(Marley POV)
I jolted awake as I shot upright and panting as I tried to catch my breath. The dream I had was horrible and it felt so real, I threw the cover off me and slid out of bed. My legs seemed to move on their own as I moved into the bathroom. While I was in the mirror I looked back at myself and turned on the sink. I began washing my face to ease my tension and stress.
After washing my face I took a quick shower and brushed my teeth, I began getting my day started as I put on my work clothes. I had on a skirt and blouse with a women's blazer on, then I put on matching heels and looked myself over in my closet mirror.
I brushed my hair quickly and threw on a little makeup, I snapped on my name tags that read Marley Brown my name.
“Looking good Marley,” I said to myself with a smile looking at my reflection
I walked out of my closet grabbed my purse and headed downstairs. I saw my dad and mom sitting on the couch reading some papers, they looked stressed and tired the sight filled with sadness. I walked over to them slowly with a worried look, my dad looked up first and gave me a sad smile.
“Hey, Mom and Dad you guys look down and tired what's wrong?” I asked slowly with worry looking at them
“Hi sweetie it's nothing, just more hospital bills along with our house mortgage” Replied my mom looking at me trying to keep a smile but failing
“Sweetheart, ever since your sister became ill and we had to admit her to the hospital, our expenses have increased, and our house mortgage has also gone up. It's been a lot, and we can't afford all of these payments,” said My dad taking a breath and wrapping an around my mom hugging her as she fell into his embrace
I frowned slightly and nodded with understanding as my eyes watered. I wiped my green eyes softly and cleared my throat. I walked over and hugged both of them tightly, I remained silent and hugging them hoping to ease away their stress.
“I'm here for you guys and I'll help you, I've been working harder and maybe I can ask for a raise. If anything happens up to guys can stay with me” I said smiling warmly at them and they returned my smile
“Thank you, sweetie, that means a lot to us, what did we do to get such a great daughter? Oh I love you so much” said my mom hugging me tightly making me giggle as my sad agreed
“Oh because I have such awesome parents, I love you guys too, and always oh I'm rrunning late for work I'll see you guys later,” I said checking my watch and standing up and running away waving goodbye and blowing kisses
I headed to the kitchen quickly and grabbed a banana, then walked out as I headed to and out the front door. I smiled as I saw my neighbors and gave them a quick smile and wave. They waved back as I hopped in my car and drove off, out of the driveway and down the street.
The radio played as my fingers drummed to the beat as I was driving. As I was driving my mind slowly drifted off, I thought about life and my parents then about my little sister. My focus was brought back as I heard a small yell, I saw a little boy had fallen and I slammed my foot on the brakes.
My car stopped just a few feet from him as I held my chest in slight fear.
His mom came and waved me off with an apologetic smile. I watched as she scolded him and picked him up, walking off. smiled at them and I pulled off driving into my job parking lot. After finding a parking spot, I parked and grabbed my purse as I got out.
I locked the car doors before heading inside Blackwell Enterprises, my workplace.
I smiled at the people I passed and headed to the elevator, once on I took it up to the sixteenth floor. A few moments passed and I made it to my floor, I got off the elevator and walked to my office. My friend Zach walked up with a smile which I returned, he walked with me as we chatted a bit.
“Yeah that was insane but Marley don’t forget you have a meeting. I'm just reminding you cause last time you forgot,” said Zach smiling at me with a bright look as he walked off again
“That was a one-time thing,” I said laughing with a bright smile and embarrassed blush as he walked off laughing
I shook my head slightly and looked over not noticing that I was in front of my office, I walked inside my office. Closing the door softly behind me I set my purse on the filing cabinet, then I walked over to the desk and sat down in my chair. Turning on my computer as I began to log in so I could clock in for the day.
Once I was logged in I began checking my schedule, I had a meeting in a few minutes.
A loud crack of lightning made me jump as the rain began to pour down. I turned in my chair and looked out the window at the sky. I huffed and rubbed my head slightly as I thought about my parents and sister being sick.
I wanted and had to be strong for them so I could help them, it was all so much I felt the weight of responsibility and stress on my shoulders.
The weather seemed to share my feelings of what I felt on the inside. I remain looking out in my thoughts, all of my hard work and dedication to keep going was for them.
