I positioned myself gracefully before the captivating vanity mirror, delicately perfecting the artistic strokes upon my visage. With finesse, I smoothed my raven tresses, a hue I embraced four years ago upon accepting the enticing offer from the music company. Since then, I've maintained this captivating ebony allure, veiling any auburn roots that dare to make an appearance.
In the midst of my preparations, a gentle rap echoed at my chamber door, compelling me to rise from my adorned chair. "Could it be Fiona, my reliable house aide?" I pondered aloud, while seeking my nude heels within the confines of my opulent walk-in closet.
"What is it, Fiona?" I called out, making my way to my walk-in closet to grab my killer nude heels.
"Miss Janessa has arrived," came the spirited response from beyond the door, offering a glimpse into Fiona's presence.
Janessa, my newly appointed manager, entered my employ last year, after the expiration of the contract forged with the music company.
"Let her know I'll be down in five," I said, settling into the closet chair and slipping on my heels.
I returned to my room, a space big enough to pass as a whole apartment. I grabbed my bag, snatched my phone, and exited the room.
"Which ride, Miss?" Robin, my personal driver, asked as I descended the stairs.
"Any ride will do, Robin. Just off to visit various offices for reviews," I answered.
Stepping into the living room, I found Janessa seated, sipping on a cup of coffee. She promptly stood up, sporting a rehearsed smile.
"Good morning, Mariella," she greeted.
"Good morning, Jane. How about breakfast together before we dive into business?" I suggested.
"Sure thing" she offered a smile.
Janessa, displaying her adaptability, passed her coffee cup to Fiona as she passed by and gracefully accompanied me to the dining hall. As we arrived, the sight of my grandparents already seated at the table greeted us.
"Hey, Grandma," I tenderly kissed her cheek, a familiar gesture between us.
"Hey, Raquel," she responded, her mouth full as she indulged in another slice of pizza.
Pizza for breakfast? Well, that's grandma for you.
In case you're curious, Janessa knew that my grandma and a select few others affectionately referred to me as Raquel. She never probed into the matter, respecting its personal nature. Similarly, she recognized Mariella as my stage name, yet never inquired about my given name, understanding my preference for the former.
"Grandpa," I greeted, pressing a gentle kiss upon his cheek, before settling into the chair opposite him, with Janessa by my side.
"Hello, Ella. How was your night?" he inquired, briefly diverting his attention from the newspaper before returning to its pages.
"It was..." I paused, considering my response. "Eventful. Thank you," I replied, a hint of mystery lingering in my smile as Fiona approached with my preferred meal.
"I see," he nodded, his gaze fixed upon the printed words, as if still lost in the depths of the news.
Throughout the course of our breakfast, fragmented conversations punctuated the air, interwoven with the ebb and flow of the day's unfolding narrative.
—*—*—*—
"But, madam..." Mr. Perez, the executive director of my esteemed jewelry company, began to protest.
YOU ARE READING
SERENDIPITY
Storie d'amoreRewriting!!! "You drive me to madness, Raquel," he whispered, his lips grazing against my neck. Despite the betrayal and anger within me, my body betrayed me as I found myself leaning in for more, a momentary weakness consuming me. "...I can't bear...
