The Girl I Admired From Afar

Prologue

       

Daisy's POV

I found myself feeling lost and incomplete after losing my parents. I longed to disappear into the crowd, seeking solace from the pain. Then, unexpectedly, someone reached out and brought me back to life. That someone was Xavier Simon, the CEO of "American Trades and Designing Company," and my boss. Suddenly, my life was full of excitement again, but he also became a distant dream that I could only imagine when I closed my eyes.

The distinction between loneliness and feeling lonesome hit me hard. Loneliness, I realized, at least carries the hope of someone's arrival. I yearned for someone to find me again, as I felt starved for love and connection.

One day, as I strolled along the shore, the sea breeze whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I had grown tired of being home alone while Zach was away in San Diego for work. He had urged me to join him, but I chose to stay behind and keep company with my own solitude. As the weather threatened rain and storms, I sought refuge in my car. Little did I know that this storm would snatch away the only harmony in my life. Nature may appear resilient, but my forlorn heart was anything but.

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1.5 years ago, Daisy found herself in the chaotic kitchen of "Café Mountain Hill's" in New York, clattering utensils in the sink. Donned in a pink apron with her hair hastily tied in a bun, she was a fair-complexioned American girl with piercing blue eyes and sleek, waist-length jet black hair.

Summoning all her courage, Daisy approached her intimidating boss, Mrs. Benjamin, the owner of Café Mountain Hill. Mrs. Benjamin, a stern and formidable woman in her mid-40s, was known for her unrelenting demeanor toward her staff, but there were whispers of a softer side to her.

"Mrs. Benjamin?" Daisy's voice wavered, betraying her fear of the formidable woman.

"Yes?" Mrs. Benjamin's mysterious gaze sent shivers down Daisy's spine, heightening her anxiety.

"Today, I have an important announcement. I took my final exams for the design crash course," Daisy stammered, feeling the weight of Mrs. Benjamin's unwavering stare.

"Good," Mrs. Benjamin responded brusquely, barely acknowledging Daisy's words as she continued her silent contemplation in front of the counter.

"I was hoping if you could grant me just half an hour to check my results," Daisy ventured, her request hanging in the tense air.

As Mrs. Benjamin stared at her with a masked face, Daisy's heart raced, expecting a scolding. But then, she spoke with emphasis, and Mrs. Benjamin's head bowed in acknowledgment. "Thanks a lot, Mrs. Benjamin. I'll be back soon," Daisy said, feeling a surge of relief when Mrs. Benjamin nodded.

Grabbing her long brown bag and adjusting her red-rimmed spectacles, Daisy smoothed down her hair and straightened her white-buttoned shirt. She hailed a cab to the design institute, determined to make her mark. Despite the crowded surroundings at Bar kin's School of Designing, Daisy was filled with excitement. This wasn't a prestigious, high-priced institution, but it was a place where dreams could come true for those who couldn't afford the elite standards.

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Present Day.....

Daisy's POV