(Third Person POV)Marley was in her thoughts as she looked out her office window, suddenly a loud knock made her jump in shock. She heard the familiar voice of Zach call through the door. “Marley hurry up you're going to be late again,” said Zach chuckling a little and walking off She remembered her meeting and jumped up from her seat, Grabbing her folder quickly and files as she moved around the desk. Marley opened the door and rushed out of the office, Rushing down the hall and nearly knocking a few people over. She looked through her folders and files making sure she had everything. The rushing female wasn't paying attention as she rounded a corner, bumping into a hard chest making her fall with a yelp. A tall shadow blocked her as she frowned In slight annoyance, looking up she froze In shock seeing who she ran into. It was her boss, the CEO himself Jonathan Blackwell, he was tall and buff wearing a dark blue suit. His dreads were long and tied back and his skin was a nice sh
(Marley’s POV)I got in my car and drove off down the street in an instant, I didn't even bother to tell anyone or clock out. My car swerved between cars and almost crashed a few times, my thought was only focused on getting to the hospital. My mind raced with bad thoughts of what could be wrong, I shook my head and tried to think positively to ease them away.After a few moments I made it to the hospital, then I parked up front easily and slid out shutting the car door. I ran inside and up to the front desk making the nurse look up.“Hi excuse me I'm here to see Lila brown, I'm her sister,” I said telling her my little sister's name as she began typing something in on the computer “Okay Just sign your name and go to room 310,” said the nurse with a smile handing me a paper and penI quickly wrote my name down and handed the paper and pen back. I walked off immediately after and took the stairs up. Once I reached the third floor I looked for her room until I found it. I stepped insid
(Jonathan’s POV)I looked down at the small woman as she looked up at me, I remembered her from earlier and in the meeting. There was something about her and I couldn't place my finger on it. I looked at her friend and noticed both their fearful faces, it made me almost smirk but I stayed unfazed before I spoke. “Where have you been? it's against the company policy for employees to leave work, during their work hours. Give me one reason why I shouldn't fire you, Miss Brown” I said my tone cold and blank as I looked at her nametag and then into her green eyes “I'm so sorry sir I had a family emergency, my sister is sick and in the hospital please don't fire me I need this Job,” Said Marley looking up at me and pleading with teary eyes I searched her eyes seeing that she was telling the truth, I slowly felt myself get lost in her green orbs. I shook my head to snap out of it. “I'll let you get a pass this time but don't let it happen again, am I clear” I said looking down at her wit
(Third Person POV)-A couple of days later-Jonathan sat by his mother's side as she lay asleep in her hospital bed, he let out a huff of breath in tiredness. Jonathan stood up and walked to the door and stepped out, he walked down the hall to grab a cup of water. It was nighttime so the hospital was barely active, Jonathan stopped at the water fountain and grabbed a cup.He poured himself some water and took a sip calmly, then took a seat in a chair looking out a window. The sound of footsteps approaching made him look up, he saw that it was Marley making him confused about what she was doing here. Marley walked over to him with caution and a confused look.“Hey, Mr. Blackwell what are you doing here,” said Marley looking at him with an interested look “I could ask you the same thing Miss brown,” said Jonathan bluntly as he turned his body to face her “Um, I'm here visiting my sister. She's pretty sick, but what about why are you here? If you don't mind me asking” said Marley shyly
———-(Marley POV)-2 days later-I sat at my desk in my new office as the new lead manager, I typed away on my computer finishing some reports and files. This job was not as easy as it looked. I had double the work then before, at least the pay was good and I could take care of my family. The thought of my family and supporting them made things easier. My thoughts also drifted to my boss Jonathan often, I wondered how he was doing after the incident with his mom. I haven't seen him since the hospital, He could have avoided me. Sometimes throughout the day, I would think of him, like the affectionate moment in the waiting room. I dreamed of the feeling of his plump lips on mine as I leaned in, and I was snapped out of thoughts as my office door flew open. The person was Zach my best friend. He walked in quickly and shut the door behind him. I looked at him as he had this look that meant he was up to something.“Why didn't you tell me you got promoted? And second, why didn't you tell
(3rd Person Point of View)Marley watched her father swerve the car out of the way of the incoming truck, the truck sped past them down the road. She held her chest and tried to calm down as her dad looked back at her. Marley finally caught her breath and looked at her dad.“That was so close, are you okay?” said Marley with a relieved expression “I'm fine that was a close call, people are so reckless nowadays. Let's get home quickly your mother is waiting for us” said Her dad as he faced back forward He pulled off from the side of the road and drove down the road again, Marley watched the buildings pass still calming down. She sat back and shut her eyes, deciding to take a quick nap. A short while passed before her dad arrived at her house, he parked the car and shut it off. “Marley honey wake up we're home,” said Her dad reaching back and shaking her leg Marley slowly woke up and looked around seeing she was home. She got out of the car and shut the door before walking up the dr
