The luxurious atmosphere of the Golden Age Group party swirls about my sides. Soft clicks of champagne glasses and the murmurs of discussion filled the atmosphere, mingling with the scent of exotic flowers and rich aromas from the buffet. I stood awkwardly in my business attire, that couldn't match out with the glamorously dressed attendees. The glimmering chandeliers cast a warm glow over everything, Setting it to me how much I don't belong here.
I'm here on a job, not to have fun. Words from Thane echo in my mind, reminding me to stay focused. But as I find my way to the buffet, a sharp, familiar voice cuts through the noise of the party: "Get me some food here!" I looked up, and my eyes fell on Freya Howard. She's plastered with heavy makeup, she stands in an aura of arrogance that makes my skin crawl. Our eyes met, and I saw hers widen briefly in recognition before a smirk found its way across her face. Tilting her chin up, sizing me up like she was some kind of predator. "So it's you," Freya says with a sneer, her voice filled with disregard. My stomach turned, but I kept my face impassive and still. , reminding me of my task. I try to brush past her, but she's not done. "Do you work as a waitress now? Haha, what a joke!" Freya lets out a cruel laugh, her eyes glinting with utter delight as she takes delight in what she thinks is my downfall. Her taunts ring in my ears, but I clenched my jaw and resisted the urge to snap at her or do something stupid. I've dealt with people way worse than Freya Howard for the past three years I have been with Marino. "You were so arrogant just now, weren't you?" she continues, her smile vicious as she eyes my less glamorous attire. "Every dog has its day too." My chest tightens with rage, but I maintain my calm. I've learned the hard way that losing my temper rarely ends well. I try to brush past her again, refusing to let her words provoke me. But Freya is not satisfied with me not paying her heed. She intensifies her voice, sharp and shrill like witches: "Gianna, you dare walk away from me! When I could easily get someone to fire you in this instance!" Her words gave a direct challenge, and the smirk on her face shows she enjoys the power she believes she holds. Something inside me snaps. I've had enough of people like Freya thinking they can walk all over me based on their moods. I turned back slowly, with my eyes cold as steel. "Fire me? Miss Howard, and who the hell do you think you to do so?" My voice is steady, ruining Freya's bravado. She wasn't expecting me to work with her. She flushes with anger, her hands clenched up into fists. Her lips tightened together, momentarily speechless. Before either of us could go for another round of lashing, a soft, almost soothing voice intruded the tongue battle. "Freya, what's going on here?" I froze up. I know that voice. Watching as Rosy Cook approaches our spot, her red evening gown shimmering under the light of the classy hall, the scent of expensive perfume still as nauseous as ever accompanies her. My heart raced again, old wounds and new fury were opened and built up. Freya immediately points at me, her tone gleeful. "Rosy just in time, check out our guest of honor! Gianna, joining the crew of VIPs!" Rosy's confident smile falters for just a second as her eyes meet mine. Her eyes were a bit cautious, still amazed by my presence here. Her grip on her glamorous gown went hard a little, though she maintained an outward calm appearance. "And Why is Gianna here?" Rosy's eyes flash with uncertainty, but still, she tries to mask it under a polite smile. I was about to walk away, to play maturely. But with Freya's smugness and Rosy's annoying presence that might be easier said than done. The tension that's been building inside me for years finally Went beyond its cap. Under the spark of fury, I raised the plate in my hand and smashed it down onto Freya's head. The sound of shattering porcelain echoes through the air as Freya lets out a shrill scream. Gravy drips down her excessively styled hair, a spicy scent filling the space around us. "You b*tch!" Freya shrieks, blinking furiously as she pants the spicy gravy burns her eyes. She stumbles backward, her hands flailing all over. Without missing a beat, I turned to Rosy, who was frozen in shock. With a swift move, I slapped her in the face. The crisp sound of beating flesh resounded in the hall, and then she gasped, holding her cheek as it burned. Before she could react, I grabbed a nearby bowl of gravy and threw it over her designer dress like I had always wanted. "Gianna, you psycho!" Rosy screeches in horror as the thick sauce stains her expensive gown, the spicy heat adding insult to injury. "Somebody help!" Rosy screams, her voice shaking with a mix of rage and humiliation. I stand my ground, my heart pounding with adrenaline as I watch the chaos unfold. The murmurs of onlookers rise, a crowd forming as Freya stumbles around, blinded by the spicy sauce, and Rosy glares at me with fury burning in her eyes. Satisfied with my retaliation, I turn on my heel and walk away from the scene, leaving behind Freya and Rosy's shrieks and the whispers of the crowd. The scent of spices lingers as I exit, my heartbeat finally beginning to slow. As I make my way out of the party, the reality of what I've just done starts to sink in. I've probably just ruined any chance of keeping my job with Thane Reed. But oddly enough, I don't feel panicked. Instead, there's a strange sense of liberation coursing through me. For years, I've been holding back, swallowing my anger and hurt. I've been the good girl, the professional, the one who always takes the high road. But tonight, I let it all out. And you know what? It felt good. I find a quiet