𝒯𝓌𝑜 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒. 𝒯𝓌𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈. 𝒯𝓌𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓈.
Isabella Leighton, a 23-year-old aspiring lawyer, unexpectedly lands a job working for the most prominent CEO in New York. While she doesn't align with his lifestyle, the generous sa...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
ISABELLA
Asher left me at the bar about five minutes ago, during which I found myself fixated on the vast array of alcoholic beverages. Despite my awareness that I'm not particularly fond of drinking, especially in excess, I considered it as a potential means to temporarily ease the thoughts weighing on my mind.
My intention for tonight was to have a good time and relish the moment, setting aside any concerns from the real world. It was only when I left the ballroom that I'd address the realities of life, but for now, I could simply unwind and savor the remainder of the evening.
"May I join you?" I turned to see Maeve standing by my side, wearing a soft smile. Strangely, it seemed as if she knew the challenges of my reality, and I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable about it.
I had no desire for understanding or sympathy; all I wished for was everyone around me to act as though everything was fine and that there were no issues in my world, if only for a single evening.
I nodded and motioned toward the stool. "Certainly," I replied with a quick smile. She took a seat, beckoning the bartender over, who seemed to recognize her as he promptly brought two Strawberry Daiquiris.
She passed one of the daiquiris to me, and I took a small sip, relishing the fruity flavors. She removed the lime wedge from her glass, holding it up. "If you take a big sip and then bite into the lime, it's like tasting heaven, if that's even possible," she exclaimed with a hearty laugh, instantly lifting my spirits.
I had no specific reason to anticipate her disliking me or holding any grievances, but perhaps my caution stemmed from the fact that I had been involved with her married son, all while serving as his assistant-receptionist-attorney. Reflecting on it, I realized she might not even know me beyond being my mother's daughter.
I followed her advice, taking a long sip and then biting into the lime. The blend of sourness and sweetness, as she had described, was indeed a delightful surprise. It was amazing how accurate her description had been, even if it did sound a bit unusual.
"Mmm," I expressed my satisfaction with a contented sound as I swallowed the drink, offering her a genuine smile, quite different from the one I had moments ago. "Thank you for the drink," I added, pulling out a five-dollar bill from my small clutch and extending it towards her.
Shaking her head, she refused the money with a chuckle. "Oh, please," she insisted, "This is my event, after all, and you're my guest. It's on the house."
"What's your name?" she asked, taking another sip from her glass while giving me a curious sidelong glance, awaiting my response. "I'm Isabella," I introduced myself, extending my hand toward her, and she shook it in a non-formal manner, which was a refreshing change from the formality of the other guests.
