I hurriedly enter into the meeting room after Luke Salvatore and take each step carefully this time.I didn't expect my first day would be this disastrous. My clangers have thrown my self-confidence into a garbage can now. If Mom had seen me this way she would have asked me to join self-development classes. And this time I wouldn't have gotten angry on her snarky remarks because I'm truly worthy of them. I take my chair. Luke takes the chair placed at head of the table and Rafe sits just opposite of me. I catch Luke looking at me with pensive expression. I look away because I'm embarrassed to make direct eye contact with him. He had probably imagined me as classy, poised daughter of Howard, but I devastate his imagination and my self-esteem. I don't understand what came under my feet all of a sudden that made me stumble."I don't know if I should ask this or not. I'm feeling just a little concerned." Luke speaks with hesitation. I and Rafe both don't say anything just look at him, w

I blink back the unshed tears in my eyes as I step out of the car. The whole ride Rafe's words kept replaying in my head. I go through my outfit for the millionth time. What if Rafe was telling the truth? What if Benjamin really found me unattractive? Maybe that is why he left me so easily and never looked back. Maybe I'm really not good enough. I'm just a dimwit woman as Rafe said who can't do anything right. I lock my car and continue walking towards the restaurant where Luke has invited us. Rafe and I decided to go in our separate cars and meet outside the restaurant and enter together in order to put an impression on Luke that we came together. Just when I reach the right spot, I wait for Rafe. He's not here yet. Meanwhile, I pull out the mirror from my sling purse and see my reflection from different angles. The blue swing dress I'm wearing is of my own choice. All of my office wardrobe is of my choice and not Mom's. I wanted to have my work and formal outfits according to my

The next whole day at the office, I avoid any kind of interaction with Rafe. And thankfully he also does the same, stayed at his side of office space. I have started to loathe him with my every nerve. I took off from the office early today and came home because I need some spare time to prepare for the presentation tomorrow for Luke's directors. Maybe I would need the entire night for the preparation. I've been studying about the project for two nights precisely and today is the last night so I want to practice, revise and avoid clumsiness at all costs. I take a quick shower and change into something comfortable; loose trousers and a plain tee shirt. I call home afterwards and talk to Mia and Mom. Then I switch on my laptop, place it on my bed, and sit in front of it with some essential documents. "Hello, Abraham. Hopefully, you're ready with the summary I asked you to write." I call Abraham to get to know his viewpoint about the project. "Yes. Yes. It's done, but it's not with me

Next morning with a pounding headache I reach Luke Salvatore's office. The bags under my eyes are clearly visible, making me look dull and worn out. I am worn out indeed. A strong sense of weariness has sucked my energy. Rafe's words kept replaying in my head the whole night, didn't let me sleep. The astonishing part is that I'm unable to be furious at him, instead I'm distraught and shocked that he has developed this high resentment for me. I'm unable to accept his hatred. My heart values him and that's why his words hurt me. I can't swallow the hatred he carries with himself all the time for me. As I reach the conference room, I see him coming in my way in his fresh piece of dark suit. Hair settled on his side. There is a light stubble around his mouth which he now keeps regularly. I make an eye contact with him and he stops walking. He looks back at me with plain expression. I feel fresh swell of fury in me that worsen my headache. I don't show him my vulnerabilities and keep my

Sliding up my sunglasses over the top of my head, I come out of my car and look around. I've come to visit the site today where we're building our hotel. My other two partners are already here with their teams. I lock my car and saunter forward. The construction hasn't yet started. Only a small office has been set to provide details about the project and scrutinize what's happening here.It's a deserted, spacious area similar to some wide playgrounds. I can see small houses, but they are quite far. We have sealed our zone with tin metal sign that says 'construction in progress'.Luke waves his hand at me when he sees me. I pass him a smile, cross the yellow boundary and enter into the construction area. It's late afternoon therefore, the sun's heat is not scorching. Light wind is blowing too that's keeping the weather moderate. "Is it all good here?" I inquire as I go near him and look around. "As far as I know, yes." He answers, "We are starting the construction though from tomorr