corner away from the main hall and lean against the wall, taking deep breaths. My hands are shaking, but not from fear. It's like all the pent-up emotions I've been carrying for the past three years have finally found an outlet. I close my eyes, replaying the scene in my mind. Freya's shocked face as the plate smashed over her head. Rosy gasped as my hand connected with her cheek. The a look of utter disbelief in both their eyes as they realized I wasn't going to be their punching bag anymore. A small smile tugs at my lips. It wasn't the most mature way to handle the situation, sure. But after everything they've put me through, it felt like justice. Messy, gravy-covered justice. My phone buzzes in my pocket, pulling me out of my thoughts. It's Thane. I take a deep breath before answering. "Gianna, what the hell is going on?" His voice is sharp and angry. "I'm hearing reports of some kind of food fight involving you?" Closed my eyes to steel myself. "Mr Reed, I can explain…." "Save it," he cuts me off. "I don't want to listen to your excuses. You don't realize how this makes me look? Having my assistant cause a scene at a high-profile event?" I felt a flicker of guilt, but it was quickly overshadowed by a surge of defiance. "With all due respect, Mr. Reed, maybe you should ask why your assistant felt the need to defend herself against harassment." There's a pause on the other end of the line. When Thane speaks again, his voice is low and dangerous. "Are you saying it's my fault?" "Not all," I replied, surprised by how steady my voice was. "What I am saying is, maybe it's time we both reevaluate our working relationship." Another pause. "You are planning on quitting, Gianna?" I took a deep breath. Am I? The thought of walking away from this job, as demanding and often demeaning as it is, sends a jolt of fear through me. But then with Freya's taunts keeping my job wouldn't be easy anymore, Rosy's smug face, and all the times I've had to swallow my pride working for Thane would only intensify. "Yes," I say finally. "Maybe I am." I can almost hear Thane's jaw clenching up through the phone. "Fine. Don't expect a reference." The line goes dead. I stare at my phone for a moment, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Fear, yes. Uncertainty about what comes next, maybe. But also... relief. And finally….a strange sense of excitement. I straighten up, smoothing out my clothes. As I did, I caught a whiff of the spicy gravy that clung to me through the ordeal, reminding me of the rebellion that transpired. I can't help but laugh. Walking towards the exit, passed by a mirror. The woman staring back at me, was disheveled to the end, with a wild glint in her eyes that hadn't shone in years. She looks alive. Fierce. Ready to take on whatever comes next. Stepping into the cool night air, I took a deep breath. “Hi” For the first time in three years, I felt like myself again, Alive. Not Marino's ex-wife. Not Thane's assistant. Just Gianna. And that Gianna is ready to change everything. I board a taxi, giving the driver my home address. As we pulled away from the glittering lights of the hotel, I rested back and closed myself for a moment of peace. I don't know what tomorrow holds for me, but I know one thing: I'm done letting others define me, or decide my fate. From now on, I'm writing my own story. The city lights blur past the window, and I feel a smile spreading across my face. It's not a perfect ending, but it's a hell of a new beginning. And for now, that's more than enough.Though, I didn't mean for this to happen. Standing in that lavish hall, surrounded by crystal chandeliers and people draped in designer clothing worth more than my monthly rent, I felt like an outsider. My simple black dress, the nicest thing I owned, suddenly felt cheap and inadequate. The air was thick with the smell of expensive perfume mingling with the aroma of gourmet hors d'oeuvres, getting my head to spin slightly. Or maybe that was just me being anxious.I have been on the edge lately, trying to fit in in a crowd while keeping an eye out for Rosy too. Just as she had been watching me too, I could tell. Now and then, I'd catch her whispering to Freya, both of them throwing me glances from time to time. Their stares weighed heavy on me making my skin crawl all over.Earlier, I'd overheard snippets of their conversation as I passed by. "To think she showed up?" Rosy had whispered, loud enough for me to hear. "Oh my, look at her. She doesn't even belong here." With Freya's tinkli
The sun set on me as I stood in the police station parking lot, feeling small and exposed. Thane, leaning against his sleek black car, looking as smug as ever, couldn't help but get odd about it. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as his laughter rang out in my ears, harsh and sarcastic, bouncing off the concrete walls around us."Gianna, that was so fucking cool!" Thane's voice dripped with sarcasm. "You're so ugly and couldn't do anything well, but who would have imagined that you could be so fierce today? No man would dare to marry a woman like you, for real."I stood still, staring at him as my heart raced in my chest. Why did he always have to be so cruel? Thane had always had a sharp tongue, and despite knowing better, his words still sting me. I'd learned long ago that showing how much he hurts me only made things worse.He wasn't done yet. His face hardened as he continued, "It's all because of you. You wasted my time. I already had it planned to spend the night with Lulu, an
