Ezra Queen?

At precisely five in the morning, the alarm chimed, stirring Emma from her sleep. She stretched and yawned, and the first thing her eyes landed on was her diary resting on the table. She eagerly snatched it up. Today marked a significant turning point; she was finally ready to share her creative vision with the world. With a sense of anticipation, she began to write, pouring her heart into the pages.

Dear diary, 

This morning feels like a fresh start, the day I step into my destiny as a fashion designer, poised to make my mark. After years of struggle, today is the day I embrace joy and leave behind the shadows of my past, including… Ezra. I am determined to move forward and improve my financial situation. Wish me luck, Pluto.

A smile spread across her face as she set down her pen, taking a moment to breathe deeply. Despite leaving without a word to her mother, Emma was welcomed back with warmth when she returned home the previous afternoon. Her and her mother had argued, but it was soon resolved when she promised her mother she would make amends for the three years lost.

After selling the car, she had called her mother from Mexico, fabricating a story about needing a break from the hustle of New York City. What was meant to be a brief escape turned into a year-long absence, during which her mother eventually stopped answering her calls. Nevertheless, Emma made it a point to send money each month, accompanied by notes claiming it was her salary, and her mother, believing her, accepted the support without question.

Three days prior, Emma faced a whirlwind of stress as she attempted to secure a plane ticket to leave Mexico. Ultimately, she decided to postpone her departure to the following day, opting for the earliest flight available. Phoebe chose not to accompany her, mentioning that she would arrive in New York City a week later, once Emma had settled into her new surroundings.

As Emma rummaged through her closet, she initially reached for a simple black gown but quickly realized that it was her first day at work and she needed to make a strong impression. Her eyes danced over the fabric in her wardrobe until they landed on a stylish, fitted polka-dot skirt that fell just below her knees. With a keen eye for fashion, Emma appreciated the nuances of color and style, which made her selection process all the more enjoyable. She then picked out a delicate white satin button-down long-sleeve shirt, featuring a unique design with a rope detail threaded through the sleeves. If she decided to layer with a blazer, she preferred a bold red over the conventional black, aiming for a look that balanced professionalism with a touch of glamour—steering clear of the typical corporate monochrome. As she prepared, she grabbed her sunglasses from the table where she had left them upon arriving in her room the previous afternoon.

Emma completed her outfit, then chose a striking pair of red heels that added a confident flair, pairing them with a chic white handbag.

She stepped into the shower around 5:46 a.m. With the sun rising and the day brightening, her sole focus was on getting to work, leaving little room for thoughts about the complexities of Queen’s rules, which she preferred to avoid. For Emma, the promise of a steady paycheck each month was the only aspiration she held dear—and that was enough to keep her motivated.

As she stepped out of her apartment, she hailed a taxi, her heart light and a smile dancing on her lips throughout the ride to work. The cab pulled up in front of Queen's Company, where the driver received a notification from security indicating that only the ceo was allowed to stop or park directly in front of the building; everyone else, including high-profile figures like celebrities and royalty, had to use the parking garage.

Once Emma exited the taxi, she quickly paid the driver and took a moment to adjust her dress while gazing up at the towering skyscraper that housed her new workplace. The building, adorned with expansive glass panels, sparked a daydream in her mind—she envisioned a future where she would own a structure just as magnificent. She took a deep breath and whispered to herself, “No more Ezra. This is my chance for a fresh start.”

She smoothed her dress once more and entered the company. She asked for directions and was guided to the fashion designing unit, where the elevator doors opened to reveal two women who greeted her with warm smiles.

"At last, she's here!" Gia exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace Emma with infectious enthusiasm, leaving Emma momentarily surprised and curious about the warm welcome that seemed customary in such a vibrant workplace.

Floria, the other woman, gently pulled Gia back. "Don’t mind her excitement; she’s been looking forward to your arrival ever since we heard you were joining us." Emma could see the genuine joy radiating from Gia. Floria then introduced herself and her exuberant colleague: "I'm Floria, and this is Gia."

“And I am—” Emma began to speak but was quickly cut off by the enthusiastic voices of her new colleagues.

“Emmaline Facer,” they chimed in unison, their excitement palpable. Gia rushed to Emma's side, beamed. “You are absolutely stunning! I love the way you layered the red, black, and white. Perfection!”

“Thank you,” Emma replied.

Gia took the lead, offering to show Emma around her desk and share essential insights about the company, including whom to be cautious of and whom to avoid making eye contact with.

As they entered the bustling office, Gia clapped her hands to capture everyone’s attention. With a playful flourish, she began to introduce Emma: “The person we’ve all been eagerly anticipating has arrived. Let’s have a drum roll, please!”

A girl with dark skin and short, curly black hair stepped forward and greeted Emma with a friendly smile.

“Hi, Emma. I am Georgia.”

Emma returned the greeting with a smile, saying, “Hello, Georgia.”

“She’s new here, just like you,” Gia explained.

Curious, Emma turned to Floria. “Is she usually like this?”

Floria shook her head. “She’s only like this with you. When the others came in, she didn’t act this way. I started to wonder if she knew you somehow.”

Gia turned to Emma. “You’re at level 1, while we’re at level 2. Since both levels share this office, we’re here to help you navigate the rules of the workplace. If you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”

“Thank you, Gia,” Emma said, making her way to her desk. As her fingers glided over the elegant chair, a radiant smile illuminated her face—reflecting her satisfaction with her new workspace. After a long journey, she had finally secured a position at one of the most prestigious companies in the industry.

