You!

At exactly five in the morning, the alarm rang and woke Emma up. She stretched, yawned, and the first thing she saw was her diary on the table. She quickly grabbed it. Today felt important; she was finally ready to share her creative vision with the world. Excited, she began writing and poured her heart into the pages.

Dear diary,

This morning feels like a fresh start—the day I step into my destiny as a fashion designer and make my mark. After years of struggle, today I choose joy and leave behind the shadows of my past, including… Ezra. I’m determined to move forward and improve my financial problem. Wish me luck, Pluto.

She set her pen down and smiled, taking a deep breath. Even though she had left home without telling her mother anything, her mother welcomed her warmly when she returned the day before. They had argued, but it ended quickly after Emma promised to make up for the three years she had been gone.

After selling the car, Emma had called her mother from Mexico and lied, saying she only needed a break from New York City. What was supposed to be a short escape turned into a whole year away. Her mother eventually stopped answering her calls. Still, Emma sent money every month with notes saying it was her earnings from the clothes she sold, and her mother believed her and accepted it.

Three days ago, she had been extremely stressed while trying to book a flight out of Mexico. She finally decided to leave the next day and took the earliest flight. Phoebe didn’t come with her; she said she would fly to New York a week later, after Emma had settled in.

Emma searched through her closet. She first picked up a simple black gown but changed her mind because it was her first day at work—she needed to look impressive. 

Her eyes moved over the clothes until she found a fitted polka-dot skirt that reached just below her knees. 

Knowing fashion well, she enjoyed choosing colors and styles that matched her taste. She paired the skirt with a white satin button-down long-sleeve shirt, which had a unique rope detail woven through the sleeves. If she added a blazer, she preferred a bold red one over the usual black, wanting a mix of professionalism and glamour—not the boring corporate look. 

She added her sunglasses which were on the table where she dropped them yesterday.

Emma stared at her now completed outfit that sat on the chair, and chose a striking pair of red heels to match her bold look, along with a stylish white handbag.

Around 5:46 a.m., she stepped into the shower. 

With the sun rising, her only goal was getting to work. She wasn’t thinking about Queen’s strict rules; she didn’t want to deal with them. To her, earning a steady monthly salary was all she wanted—and that was enough motivation.

When she stepped outside her apartment, she stopped a taxi. She smiled the whole ride, feeling light and excited. 

The cab reached Queen’s Company, and the driver got a message from security saying only the CEO was allowed to stop or park in front of the building. 

Everyone else—including celebrities and royalty—had to use the parking garage the company owned.

Once Emma stepped out of the taxi, she quickly paid the driver. She took a moment to adjust her dress and looked up at the tall skyscraper that held her new workplace. The wide glass panels on the building made her drift into a daydream—she imagined a future where she would own a building just as grand. She took a deep breath and whispered to herself, “No more Ezra. This is my chance for a fresh start.”

She smoothed her dress again and walked into the company. 

She asked for directions, and she was guided to the fashion design unit, where the elevator door opened to reveal two women who greeted her with shocking gaze and warm smiles.

They were on their way out to get coffee.

“At last, she’s here! We’ve been expecting you.” Gia shouted happily, rushing forward to hug Emma. 

Emma was surprised but also curious about the joyful welcome. It seemed normal in such a lively workplace.

Floria gently pulled Gia back. “Don’t mind her excitement; she’s been waiting for you since we heard you were joining us.” Emma could see the genuine happiness in Gia’s eyes. Floria then introduced them both: “I’m Floria, and this is Gia.”

“And I am—” Emma started to speak, but the two women cut her off at the same time.

“Emmaline Facer!” they said together, full of excitement.

Gia rushed to Emma’s side, glowing. “You are absolutely stunning! I love how you layered the red, black, and white. Your outfit is perfect!”

“Thank you,” Emma replied.

Gia took charge and offered to show Emma her desk. She also excitedly shared what Emma needed to know about the company—who to watch out for, who to avoid, and the little secrets everyone knew.

When they stepped into the busy office, Gia clapped loudly to get everyone’s attention. With a playful flair, she announced, “The person we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. Drum roll, please!”

A girl with dark skin and short curly hair stepped forward with a friendly smile.

“Hi, Emma. I am Georgia.”

Emma smiled back. “Hello, Georgia.”

“She’s new here, just like you,” Gia explained.

Emma turned to Floria and asked, “Is she usually like this?”

Floria shook her head. “She’s only like this with you. When the others came, she didn’t act like this at all. I even wondered if you two knew each other before.”

Gia faced Emma again. “You’re at Level 1, and we’re at Level 2. Since we share this office, we’ll help you understand how things work. If you need anything, just ask.”

“Thank you, Gia,” Emma said as she walked to her desk. She touched the elegant chair, and a bright smile spread across her face. After everything she had gone through, she finally got a job at one of the most prestigious companies in the industry.