(Jonathan POV)The clang of the bell above the café door echoed in my ears as I stepped inside, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of pastries. As I scanned the room, the flickering light over the barista’s station caught my eye, momentarily drawing me into its mundane charm. But today, I was here for a different reason a reunion with a ghost from my past.I walked inside the cafe slowly and with calculated steps as I moved deeper inside. I looked around my eyes scanning over people and couples alike, I spotted a familiar face deep in the back.Jake sat in the corner, hunched over a table that bore no remnants of the laughter we once shared as children. The last vestiges of sunlight filtered through the café windows, casting long shadows across his face, shadowing the jealousy he wore like a badge of honor. I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me as memories rushed back of building forts in the woods, racing our bikes down hills, and days when life was
(3rd POV) Jonathan Blackwell stood in the white hallway of the Hospital, his imposing silhouette a stark contrast to the pale walls. The fluorescent lights above hummed softly, illuminating his sharp features and the dark business suit that seemed more armor than attire. To most, he was a ruthless man of his industry, the CEO of Blackwell Enterprises, known for his cold demeanor and ruthless efficiency. But today, his impenetrable facade threatened to crack. He frowned at the bustling staff, noting the absence of nurses. They moved between rooms like a blur, their laughter echoing in the distance, but no amount of cheerful chatter could penetrate Jonathan’s cold composure. His mother had been rushed here some days ago after the accident at home, and each passing minute felt like an eternity. In another part of the hospital, Marley Brown paced outside her parents’ room, her petite frame trembling with anxiety. She wore a light denim jacket that hung loosely on her delicate shoulde
As the weeks went by, the silence between Marley and Jonathan grew palpable. Life had taken a sudden turn for both of them, pulling them into separate orbits. Marley often found herself at her parents' side, helping them navigate the challenges of recovery after the accident. Their home, once filled with laughter and warmth, now felt heavy with worry and unspoken fears. She did her best to be strong for them, but it was hard to push aside her feelings of anxiety. Jonathan, on the other hand, was deeply immersed in caring for his mother at the hospital. The sterile smell of antiseptic and the constant beeping of machines became his new reality. He spent long hours at her bedside, trying to provide comfort while grappling with the weight of uncertainty about her health. Each day blended into the next, and even though he thought of Marley often, the demands of his situation left little room for anything else.They exchanged occasional texts and brief check-ins that felt like shadowy ech
Jonathan Blackwell sat behind his imposing mahogany desk, the sleek lines of his office reflecting the carefully curated image he had built over the years. The city sprawled beneath him, a tapestry of ambition and chaos that thrived just below the surface of his meticulously crafted facade. He was known for his cold demeanor and blunt honesty; in the world of high-stakes business, emotions were often seen as a liability. Yet, as he glanced at the clock on his wall, anxiety tugged at his chest, a feeling he hadn’t expected to experience when it came to Marley.Marley had been coming to his office regularly now, initially to discuss strategies for a charitable initiative Blackwell Enterprises had taken on. The first meeting had been strictly business, her bright smile and passionate ideas pushing against his walls with an energy he wasn’t used to. But as the weeks progressed, their conversations began to evolve. She challenged him in ways no one else dared. Where others danced around h
(3rd POV)Marley Brown sat at the edge of a worn, wooden bench in the park, her slender frame silhouetted against the vibrant autumn leaves. At twenty-five, she had learned to appreciate the simple joys of life like the rustle of leaves underfoot and the crispness of the air. Today, however, was not as simple as it appeared. Marley’s mission loomed before her like the clouds gathering for a storm.She glanced over at Arthur, the elderly man with silver hair that glimmered in the sunlight. His face was weathered but kind, etched with years of stories waiting to be told. Beside him, Clara, his daughter, fidgeted with a bracelet on her wrist, her expressions flipping from hope to skepticism as she waited for her father to speak. It was clear that their relationship had frayed over the years, like an old tapestry unraveling at the seams.Marley’s heart ached for them. She had always felt a strong sense of empathy, drawn to people whose struggles echoed her childhood a time filled with mis
