LOGINThe first day at the project site had left everyone exhausted.By the time the Dawnat team returned to the hotel, the sun was already sinking behind Chicago's skyline, painting the glass buildings in shades of gold and amber.The company shuttle was unusually quiet that evening.Gone was the excitement from the morning. Everyone looked drained from the day's stress.Some of the workers slept against the windows, while others scrolled lazily through their phones.A few though, discussed the next day’s workload.Penelope sat beside Wilson, staring outside.The city lights gradually flickered to life as evening settled."We survived Day One," Wilson said, breaking the silence, “We can surely conquer.”Penny laughed softly, "I feel like a sac of potatoes.""Tomorrow, you will feel like a sac of yams."Penny gave him a look, "Thank you for your encouragement.""Don't mention,” he grinned at her and she rolled her eyes.The ride continued peacefully back to the hotel.On the way back, Penny
"What a small world."Penny still couldn't believe it. She stared at Dante as if he might suddenly disappear if she blinked too much.The man laughed at her expression, "You're looking at me like you've seen a ghost.""I practically have!" Penny exclaimed. "Dante, it's been years!""Seven years."Her eyes widened, "You counted?""I have a good memory,” he winked and Penny rolled her eyes."No. You're just weird."Dante placed a hand over his chest with a fake look of pain, "That hurts."She laughed, giving him a middle finger.Dante then glanced behind her and frowned slightly, before looking back at her, "Coffee?"Penny hesitated, “My lunch break is almost over and I have to go back to work.”“What exactly are you doing?” He asked, crossing his arms over his chest.“I'm a designer,” she replied calmly, “For Dawnat.”His brows raised, “Oh wow. That's…incredible.”“Yeah. So …what business do you have here?” She asked him back.“I just came to visit Charles. Didn't know he was renovatin
Penny was utterly confused. Nothing could ever prepare her for the fact that rumours around her were floating around the staff.She clenched her fists slightly. No.This was what she had tried to avoid the very first day she was accepted into Dawnat.Calvin not realizing her secret, not getting close to him, and rumours not circulating around her.Turned out fate skipped the first two and landed on the third one to make her miserable.A tired sigh escaped her lips as she turned around and headed back downstairs to join the others.She couldn't entirely blame them though. If she were in their position, she would probably be suspicious too.Calvin Dawson wasn't exactly subtle anymore with his attention on her.The memory of the gala flashed through her mind. The dance, the ride home, the way he constantly seemed to find reasons to pull her closer.Penny bit the inside of her cheek.She couldn't allow this to continue. Demetria would probably throw her hands in the air and say,"Girl, w
It was the day. Saturday.The day the Almighty project would begin. Time for mind, body and soul stress!Penelope heaved a sigh. She was ready for it, but also at the same time, not ready. It was just that bittersweet feeling.But work called and none had a choice not to answer.By seven-thirty that morning, the Dawnat team had gathered in the hotel lobby, coffee cups in hand and sleepy expressions on their faces.The excitement of arriving in Chicago had officially worn off. Now reality had arrived, slamming them in their faces.Penelope adjusted her jacket while trying to suppress a yawn.Then, a voice appeared beside her."Rough night?"She turned to see Wilson standing there holding two coffees. One was already extended toward her and she smiled."You are officially my favorite coworker."Wilson grinned, "I know."She accepted the cup gratefully, "Thank you."“Hi, Penelope.”Penelope looked sideways to see Freya, “Hi, Freya. Good morning.”“Hope you slept well?”Before Penelope co
Penelope froze. Her eyes met his and the room instantly faded. The laughter disappeared. Her heart erupted in her chest and her fingers tightened on her lap.Calvin watched every flicker on her face. Waiting and watching patiently.The question hung in the air.Penelope's heart nearly stopped. For one horrible second, she thought Calvin knew. That he had remembered. That everything was over. But then reality returned. No, no. He wasn't aware. There was no way. And there was no way she could answer honestly.Not here. Especially in front of everyone. Not ever. A nervous laugh escaped her lips."Maybe because you're my boss."The room immediately erupted into laughter, "That's fair!""I look at him the same way!""Exactly!"One of them pointed toward Calvin, "Sir, you're terrifying."Calvin's brow lifted, "Am I?"The entire lounge answered at once, "YES!"More laughter followed and Penelope smiled with relief as the attention shifted away from her.But when she dared glance at Calvin
Penelope thought the airplane controversy had been the worst thing that could happen.She had been very, very wrong.When the Dawnat crew finally landed in Chicago, everyone disembarked with visible excitement.The airport buzzed around them with movement, voices, and rolling luggage. Staff members talked over one another while they moved through baggage claim, their energy somehow stronger despite the long trip.By the time everything was concluded, a private shuttle had arrived to drive them to the hotel where Dawnat had booked their stay.And when Penelope learned the hotel was also owned by the Dawsons…well…that somehow made complete sense.The moment they arrived, everyone stepped out and stared.The building towered over the street like something out of a magazine. Elegant glass panels reflected the evening skyline while warm golden lights glowed through the entrance.It looked breathtaking.One of the younger staff let out a low whistle, “Is there anything the Dawsons don’t own
The gala was beginning to loosen at the edges. People actually began to enjoy themselves and not stuck up in their show of elegance.Penelope had spent the last hour moving between coordination tasks and avoiding eye contact she could feel from across the room like a physical thing.Calvin Dawson h
The city didn’t look like itself at night. It showed itself in different colors. But Penelope's favorite was gold.And tonight, the lights were golden.The lights fell across the glass towers beautifully, and the venue chosen for the Dawnat Annual Excellence Gala stood at the center of it all, glow
That day, when Penelope met Wilson outside of Calvin's office, she apologized to him. He told her it was fine, but she insisted because she felt bad.Calvin was acting cold towards him and she didn't like it. She just hoped he didn't fire him unfairly.And for Calvin, it was quite ironic how he di
The weekend passed swiftly to make way for mighty Monday. Another day Penelope dreaded. Mondays had to be the worst day of the week.The city outside Dawnat Headquarters was already awake, already sharp, already moving like it had somewhere important to be. Inside the company, everything was more c