Dazzling lights buzzes relentlessly above, casting a not so pleasing glow across the interrogation room. I sat alone, my fingers absently tracing the rough edges of the wooden table that separates me and the guy on uniform . The table felt more like a protective barrier, though whether it was protecting me or them, I wasn't sure of what anymore.My evening gown, which had seemed so off at the party just hours ago, was stained and wrinkled all the more. I could feel my hair coming loose from its careful styling , going out of shape like an honest nest, adding to my wretched appearance. Outside the room, I could hear the steady rhythm of shoes hitting beats against the tiled floor and the murmur of voices discussing what they believe to be my fate. In all my efforts to calm myself, my heart raced against my ribcage threatening to break through.As I waited, my mind wandered to questions I'd been asking myself all night. Is Marino's heart really made of stone? Throughout our five years
I couldn't even sleep that night. The dim light flickering through my curtains, casting dancing shadows on the walls of my bedroom. As I lay there, the coolness of the sheets against my skin provided little comfort to me. The city sounds gradually faded into silence as the night races to it's peak , leaving only the rhythmic ticking of my bedside clock to keep me company.When the sleep finally came, it was anything but peaceful. As reality blurred and faded, and suddenly I went back to three years in the past. The memory was vivid, painfully so. Rosy stood before me, her face beaming with joy as her hands cradled her protruded belly."Gianna, I'm pregnant with his child!" Her voice was giddy with excitement.The rage that filled me then was just as real as in my dream. "How could you do this to me?" I shouted in sorrow, and before I could stop myself, my palm connected with her cheek. The sharp sound of the slap hung in took the moment by hands a bit for a while before being drowned
"Trying to prove strong huh?" I heard Thane's voice say from behind me. "Proving strong? I don't understand. Why should I try to prove to be something I already am?" I said, trying to hide how pained I was.He walked away slowly, as I kept my gaze fixed on my computer. I was indeed trying to be strong. Thane's words got to me. But I wasn't about to show any iota of weakness.A flood of tears bubbled on the inside of me, eager to gush out. I fought my tears, swallowing saliva as if that could dry the flood of surging tears.I prayed the day would run by, it did eventually. I was drenched in my own emotions. I needed to clear my head; when I arrived home, rested and freshened up, I headed to the bar just across the road."Can I snatch you?" A coarse voice said behind me, the baritone sound of his voice sending chills down my spine."Snatch me if you can!" I added, followed by a melodious chuckle. I could already notice he was in awe. "What are you looking at?" I joked, giving his glass
I and Thanes seemed like we didn't get along. But in actuality, we were starting to get closer than we were ready to admit. I also loved that he was always ready to help me in different ways.Thanes and Thorne didn't quite get along, but their father insisted they both run the company. The mansion was outrageously beautiful. I could see a little glimpse of attraction in Thorne's eyes, but I dismissed that as the normal attraction I received from guys; I was gorgeous, so that was expected.I guessed it'd all fade off with time, so to me, it counted for nothing. "Thank you so much, Gianna, for honouring my invite," I hear him say to me, casting his glance on us; he greeted them as well.We had finally seen him after walking for minutes into the main hall. I noticed a slight decline in his exciting demeanour, and immediately, his eyes landed on Thanes. The party progressed beautifully.We sat at our table, it was a sumptuous party, so much to eat and drink. But I noticed Thanes was now
The smell of antiseptic hit me as soon as I stepped out of the door to the doctor’s office.It was clean and clinical — to remind me that I was still in the hospital. I clutched my test result tightly, my palms were damp with nervous excitement. The hallway felt cold to my finger's touch as I leaned against the wall, bracing myself for what was to come.My heart was racing. I couldn't wait to call Marino and share the news. But just as I was about to dial his number, my phone rang, I checked to see who could be calling. My Uncle —Vivid on the spot for caller ID“Gianna, is everything fine with you and Marino?” His voice was serious with a tinge of concern.I laughed, trying to brush off the awkwardness I felt along with his question. "We're fine. Why do you ask?"There was a momentary silence before he continued, his voice was a bit hesitant. "I heard... Marino brought a pregnant woman to the hospital for a prenatal checkup the other day."I laughed harder, but a seed of disbelief
The night was filled with activities outside the grand San Fetillo Hilton Hotel. I sat myself on the passenger seat of a sleek Maybach, as I watched the scenes unfold through tinted windows. Luxury cars gleam under the bright lights, and the air vibrates with the sound of reporters eagerly adjusting their cameras to juicy news. I can see their breath turn white in the chilly evening air. The scent of car fumes and suspense aura seems to seep through the car's sealed interior.Clicks and Flashes of light filled the nights, as photographers captured every moment of arrival with a snap of welcome. There's an electric excitement in the air, My stomach chums from the luxury and high classics. The glamour of it all was suffocating, and I fought the urge to shrink in my seat out of low esteem.The car's door opens, and Thane Reed steps out confidently in a suave white suit. His smile is refined but light as he turns to help his companion, supermodel Lulu, out of the car. She glides out in a