Ezra Queen?

At exactly five in the morning, the alarm went off. As Emma rose from her bed, she yawned. Her diary, which was on the table, was the first thing she grabbed. She was relieved that she could now begin her work and present her creation to others.

Dear diary,

It's a brand-new morning and the one where I finally get to do what I came to this world to do. A real fashion designer who will soon be well-known to the public. After all these years, today will be the day that I can finally experience happiness. No Ezra. No past. I'm finally going to put the past three years behind me. And lastly, increase her earnings.

With a smile on her face, she set down the pen and stood up. Emma took a deep breath.

Even though she fled without telling her mother, she was greeted with open arms when she arrived home yesterday afternoon. Emma promised her mother that she would make up for the three years she had wasted. She left after selling the car, but when she reached Mexico, she called her mother and gave her a different explanation for her departure.

Emma had stated that she would return in a month because she needed to get some fresh air while away from New York City for a while. After a month turned into a year, her mother stopped returning her calls. Emma, however, started to send money over. Every month, she would send a small sum and include a note explaining that it was money taken from her monthly salary. Of course, her mother was convinced.

Three days ago, when she planned to leave Mexico, getting a plane ticket was stressful, so she shifted it to yesterday and got the earliest plane instead. Phoebe didn’t follow her. She said she would be in NYC in a week after Emma has settled down.

She pulled open her closet and reached for a black plain gown before realizing it was her first day and she needed to look good. As she scrolled through her wardrobe, her hand landed on a long, fitted skirt with polka dots that ended just below her knee. She enjoys fashion and is knowledgeable about colors and attire.

Emma picked up a white, tiny hand top that had a rope running through one hand and out the other in front of it. If she wanted to wear a blazer, she would choose red rather than black. She wanted to appear professional but also glam, unlike the corporate black on black look. She reached for her shades that she placed on the table when she got into her room yesterday afternoon.

A red pair of 4 inch heels with a white bag was also chosen. She got ready to take a bath when the timer struck 5:46. Emma had to skip breakfast when the day began to get bright. She was only concerned with getting to work and getting to work. She knew nothing about Queen’s rules, and she didn't want to. As long as she got a good payment every month, that was everything she had ever hoped for.

On her way out, she called a taxi, and the entire drive to work, she was smiling. The taxi stopped in front of Queen's company and the driver got a message from security. Only the CEO was permitted to leave his car parked or stopped in front of the company. All others, including royalty and celebrities, must park their vehicles in the parking garage.

As soon as Emma exited the vehicle, he gave the taxi driver his money. She adjusted her dress as she stared up at the building. It was a skyscraper. Emma's lips curled into a smile as she started daydreaming. One day, she will have a type of building like this. Glass was used throughout the construction of The Queen's Company.

Emma took a deep breath. “No Ezra. Finally a new life for me. Finally a new beginning.” She adjusted her dress again as she walked into the company. After requesting directions, she was led to the fashion designer unit. Emma was met by two women as soon as she exited the elevator, and they both immediately smiled at her.

"At last, she's here!" Gia ran to embrace Emma while yelling with joy. Emma was taken aback. She started to wonder if that was how people always introduced themselves in a company like this.

Gia and Emma were split apart by Floria. "Pay her no mind. Since learning that you would be joining us, she has been eager to meet you.” In fact, Emma could see how joyful Gia is. "I'm Floria, and she's Gia."

“And I am…”

She was immediately interrupted by the two of them. “Emma,” they said.

“We know.” Gia said as she dashed to Emma's side. “You are so beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

"I'll give you a tour of your desk and fill you in on all the pertinent details about this company. Who you should be afraid of and who you should avoid looking at.” She led Emma into the office and clapped her hand to draw the attention of the others. As they all turned to face them, Gia started to introduce Emma. "The individual for whom we have all been waiting is here. Drum roll, please.”

“Hi, Emma.” A girl spoke up. She was dark skinned and had short, curly black hair.

Emma said with a smile, "Hello.”

“That is Georgia.” Gia said. “She is new, just like you.”

Emma turned to face Floria. “Is she normally like that?”

Floria shook her head. “She is just like that with you. When the other arrived, she wasn't that way with them. I began to wonder if she was acquainted with you in some way.”

Gia turned to face Emma. "You are at level 1, while we are at level 2. Since Level 2 and Level 1 share an office, we can teach you everything you need to know about the rules in this place. You can always turn to us for assistance if you require it.”

Emma walked to her desk and said, "Thank you, Gia."