Gia pulled her chair closer and sat beside Emma, speaking in a friendly but informative tone. “You won’t use machines in Level 1 until you reach Level 3. For now, you’ll only make designs and submit them. The dresses are sewn by Level 6.”

Curiosity lit up Emma’s eyes. “What about Level 2?”

Gia replied, “That’s where we work with mannequins and sew by hand using needles and thread. It took me two years to get here, but you’ll probably move faster.” She leaned in and lowered her voice. “There’s something you should know about this place, though. Have you heard of the cold, handsome devil?”

Emma shot her a puzzled look. “The cold, handsome what?”

“The cold, handsome devil,” Gia repeated.

Emma shook her head. “No—I haven’t.”

Gia chuckled softly. “That’s the nickname for our CEO, Mr. Queen. He’s very attractive and surprisingly young, with piercing blue eyes that rarely smile, making him even more intriguing. His office is on the top floor, and being called there means he’s noticed you.”

Floria shifted her chair closer to Emma, subtly pushing Gia’s chair out of the way.

“That’s not completely true,” she said. “But you really want to avoid being called to his office.”

“Why?” Emma asked.

Floria leaned in, whispering. “Because once you look into those blue eyes, your heart might be captured—you could get completely lost. The CEO isn’t just rich; he’s also stunning, and it’s amazing how much he’s achieved at such a young age.”

“Rich?” Emma raised an eyebrow.

Of course, he is rich!

He ran one of the most famous fashion companies in the world. 

She asked Floria, “Is he seeing anyone?”

Floria shook her head, looking unsure. “I really doubt it. He’s never been seen flirting at work or in the news. Sometimes I wonder if he might be gay.”

A sly smile crossed Emma’s face as she thought about the possibilities. If she could get the CEO’s attention, her dream of owning a skyscraper might finally come true.

Floria snapped her fingers in front of Emma, pulling her back to the moment. “What are you thinking? Seriously, stay away from him.”

Just then, the office phone rang and everyone jumped. 

“Can someone answer that?” Floria asked as silence fell.

After a pause, Gia jumped up. “I’ll take it!” She rushed to the phone, listened, nodded, sighed, and hung up.

“Gia, what’s going on?” Floria asked, and all eyes fell on her.

“The secretary called. Emma is needed in the CEO’s office.”

Gasps filled the room, and Emma’s heart raced. Could it be that fate was finally on her side? She felt a rush of excitement, knowing she was on the verge of something she had long wanted.

She stood up and looked at Gia. “How do I get there?”

Floria jumped from her chair and grabbed Emma’s hand. “Be careful. Try not to look him in the eye,” she warned.

Everyone in the room watched as Emma left the office.

Gia turned to Floria. “She’s so lucky.”

***

Emma stepped into the elevator, following Floria’s advice. She pressed the button for the top floor, talking quietly to herself. She decided to ignore the negative stories she had heard about the CEO, wondering how someone could be so attractive that weird rumors always seemed to follow him.

When the elevator doors opened, she walked to the secretary’s desk.

“Good morning,” she said with a smile. “I was told the CEO wants to see me.”

Milan looked up. “Yes, Miss Facer. He’s expecting you.”

Emma took a deep breath and walked toward the office. At the door, she exhaled slowly and knocked.

“Come in,” a deep voice said.

She peered her head in and saw a man in a crisp white shirt, his back to her as he looked out the window. His rolled-up sleeves showed toned muscles, and Emma nearly stumbled at the sight. 

At that moment, she understood why so many people talked about him.

Control yourself, she reminded herself. This isn’t why I’m here.

She pushed the door open and stepped in, closing it behind. 

Mr. Queen turned, slipping his hand into his pocket. His shirt was partly unbuttoned, showing a glimpse of his chest. 

He walked toward her with confidence.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Facer,” he said, his gaze taking in her outfit. “I knew you would look stunning on your first day.”

Emma froze, drawn to his striking eyes—the ones she had heard so much about just a few moments ago. 

They seemed magnetic, pulling her in.

“After reviewing your designs, I can say you’re a perfect fit for my company,” he said warmly. “I’m Ezra Queen, CEO of Queen Fashion.”

Ezra?

The name hit her like a lightning bolt.

Ezra Queen…?

Ezra Queen is his name?

Ezra Queen… is my boss?!

Her chest tightened, panic clawing at her throat. She could barely breathe.

“Are you alright?” he asked, concern flashing across his face.

Emma took a step back instinctively, but misjudged, and started to fall. 

His hands caught her effortlessly.

Her eyes shot up to his, and the world seemed to stop.

This was him. The man she had stolen from three years ago.

Shock froze her in place as recognition hit. 

His face mirrored her surprise, twisting into confusion, his lips pressing into a tight frown. “You…”