CHAPTER 1: Stars Aligned

Ring! Ring!

The alarm blared sharply at 6:30 A.M., and Penelope sprang out of bed.

“Holy shit!”

She had planned to wake up earlier before the alarm clock today. Well at least, she wasn't late.

Great start.

She dragged a hand down her face, then swung her legs off the bed. No time to sulk. Today wasn’t just another day, it was important.

Very important.

Rushing into the bathroom, she splashed cold water from the faucet onto her face, trying to wash away the last stubborn traces of sleep.

“Penny! Are you still asleep?!”

Penelope groaned softly. “I’m awake! I’m coming!”

But that didn’t stop Demetria from barging in like a storm.

Penelope turned, toothbrush in her mouth, foam at the corner of her lips as she raised a brow at her best friend.

Demetria grinned. “You’re actually up early. My good luck charm is working!”

Penelope rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

“If your ‘good luck charm’ means stress, then yes, it’s working perfectly.”

Demetria gasped dramatically and pulled her into a tight hug. “Today is going to be amazing! I can feel it! The stars are aligned!”

Penelope laughed, pulling away before she suffocated. “Let me breathe first before destiny finds me, please.”

But the smile on her face didn’t last. Because beneath all the jokes… beneath the normalcy…Her chest felt tight.

Penelope Adams was twenty-six years old. She had seen life — the good, the bad, and the painfully ugly.

And if not for her best friend and her mother… she might not have survived it.

Being broke as a young adult was normal. But being broke as a single mother? That was a nightmare she never wanted.

But life didn’t ask for permission.

There had been days she wanted to run, to disappear. But her mother had been there. Always.

“It’s okay, Penny,” she had said gently. “Try the city. There are more opportunities there. Don’t worry about Shirley, I’ll take care of her.”

Penelope could still remember how her chest had tightened that day.

“I’m sorry, M-Mother… I failed you…”

But her mother had only smiled softly.

“Shh… don’t cry. I’ll always be proud of you. No matter what.”

That support… and Demetria’s unwavering presence… It kept her going.

For her daughter. For herself.

And now, she had an interview. At Dawnat. The biggest interior design company.

“I don’t even have a degree,” she had complained earlier.

“Try first,” Demetria had insisted. “Don’t just assume.”

Now here she was. Dressed and ready for it, staring at herself in the mirror.

“You look beautiful,” Demetria whispered behind her, chin resting on her shoulder.

Penelope smiled faintly, “I really hope this is it, Demi. I really do.”

Her voice was quiet and almost fragile.

She had suffered a lot of rejections in the past that she almost gave up. And now…she really didn't want to lose this chance.

Demetria squeezed her hands gently, “It will be. Just have faith.”

She offered her a smile and Penelope returned it.

“Now… let’s go smash that interview!”

The city was already alive when Demetria and Penelope stepped out…

Sleek cars moved in restless streams, horns blaring occasionally as people rushed through their morning routines.

Penelope sat in the back of the taxi, her fingers gripping her bag tightly.

Her reflection stared faintly back at her in the window.

She looked very calm, professional and put together on the outside, but on the inside, she was about to burst open.

Her stomach twisted.

She was so nervous. She was always nervous. But today….she wondered if it was because it was Dawnat.

Her blue eyes drifted forward as she took a deep breath.

She shouldn't worry. It would be fine. After all, just as Demetria said, the stars were aligned.

But then, the car came to an abrupt stop and Penelope looked up.

She was here. She really was here.

The building stood tall, with glass reflecting the morning sun so brightly it almost hurt to look at.

Dawnat Interiors.

Her chest tightened, “This is it,” she whispered, as they got down from the taxi.

Demetria squeezed her hand. “Go in there and show them who you are, Penny.”

Penelope nodded. But as she walked in, her heart pounded harder. It was really hard with the pressure she felt.

You got this, Penny. She chanted in her mind like a mantra.

She approached the reception desk, offering a polite smile to the woman seated behind it, while Demetria sat in the waiting room, offering her thumbs up as good luck.

Penny smiled and nodded, then faced the already smiling receptionist again.

“Good morning. I’m here for the interview. Penelope Adams.”

The receptionist nodded, her fingers moving quickly over the keyboard. “Yes, Miss Adams. You’re right on time.”

Penelope nodded, her heart beating just a little faster.

“The CEO will see you now.”

She blinked, “The… CEO?”

“Yes.” The woman gestured toward the hallway. “Last door on the right.”

Penelope swallowed as her throat went dry.

CEO? She hadn’t expected that. Most interviews weren’t handled by the CEO.

She should have researched about the company before attending this interview…. but of course, she didn't. At least, it would have given her a heads up about the owner.

A flicker of unease passed through her again and she gulped. Dear Lord, she hoped she would not faint before she reached the door.

And finally, she reached the door of judgement. She stopped abruptly, facing it and her hand hovered over the handle for just a second.

Then, she knocked.

“Come in.”

A voice answered behind the door. Deep, controlled and there was something about it that made her breath catch.

She gulped again and pushed the door open.

The office was large, the kind of space that spoke of authority without needing to say a word. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in streams of sunlight, illuminating the sleek desk positioned at the end.

And behind it…there was a man.

He didn’t look up immediately. His attention was on the document in front of him, his fingers resting lightly against the paper as if nothing in the world could rush him.

Penelope stepped inside slowly, and stood at a side, not knowing what to do. Greet him?

“Take a seat,” he said, still not looking up.

Her legs felt strangely unsteady as she moved forward.

She reached the chair, lowering herself into it carefully, with her fingers gripping the edge slightly.

She whispered a silent prayer, hoping this opportunity wouldn't be messed up. But then, the bitterness of hope was disappointment.

Then, she felt a movement and her eyes raised. He had looked up.

And just as their eyes met, the smile she had prepared on her face dropped instantly. The world seemed to still.

Her breath caught sharply in her throat, her entire body going rigid as recognition slammed into her with brutal force.

And she paused. No.

Colour drained from her face. It couldn't…it couldn't be…

She didn't understand. What? How?!

She tried to speak, but no words came out.

Nothing could ever prepare Penelope that the man she would be meeting was her…baby's father?