She opened the article and read the headline, Alan Stewart, to begin working in a management role at struggling Feather Textile Corporation. Her stomach churned, and she put her phone down. It had been months since she'd seen Alan—she'd almost forgotten he existed—but he'd returned to start working at Feather Textile.

She stood and paced back and forth in the balcony, feeling the heat of anger rise in her chest. If Alan had returned to work at Feather Textile, her uncle must be planning something. She marched into the bedroom, ready to ask Sean how he could allow such a thing. Before she could make it out of the room, the bright glint of silver caught her eye.

​​

She turned and found a silver tray on her bed. On top of the tray, there was a single red rose, her wedding ring, and another note. Curious, she unfolded the note and scanned Sean's elegant script. She read, Honey, At least I didn't have to look in the rose bushes to find the ring. You're right—I don't intend to break my promises. You may begin your internship once your neck fully heals.

She let the note fall onto the tray, wondering what to do. A part from her wanted to throw the ring back into the rose bushes. He hadn't even apologized for losing his temper or trying to keep her locked up in the mansion. She picked up the ring and weighed it in her hand, watching the diamond wink and glitter in the light. With a sigh, she slid it onto her finger. She wanted to fight, but she knew it would be pointless. The note was the best she'd get.

She padded down the stairs, looking for Sean. She finally found him in his study, working on his computer. She entered the room, holding her left hand out so he could see the ring on her finger.

"My neck doesn't hurt me at all," she said. "I'm ready to begin my internship tomorrow."

He glanced at the ring on her finger and then up at her neck, "The bruises are still purple."

"They won't fade for weeks," she said. "If I wait that long the summer will be over."

"Very well," he said. "But Geoffrey goes everywhere with you."

"Everywhere?" Catherine asked. "How do you expect my coworkers to take me seriously if I have a bodyguard following me into every meeting? Besides, you have enough of your people at the company now. Don't you trust them?"

Sean sighed, "Fine, she can wait in your office."

"Fine," she said. "Can you let them know I'm coming?"

He nodded, and she left his study and climbed the stairs. She washed her face and climbed into bed, but she couldn't sleep. Her mind raced as she imagined the next day at work. What would she find when she walked into the office? What were Sean and Alan planning? Would she be able to learn about the company, or would it all be too overwhelming? She tossed and turned, finally drifting into a fitful sleep.

***

Catherine checked her reflection in the long mirror. She wore a crisp white button-down shirt and black slacks with a matching black blazer. She spun around, looking at herself from all angles. The suit was stylish and feminine but professional, and the high collar of the shirt hid her bruised neck. She smiled and slipped her feet into a pair of Louis Vuitton patent black pumps. Still, the outfit was missing something.

She crossed the closet and opened the large jewelry box Sean had bought for her. She ignored the large earrings and jeweled necklaces, choosing a simple silver chain with a small silver pendant shaped like a feather. She smiled as she clasped the necklace around her neck. To complete the outfit, she piled her hair into a simple bun and added a bit of mascara and some pale pink lipstick. Racing down the stairs, she poked her head into the dining room to look for Sean, but he wasn't there.

"He's already left for work," a maid said. "Do you want to bring some breakfast for the car?"

"No thanks," she answered.

After a fitful night of sleep, she was too nervous to eat breakfast. She walked outside and found Geoffrey waiting for her by the car. Ever since the kidnapping incident with Iris, Geoffrey had grown serious. She barely spoke to Catherine now besides a terse, "Good morning."

With a sigh, Catherine climbed into the backseat of the town car. As the car glided along the country roads toward the city, she felt herself growing more nervous. Her heart hammered in her chest, and her stomach churned. She had no idea what to expect at the company. She'd never studied business, and she hadn't been a model student at school. What if they asked her to do something she didn't know how to do?

"You'll be fine, Mrs. Blair," Geoffrey said from the front seat. "You'll learn what to do—no one starts a new job as an expert."

"Was I talking out loud?" Catherine asked.

Geoffrey smiled in the rearview mirror, "A bit."

Catherine returned the smile, relieved that the bodyguard was talking to her again. But as the car pulled into the city, she felt the nerves returning. The last time she'd been to the offices, her father had still been alive.

Geoffrey parked the car, and the two took the elevator up to the offices. The elevator dinged, and Catherine wiped her palms on her slacks. As the doors slid open, she expected to see someone waiting for her, but there was no one there.

"Can I help you?" a secretary asked brightly from a desk.

"Um, yes," Catherine said. "My name is Catherine Blair. I'm here to begin my internship."

"Yes, of course," the receptionist said. "Please wait here. Mr. Jones will be with you shortly."

Catherine perched on the edge of a chair, looking around the lobby. She was relieved to see that little had changed since her dad had run the company. The same stylish, modern furniture filled the waiting area, and the same framed photos of news articles and photoshoots decorated the walls.

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Dearest Lovies,

My apology for updating late today, and to compensate for it, I added extra chapters. Keep on voting and commenting.

Stay safe and have a great day ahead!

Anna Shannel Lin