Gia pulled up a chair next to Emma. “You are not assigned machines in Level 1 until you reach Level 3. You mainly just produce designs and submit them. The dresses will be made by Level 6.”

“What does Level 2 do?” Emma asked.

“We work on mannequins. Sewing is done with thread and needles. To get here, it took me two years. Perhaps yours will be quicker.” She leaned closer. "There are some things you should know about this place. Have you ever heard of the cold, handsome devil?"

Emma gave her a quick glance. “The cold, handsome devil?” She shook her head. “No. I haven’t.”

"It is the CEO's moniker. Mr. Queen. He is very attractive and young. His eyes are ocean blue, and he never smiles. Which only increases my desire for him. His office is on the top floor. Anyone who receives a call to his office is fortunate. It implies he has taken notice of you.”

Floria moved her chair closer to Emma while moving Gia's chair away. It didn't make any noise since it was a chair with balls. “That is so not true, but never make sure you get called to his office.”

“Why?”

“Because your heart will be stolen. You will be forever lost if you look directly into those ocean blue eyes of his. The CEO is extremely wealthy and beautiful. So rich at his age.”

“Rich?” Of course he is rich. He leads one of the best fashion businesses in the world. Emma turned to face Floria. "Is he dating someone?"

"I doubt it, really. He has never been caught flirting at the office. He has never been seen in the news with a girl. I sometimes ponder whether he is gay.”

Emma smirked. She will have that as her goal. Her dream of owning a skyscraper might come true if she can get the CEO's attention. Floria snapped her finger in Emma’s face. Emma looked at her.

“What are you thinking about? Nevertheless, avoid him.” The office phone immediately began to ring as soon as she said it. Faces were all directed in the phone's direction. “Will someone take that?” After about three seconds of no movement, Floria questioned.

"I'll take that!" Gia screamed with enthusiasm as she ran to the phone. She put it in her ear and turned to Emma, nodding her head at what the person on the other end of the line was saying. She let out a sigh as soon as she put the phone down.

"Gia, what is it?" Floria asked. Everyone's eyes were on Gia.

"Just now, the secretary called. Emma is needed in the CEO’s office.”

Everyone gasped as they gazed at her. Emma was happy. She was unsure if God was able to read her mind. She was relieved that she was at least getting what she wanted. She looked at Gia while getting to her feet. “How do I get there?”

Floria informed Emma and sprang from her seat to grab Emma’s hand as soon as she got up. “Be careful, my friend. Avoid looking into his eyes.”

Everyone was watching Emma as she left the office. Gia remarked, "She's so lucky.”

Emma entered the elevator and, as Floria had mentioned, pressed the final digit to ascend to the top floor. She hugged and talked to herself in the elevator as she made the decision to ignore everything she had learned about the CEO.

He isn't nearly as bad as they claim. In her head, she had a thought. How attractive could he be for these girls to spread such rumors about him?

After exiting the elevator, she made her way to the secretary's seat. “Good morning. I was told that the CEO wanted to see me.”

Milan raised her head and looked at her. “Yes. Miss Facer. He is waiting for you.”

As she made her way to his office, Emma inhaled deeply. When she got to the front of it, she blew a long breath and knocked.

“Come on in.” She heard a thick voice say.

When she opened the door and entered, she noticed a man in a white shirt gazing out the window. His muscles could be seen as he had rolled up his sleeves. He had such a hot back, and Emma almost fell down staring at it. She can now understand why girls are so crazy.

Control yourself. This isn't why you came here. As she slammed the door behind her, she said.

Taking a turn, Mr. Queen put his hand in his pocket. Emma swallowed when she saw that his shirt wasn't fully buttoned. A portion of his chest was visible. He came up to her. “It is nice to finally meet you, Miss Facer.” He examined her clothing. "I had no doubt that on your first day, you would look fantastic."

Why was he so excited to meet her? Emma questioned. She was just standing there, staring at him. Now, she could see his eyes. The damn eyes they spoke about. It appeared intriguing. It was drawing her nearer.

"After viewing your designs, all I can say is that you are a perfect fit for our business. Allow me to properly introduce myself. I’m the CEO of the Queen fashion company. Ezra Queen.”

Emma's eyes widened at the mention of that name. Ezra Queen? Her boss? She began to have trouble breathing.

“Are you okay?” Ezra asked.

Emma swallowed as she started to move backwards, but she unintentionally missed a step and fell, fortunately being caught in midair. She raised her eyes to Ezra, who had caught her in his arms. The man she stole from three years ago.

His eyes widened as he fixed them on her. Now that he could see her face, a frown spread across his face. “You!” he said instantly.