(3rd POV)-A few days later-A few days had passed since the chaotic incident in the hospital, but for Marley, time felt almost suspended. The eerie bright lights of the waiting room haunted her at night, and the image of the old man's bloodied hands and pleading eyes lingered in her thoughts. She still replayed that moment in her mind the moment when her life intersected with his so abruptly. Marley sat at the kitchen table in her house, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup absentmindedly. Jonathan had been by her side since she told him, he shuffled in from the living room, a magazine crumpled in one hand and a look of indifference etched on his face.“Hey,” he said, taking a seat across from her. “You’ve been quiet lately. What’s going on? You can talk to me, you know.”Taking a deep breath, Marley released the tension that had tightened around her chest. There was a comfort in Jonathan’s presence that always helped her feel grounded. She bit her lip, considering how to s
(Marley POV)-1 day later-I had always found solace in the quiet streets of my neighborhood, the way the sun cast long shadows through the oak trees lining the sidewalk. Today, however, felt different. The air was thick with humidity and heavy with the scent of rain that lingered just beyond the sky. I needed to clear my mind; it had become a tangled mess of thoughts and worries that swirled like autumn leaves caught in a gust of wind.As I stepped outside, I took a deep breath, letting the warm air fill my lungs. The pavement glistened from a recent downpour, and I could hear distant laughter from children playing in their yards. I smiled at the sense of normalcy that surrounded me, but even as I walked, I felt a vague unease and instinctual warning that something wasn’t quite right. Perhaps it was the way the birds had fallen silent or the tension that hung in the air.I continued down the street, my feet falling into a rhythmic pace, each step a motion towards catharsis. The famil
(Jonathan POV)The days dragged on, each one an echo of the last, but with an undercurrent of tension that made everything feel heavier. I stood in the hallway, glancing out the window at the two security guards stationed by the front door. They were ever-present, like shadows that had attached themselves to Marley, their watchful eyes scanning the surroundings with grim determination. A couple of days had passed since the threatening message landed in her inbox words that bothered me that they were bothering her now: “I see you.” Marley moved through her daily routine with a mixture of grace and resignation.I was already dressed in my tailored black and gray suit and waiting by her bedroom door, As she got ready for work at Blackwell Enterprises, the sleek black shirt she pulled over her head, followed by a white skirt with black leggings. I stood in the doorway of her bedroom, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, trying to mask my worry with my usual dull Look.“Are you sure you
As Marley navigated the familiar streets toward her house, she couldn’t help but glance back at her parents seated comfortably in the backseat. It had been a long day filled with hospital visits, doctor's appointments, and more than a few worries, but now, seeing them together, she felt a wave of relief wash over her.“Mom, how are you feeling now?” Marley asked, glancing in the rearview mirror. Her mother smiled softly, her face still a bit pale but brightening at the question.“I’m doing much better, sweetheart. Just glad to be out of that hospital bed!” her mom replied, the warmth in her voice easing Marley's lingering anxiety.“That’s great to hear! I made your favorite dinner for us tonight,” Marley said, her heart skipping happily further. She could already imagine the smell of roasted chicken and fresh herbs filling the kitchen.“Yum! What is it? Are we having those mashed potatoes?” her dad chimed in, his enthusiasm evident even after everything they had just been through.“Of
The grand ballroom of the Sapphire Hotel was adorned with shimmering chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the guests, illuminating the elegantly draped tables set for the annual Blackwell Enterprises Gala. Marley adjusted the straps of her stunning midnight blue gown, the fabric hugging her curves in all the right places while flowing into a delicate train behind her. As she caught a glimpse of herself in the ornate mirror near the entrance, she felt a surge of confidence. Tonight wasn’t just about beauty; it was a night of celebration and potential.“Wow, Marley! You look incredible!” Zach exclaimed as he approached her, his eyes widening with admiration. He was clad in a tailored black suit, his fashion sense as polished as ever. Marley had known Zach for years. He was a colleague, yes, but more importantly, he was a best friend who always encouraged her to shine.“Thanks, Zach!” Marley beamed, feeling her cheeks warm at the compliment. “You don’t look too shabby yourself.”They
The sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Marley’s office, casting a warm glow over her desk, which was cluttered with stacks of papers and color-coded folders. She sat in her ergonomic chair, typing furiously on her laptop while glancing at the calendar that hung on the wall. The upcoming gala was just a week away, and there were countless details to finalize. As the events coordinator for a large nonprofit organization, Marley thrived on the chaos of planning, but today felt especially hectic. Her phone buzzed incessantly with texts and pings from various team members, each one a reminder of the responsibilities piling up like the papers on her desk. With a sigh, she pushed a few stray strands of hair behind her ear and took a sip of her lukewarm coffee.“Marley, are you buried in that mountain of work again?” Zach’s voice boomed as he strolled into her office without knocking. His easy smile and casual demeanor always managed to lift her spirits, even on the busiest