Gia drew her chair and sat beside Emma, her tone both friendly and informative. “You won’t be working with machines in Level 1 until you advance to Level 3. For now, your focus will be on creating designs and submitting them, while the actual dresses are crafted by those in Level 6.”

Curiosity sparked in Emma’s eyes. “What about Level 2?”

Gia explained, “That’s where we work with mannequins, using traditional sewing techniques with thread and needles. It took me two years to reach this point, but hopefully, you’ll progress faster.” Leaning in conspiratorially, she added, “There’s something you should know about this place. Have you heard of the cold, handsome devil?”

Emma shot her a puzzled look. “The cold, handsome what?”

“The cold handsome devil,” Gia repeated.

Emma shook her head. “No—I haven’t.”

Gia chuckled softly. “That’s the nickname for our CEO, Mr. Queen. He’s strikingly attractive and surprisingly young, with piercing ocean-blue eyes that rarely show a smile—only heightening my intrigue. His office is on the top floor, and getting called there is a sign that he’s noticed you.”

Just then, Floria shifted her chair closer to Emma, subtly nudging Gia’s chair away without a sound.

“That’s not entirely true,” she interjected. “But you definitely want to avoid being summoned to his office.”

“Why’s that?” Emma asked.

Floria leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Because once you gaze into those ocean-blue eyes, your heart will be captured—you might find yourself utterly lost. The ceo isn’t just incredibly rich; he’s also breathtakingly handsome, and it’s astonishing how much he has achieved at such a young age and in such a short time.”

“Rich?” Emma raised an eyebrow.

Of course he is rich!

He was at the helm of one of the most prestigious fashion companies globally. Turning to Floria, she inquired, “Is he seeing anyone?”

Floria shook her head, a hint of skepticism in her voice. “I—I really doubt it. He’s never been seen flirting around the office, nor has he made headlines with a romantic interest. Sometimes, I even wonder if he might be gay.”

A sly smile crept across Emma’s face as she considered the possibilities. If she could capture the ceo’s attention, her dream of owning a skyscraper might just become a reality.

Floria snapped her fingers in front of Emma, pulling her back to the moment. “What’s going through your mind? But seriously, steer clear of him.” Just then, the office phone rang, drawing everyone's attention. “Can someone answer that?” Floria asked, glancing around as silence fell.

After a brief pause, Gia jumped up. “I’ll take it!” She rushed to the phone. 

She pressed it to her ear, nodded in response to the voice on the other end, then let out a deep sigh and hung up.

“Gia, what’s going on?” Floria asked, and all eyes turned to Gia.

“The secretary just called. Emma is needed in the ceo’s office.”

Gasps filled the room, and Emma’s heart raced with excitement. Was it possible that fate was finally in her favor? She felt a surge of relief, knowing she was on the brink of something she had long desired. She stood up and looked at Gia.

“How do I get there?”

Floria leaped from her chair and seized Emma’s hand the moment she stood up. “Be careful, my friend. Try not to look him in the eye,” she cautioned, her voice laced with concern.

All eyes in the room were fixed on Emma as she made her way out of the office.

Gia turned to Floria. “She’s so lucky.”

***

Emma stepped into the elevator and followed Floria’s advice. She pressed the button for the top floor, engaging in a quiet conversation with herself. She resolved to dismiss the negative tales she had heard about the ceo, pondering how someone could be so appealing that weird rumors would swirl around him. As she exited the elevator, she approached the secretary’s desk.

“Good morning,” she said with a smile. “I was informed that the ceo wanted to see me.”

Milan looked up, acknowledging her presence. “Yes, Miss Facer. He’s expecting you.”

Emma took a deep breath and steadied herself before walking toward his office. When she reached the door, she exhaled slowly and knocked.

“Come in,” a deep voice beckoned from within.

She opened the door, her gaze falling upon a man in a crisp white shirt, his back turned to her with him gazing out the window. The rolled-up sleeves revealed his toned muscles, and Emma found herself momentarily captivated—nearly stumbling at the sight. In that instant, she understood the allure that had driven so many girls to whisper about him. To go mad over him.

Control yourself, she reminded herself.

This wasn’t the reason she had come here.

With a decisive slam of the door, she made her entrance. Mr. Queen turned to face her, casually slipping his hand into his pocket. Emma felt her heart race as she noticed his shirt was only partially buttoned, revealing a glimpse of his chest. He approached her with an air of confidence.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Facer,” he said, his gaze sweeping over her attire. “I had no doubt you would look stunning on your first day.”

Emma couldn’t help but wonder why he seemed so eager to meet her. She stood frozen, captivated by his striking eyes—the very ones she had heard so much about. They were magnetic, pulling her in closer.

“After reviewing your designs, I must say, you are an ideal match for our company,” he continued warmly. “Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Ezra Queen, the ceo of Queen Fashion.”

The name sent a jolt through Emma; Ezra Queen was her boss?

Panic began to set in, making it hard for her to breathe.

“Are you alright?” he inquired, concern etched on his face.

As she instinctively took a step back, she miscalculated and stumbled, only to be caught mid-fall by him. She looked up into his eyes, realizing with a shock that this was the man she had stolen from three years ago.

His expression shifted from surprise to confusion, and a frown formed on his lips.

“You!”