Novels by Janelle Rich

Marrissa's point of view I spent Sunday indoors, preparing mentally and physically for tomorrow's work activities.Monday came and I dressed smartly for work. Today, I will attend my first core planning meeting.The Core Planning Team meeting was held on the thirty-fifth floor — the floor with actual glass walls, leather chairs, and a skyline view that made you feel both inspired and slightly nauseous at the same time.I held my new badge so tightly it nearly left an imprint on my palm.Samira had tried to coach me on the elevator ride up:"Okay, listen," she said in a hushed voice. You are brilliant, but you are also new to this. Some of those people there have been here for years. They are not going to throw you a party, Marrissa. Just... smile. Be polite. And don’t let Karen corner you."I frowned. " Who is Karen?"Samira widened her eyes. "You will know when you see her."Great. Cryptic warnings and mystery enemies. “This was fine,” I whispered.The elevator dinged, and w

Marrissa's point of view I woke up the next day with sunlight streaming through the curtains, casting a warm glow across my room. The noise of the city outside was a comforting reminder that I was in a new place.It was Saturday. A day to relax.I stretched lazily on the bed, feeling the softness of the sheets against my skin. The air smelled faintly of lavender from the diffuser I had set up the night before.Deciding to make the most of the day, I slipped into comfortable clothes and tied my hair up. I put on some upbeat music—something with a rhythm that made cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a party. As the melodies filled the apartment, I moved from room to room, dusting, organizing, and tidying up.An hour into my cleaning spree, my phone buzzed with a notification. I wiped my hands on a towel and picked it up.It was a message from a hidden number: “How are you faring?”I stared at the screen, puzzled.“Who could this be?” Could it be Molly or Andre? But why use

Marrissa's point of view By the time I got back to my apartment, the second folder Mr. Adrian gave me had already started whispering threats from my bag.“You are doomed,” it seemed to hiss. “Say goodbye to sleep and your sanity.”I dropped my purse and opened the folder like a woman possessed.Inside it was a mind-numbing market analysis, a confusing logistical report, and a memo full of corporate jargon so dense it might as well have been ancient Greek.There was also a handwritten note at the top:“Impress me.”“Oh good. "No pressure,” I said with a frown.I tied my hair into a messy bun, chugged three cups of coffee, and braced myself for a long, brutal night.At exactly 7:42 PM, Samira texted me:Samira: “Are you alive? “Blink twice if yes.”I texted back:“I'm barely alive Sam, this folder is trying to kill me.”Samira: “Do you need snacks?” “I can airdrop a pizza.”Me; “Bless you, but no”. “I don't need food right now because this is WAR.”

Marrissa's point of view "Oh shit, we have just fifteen minutes to get back to the office," Tasha screamed.The rest of us exclaimed and hurried to our feet.The afternoon sun was hotter now, turning the glass walls of the building into a giant mirror. As we crossed the street back toward work, I realized my feet felt lighter and my heart too.I was not walking like a girl terrified of the Echelon Project anymore. I was walking like someone who had enough confidence to carry out the project."Remember," Samira said as we neared the revolving doors, tossing me a wink, "If you start getting nervous and confused, just text me a pancake emoji. Emergency backup will arrive."I laughed, feeling some of the old fear crack and fall away.As the others walked off toward their different departments, I lingered for a second in the lobby for a while to just breathe in the cool air. I started to feel I belonged here.I turned towards the elevator that leads to the floor where my office is

Marrissa's point of viewI had to drag myself into a decent outfit and force a smile on my face.“The past is gone, Marrissa. "Focus on now and the future,” I said to myself.Then Samira’s message came in for the third time this morning."Heads up —something important is coming up now. Will fill you in when you arrive. See you soon!" “Something important?” I echoed.Was that supposed to be comforting? Because it was not.When I arrived at the company, the lobby was buzzing with activities.People in sharp suits moved quickly, whispering and tapping away furiously on tablets. A huge arrangement of fresh flowers that was not there the last time I came appeared at the entrance. Security guards stood taller, looking twice as serious.Samira found me by the elevators, and slightly bounced on her toes like she was holding a massive secret.“What’s going on?” I hissed.She just smiled and pressed the elevator button.“You will see.”The elevator opened, and before I could even step inside

Marrissa's point of view "Thanks for today," I said, smiling before getting down from the car."Anytime darling," Samira replied. "See you by 7 pm," she added."Yes boss," I replied jokingly. She drove off after that and I went inside.I shut the door behind me and just stood there, my back was pressed against it, bags still hanging from my arms, and a stupid smile spreading across my face.I dropped the bags on the couch and walked to the mirror by the door and just stared at myself. New clothes. New job. "New life,” I whispered to myself.I pinched my arm just to be sure I was not dreaming.“Ow!” I yelped, rubbing the spot."It's not a dream,” I said, and laughed at myself for even doubting everything.This is real.“Samira had just dropped me off after taking me on the most insane shopping spree of my life — and now she wanted me to go out tonight and meet even more people?” The old me would have said no immediately. Make an excuse and end up in bed all day. I checked the time.