CHAPTER1

I smooth down my pencil skirt and tailored gray jacket, glancing at the hall mirror as I touch up my dark lipstick. With a resigned look, I check that my tawny hair is neatly secured in a sleek high bun. Sighing, I take a steadying breath, suppressing the gnawing anxiety in my gut.

I'll do.

I scrutinize my reflection, satisfied with the image of cool efficiency and authoritative gray tailoring I see before me. There's no hint of the emotional turmoil brewing inside. I narrow my eyes, searching for any imperfections in my impeccable armor—stray hairs, specks of dust, or creases. Nothing escapes my scrutiny.

I've never been one to love my own reflection, what with my youthful appearance, cool blue eyes, and pouting lips. But today, I look the part of a personal assistant to a high-profile boss. On the outside, I exude professionalism and capability, with every detail in place and my clothes flawlessly neat. I've always been adept at concealing my true feelings.

Slipping into my stilettos with a deliberate and careful motion, I steady myself with one hand against the wall. Catching the movement in the room behind me, I instinctively check the mirror.

"Morning, Ems. Wow, you look as professional as ever," Sarah stifles a yawn as she emerges from her room, rubbing her eyes with the back of her fist in a childlike manner. It's unusual for her to be up this early on her day off—mornings have never been her thing.

Dressed in a baggy pink housecoat, her short, bleached blonde hair sticking up in all directions, Sarah looks effortlessly lovable. I can't help but feel affection for that bundle of cheerful energy. Her bright blue eyes betray the weariness of the early hours, and she watches me closely, a silly smile playing on her lips. A little too closely for my liking.

"Good morning, Sarah," I offer a light smile, attempting to ignore her intense gaze. Straightening up, I retrieve my briefcase from the floor and stride purposefully into our open-plan apartment. Even in front of Sarah, I'm acutely aware of my grace and mannerisms, knowing I'm under scrutiny. I push down the tightness in my nerves, suppressing the restlessness in my stomach.

"Remember, you need to be here by ten o'clock for the boiler repair," I remind her as she shuffles along behind me towards the living room area, hoping to divert her attention from her curious staring. Mentally running through my schedule like a checklist gives me something else to focus on besides my unease today.

"I know. I know! You left a memo on the fridge, remember?" she giggles playfully, rubbing her eyes again and giving me a patient look, arching an eyebrow with an almost indulgent expression. She looks much younger than her age, and sometimes I forget that we went to school together. These days, I feel more like her guardian than her roommate, if I'm being honest. I sigh once more, suppressing the apprehension growing inside me, and muster a small smile of bravado.

"Don't forget," I sound stern, but she doesn't react. She's used to my serious tone and my meticulous organization of our lives. She knows that's just the way I am—the need to be in control and have everything in order makes me feel more capable.

"I won't. I swear. I'm not working until tonight, so I'll stick around and chillax... maybe binge-watch some Netflix," she says nonchalantly, moving lazily through the bright white and gray kitchen to make herself a coffee. With another sleepy, bright smile, she lifts the mug I washed earlier this morning from the rack for herself. I watch her casual, confident movements around the space and her domain when she’s at home, which gives me a sense of calm.