.
Elena's presentation mesmerized me. "Inspired by the celestial beauty of the night sky," she whispered, her eyes sparkling.
I envisioned flowing silhouettes, shimmering fabrics, and starry accents.
As the team discussed colors and styles, I contributed my ideas, feeling valued among seasoned designers.
Elena introduced the Elite Fashion House team:
Marco, creative director, with his bold vision
Clara, head stylist, with her impeccable flair
Julian, marketing manager, with his strategic insight
Each shared expertise, illuminating the showcase's production.
As the orientation concluded, Elena handed me a comprehensive guide.
"Your designs will shine, Adeline. We're excited to see your interpretation."
Her words boosted my confidence.
With the Grand Showcase's vision clear, I left Elite Fashion House, inspired and motivated.
***
I trudged into my empty apartment, Sophie and Liv already out for work. Exhaustion weighed me down, the thought of heading to the office daunting. Everything seemed to be moving too fast.
I changed into something comfortable and collapsed onto my bed, reaching for my phone. Two text messages caught my attention.
Ethan: Stop avoiding my texts! Call me back!
Eryx: How was the orientation?
My fingers instinctively opened Eryx's message, and without realizing it, I dialed his number.
After a minute, he answered.
"Hello? Are you busy?" I asked.
"No, I'm not! I'm listening!" Eryx replied.
I smiled, feeling relieved.
But then, a voice in the background shouted, "Man, we need you here! Come on! Stop flirting on the phone!"
My cheeks flushed as I realized Eryx wasn't alone – or free.
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...
