When Mercedes Mauricio, a successful interior designer is left by her multi-millionaire fiancé weeks before their wedding day, she is left hurt, embarrassed and disgusted by love. After being ridiculed by tabloids and social media, she decides to sh...
I thought I had it together, while at least that what I told myself in the car as I parked in the parking lot of Jackson Interior Design Firm. You got this girl! Back like you never left ! I spoke into the rearview mirror. But all that pep talk flew right out the window as I entered the revolving doors of the firm and scanned my ID card. Before my leave of absence and right before Kenny had suggested I stay at home and he be the sole provider, I was a powerhouse in the interior decor and architecture realm. People from all across the nation came to Jackson firm because of my work and what they have heard about the award-winning decorator . I decorated houses, apartments and establishments of some of the most influential people, from celebrities to politicians . Many have called me the 'Olivia Pope of Interior Design' because of my no-nonsense yet groundbreaking persona. I got s**t done, you ask and I deliver, that was me. Now I walked with a plastered nervous smile on my face as I hurried up the stairs. In the glass of the frame I watch my reflection as the stairs ascend. At the top of the stairwell lie an image of our founder and the year this firm was established 2005 it read. As I push through the double door, my shoes force me to take deliberate step.
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I pushed past the row of people whose necks nearly snapped at the sight of me . Others whispered among themselves as if they couldn't believe I had returned. I held my head high, waving at those I was familiar with and others I offered a gentle smile.
"You're back," I heard someone squeal behind me as I opened the door to my office.
"Persia! Hey, it's so nice to see you again." I said to my assistant as I dropped my bag underneath my desk.
"Uhhh come here, give me a hug," She smiled and we exchanged a warm hug with one another. "How are you?"
"Good, you know I've been laying low ever since the ...well you know."I spoke, referring to me and Kenny's break up.
"Yes, that right," She whispered and closed the door behind her. "How are you doing ?"
"Uhh, I'm better."I responded honestly. I took a seat in my chair and proceeded to swap my heels out for a pair of flats I had in my drawer.
"Good that good,"She reassured me. "And how Leeana?"
"She's great..she's at daycare now."
"Oh no, she's getting so big." She said.
I know right." I chuckled. Persia Ralph has been my trusted assistant since my days as a mid-entry designer and has been by my side since. A hazel-brown beauty from Latin America, she started off as an intern when she first moved to Atlanta and after a few months I promoted her to executive assistant where she handles my day-to-day operations. During her time in my office, she informed me of all the things I have missed while away and the projects we were currently working on at the moment.
"Well, we missed you over here and I'm glad to see back, Mercedes."
"Thank you,Persia."I smiled while turning over my silver desk sign that integrated my full name and title 'Senior Interior Designer.' "I'll send over what's on the agenda today through your email." She said and closed the door.
