Chance Encounter

Harley's envy for Elona simmered deep within her, a shadowy green that twisted her thoughts. From her hidden vantage point, she watched Elona tackle each task with a fierce tenacity that was both inspiring and infuriating. With each determined stride, Elona seemed to radiate a light that Harley felt she could never match.

It was no secret that Elona harbored a crush on the young master of the prestigious Royale family, the wealthiest lineage in all of country M. Yet, despite the symphony of mutual admiration that played from afar, their lives had never collided in the same room.

What truly captivated Harley was the sheer resilience Elona exuded in the face of overwhelming adversity. Disowned by their father as a consequence of Harley's and Helena's cruel machinations, Elona refused to let despair claim her.

Instead, she juggled a whirlwind of part-time jobs, her days a blur of busy streets and bustling cafes, all to support herself and fund her college education. Each drop of sweat on her brow was a testament to her unyielding spirit, and Harley couldn't shake the pang of guilt that throbbed within her, reminding her of the role she played in Elona's tragic unraveling.

Elona's luck had finally changed when she landed an internship at the Royale Group, working as the assistant to the director of the design department. However, not everyone was pleased with her new opportunity. Harley, who had been instrumental in orchestrating Elona's downfall, grew anxious that Alaric might take notice of Elona's diligence and dedication.

Elona’s past was steeped in pain, her memories punctuated by trauma. But beneath the layers of hurt, a skilled traditional Chinese healer had worked wonders, healing her physical wounds with gentle, practiced hands.

Under the healer’s care, Elona’s skin shone with an almost ethereal radiance, infused with the essence of floral oils and herbal essence. Yet, the emotional scars lingered—those deep, unyielding marks that reminded her daily of her battles. To protect herself, Elona donned a clever disguise.

Though the emotional scars remained, and Elona had learned to protect herself in the only way she knew how.

With makeup, Elona created a clever disguise, concealing her natural beauty beneath a carefully crafted burn scar. The scar, expertly rendered with layers of foundation and shading, made her appear unremarkable, a far cry from the stunning young woman she truly was.

Elona's stepmother, who had once scalded her with hot water, was fooled by the disguise, and Elona was finally able to find some measure of peace. The scar also served as a deterrent, keeping men who were only attracted to her physical beauty at bay. Elona's secret was safe, hidden behind a mask of artificial imperfection.

Despite her efforts to blend into the background, Elona's exceptional work ethic had caught the attention of the richest man in Emerald Hill. One day, while working late, Elona overheard her superior discussing a challenging design project that had been stumping the team. She meekly asked to see the manuscript, and the kind director allowed her to take a peek.

When she was granted a peek, Elona’s creativity erupted forth. The quiet scratch of her pencils filled the room, punctuating the air with life as her visions transformed into tangible designs. Unknown to her, Alaric had just concluded a conference call with foreign investors and was about to leave the office when he caught sight of the glowing lights in the design department and decided to investigate.

Alaric stood in the doorway, mesmerized by Elona's design drafts. Even the crumpled up papers seemed like masterpieces to him. He gazed at Elona, his eyes filled with a newfound respect for this unassuming young woman. Her scarred face and humble demeanor belied a brilliant mind and a talented designer.

Just as Elona was finishing up her designs, Jimmy, Alaric's assistant, burst into the room, startling them both. "Wow, Miss Elona! You're a hidden gem! This theme has had everyone stumped for six weeks. Who would have thought you'd crack the code?" Elona's eyes widened in panic as she tried to hide her designs, but Alaric stopped her by grabbing her wrist.

"Jimmy, gather up all the papers, including the crumpled ones," Alaric instructed. "We'll take Miss Elona out for dinner, and then escort her home." Elona tried to protest, but Alaric's cold glare silenced her.

This chance encounter marked the beginning of Elona's journey with the Royale Group. Her design would go on to win a lucrative contract with the royal family of Country S, a fact that Elona would only discover later. As a result of her brilliant work, Elona was offered a permanent position as the deputy director of the design department, marking a turning point in her life.

The news of Elona's promotion spread like wildfire, earning her a mix of admiration and resentment from her colleagues. However, her exceptional talent in design was undeniable, and even the disgruntled ones couldn't help but respect her skills.

Harley and Helena, Elona's half-sister and stepmother, were among those who seethed with jealousy. They began to devise a plan to bring Elona down, setting their sights on the richest man in M country, Alaric Royale. The two women schemed to spike Alaric's drink, hoping to compromise his judgment and reputation.

However, they underestimated Alaric's willpower. Despite being drugged, he managed to get into his car and drive. In a surprising turn of events, he ended up at Elona's humble apartment. It was as if he had been drawn to her unassuming presence.

Unbeknownst to Harley and Helena, Elona's scarred face and unremarkable demeanor belied a deep innocence and purity that had captivated Alaric. Her scent, too, had an intoxicating effect on him. In his drugged state, Alaric's subconscious had guided him to Elona's apartment, seeking the comfort and solace of the one woman who had touched his heart.

But Harley was not one to give up easily. She paid some thugs to distort the truth and took Elona's place, setting the stage for a tangled web of deceit and betrayal.