Meet Scarlett Striker, a bold and quirky journalist for the Seattle Times. She's fun, confident, sassy, and just the right amount of weird. Scarlett is determined to rise to the top, no matter what it takes.
When her boss offers a golden opportunity...
Welcome to Elizabeth's first chapter-where her journey begins. Here's a sneak peek at the tropes:
Friends to Lovers (Who doesn't love a good slow burn?)
He's My First (Because the first time is unforgettable!)
Love Triangle (Get ready for some heart-wrenching decisions!)
Billionaire Romance (Because a little luxury never hurt anyone.)
Office Romance (Where sparks fly between meetings!)
Trigger Warnings: Some scenes may be sensitive for readers, including mentions of abuse and assault, violence, death, and loss. Please read with care.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy Elizabeth's journey!
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I hang up the phone with Scarlett, barely believing that I'm actually moving... to Seattle. I'm finally leaving New York City.
This feels sudden for Scarlett, but I needed to be certain before I told her. So, I quietly searched for jobs and got a response from Bryant Co. Their CEO is looking for an assistant, and I need this opportunity more than ever.
My boss didn't take my resignation well-he cursed me out, which isn't anything new, but this time, I honestly couldn't care less. I'm finally done with that abusive man. I was overworked, stressed beyond belief, and I simply couldn't take it anymore.
And then there's the fact that Matthew and my so-called best friend were having an affair. Naturally, I dumped his sorry ass.
Even though I ended things three months ago, it still stings to have lost both a boyfriend and a friend. Manhattan clearly isn't where I'm meant to be anymore. This might be the most impulsive decision I've ever made. I'm not usually impulsive-I'm meticulous, a planner. But it's been unbearable. Dealing with an abusive boss every day and then having to deal with my ex, that abusive dick, pounding on my door every week? It's been like living in a never-ending nightmare. He pounds so hard, I swear one day he's going to break it down.
That's why I'm leaving. This city, with all its memories and pain, isn't meant for me anymore. And honestly, I'm starting to fear for my safety.
I never told Scarlett the whole truth because she'd lose it and go after Matt with a vengeance, but the truth is, he's hit me before. Last week, he somehow broke into my apartment and trashed everything. I know if I told anyone, they'd insist I call the police, but I can't. I'm terrified. His threats work.
"Matt, what are you doing here?" I ask, my voice trembling as I see the wild look in his darkening brown eyes. Before I can react, he grabs my arm and yanks me into an alley. I try to scream, but the next thing I feel is a hot, stinging pain on my cheek. He slapped me. It's not the first time, and I know it probably won't be the last.
