The next morning I'm woken up by a wetness on my cheeks, cracking my eyes open to find Chelsea licking my face thoughtfully.

“Good morning, Your Highness.” I greet her with a bright smile, my hands combing through the silky tendrils of her shiny fur.

Chelsea meowed in contentment, jumping off the bed and strutting out of the door in a graceful sweep, seeing as she'd fulfilled her goal of disrupting my sleep. I giggled lightly as I watched her go, Chelsea always gave the impression of a guardian taking care of her underlings.

I let out a soft yawn, imitating my cat as I stretched my limbs. There was nothing like a good night's rest, my senses felt refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

“I have a good feeling about today,” I say to no one in particular as I slide out of my blanket and swing my legs off the bed with a delighted hum. My eyes roamed to my wall clock and I paled visibly, my smile going stiff as the peace I had felt earlier quickly dissipated into thin air.

It was a few minutes past eight. Not seven, the time I usually get up for work.

I whipped my head to the alarm clock sitting on the headstand just to make sure, and my eyes round in shock.

I had missed my alarm, and now I was twenty minutes away from being late to work.

Now I understood why Chelsea had stepped in, damn she really was a guardian angel.

“Oh shit!” I cursed under my breath as I sprung to my feet, sprinting to the bathroom to get ready.

I was out of breath by the time I rushed out of my apartment building, and a string of curses left my lips. I quickly ate my declaration of today being a good day. The roads were jam-packed with heavy traffic and several lines of waiting cars that stretched over to the highway that led to my workplace. It was rush hour, and the ever-busy streets of New York were definitely not to be reckoned with, and I was out of luck.

My phone kept ringing in my purse but I hadn't gotten the chance to attend to it yet. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, I arrived at work.

I gulped my spit as the sleek glass and steel facade of the building soared above me, its modern design cutting a sharp contrast against the sky. The reflective surface shimmered in the sunlight, giving the impression of a building reaching for the future. Despite feeling small in its shadow, I quickly regained my composure, straightening my posture as I walked through the revolving door.

I couldn't help but notice the looming stares and pointed gazes that hovered over me like an ominous dark cloud, so I wondered if I had made a clothing malfunction in my hurry to get dressed.

I looked down at myself, but I couldn't find any mistakes in my outfit. My tailored navy blue pants hugged my legs perfectly, elongating them and giving me a confident stride. Paired with a crisp white button-down shirt, tucked in just right, and a slim black belt cinching my waist, I felt ready to conquer the day. A sleek silver watch adorned my wrist, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble. Completing the look, my black leather pumps clicked against the floor with each step, echoing as I avoided the stares with hasty steps.

As I reached up to adjust my hair, I remembered the effort I had put into styling it. My reddish curls cascaded down my back in soft waves, adding a touch of whimsy to my appearance. A few strands framed my face, giving me a slightly tousled but still put-together look. The style was neat and professional, framing my face elegantly.

Maybe it was all in my head.

But as I stood outside the elevator, my ears perked as a group of women strolled past me, whispering discreetly to each other.

“Isn't that her?”

“The one who made the post.”

“Yes it's her, she's bold, isn't she? Making such a declaration on the company's platform.”

I pretend not to hear them, shifting uncomfortably in my spot as I glance anxiously at my watch.

Post? What post?

The elevator doors slide open, and I quickly hurry inside. But it was no different, I felt even more suffocated in the cramped space.

Everyone eyed me with contempt, some with disgust, and others with surprise. It was a whirlwind of emotions I could hardly comprehend.

I lowered my head under the scrutiny of their gazes, my grip tightening on the strap of my handbag as I mentally counted the seconds that passed.

Why were they staring?

Why the hell were they looking at me like that?!

I scurried out the door the moment I arrived at my department floor, sweat gathering at my temples as my breaths fell short.

My hands trembled at my sides, my steps faltering as my heartbeat drummed in my ears.

Oh no, this is the absolute worst time to have a panic attack.

“Aurelia!” I raised my gaze to find Caspian's soft eyes looking down at me in concern. He held onto my shoulders firmly, and it was only then I realized that I had zoned out for a moment.

I must have bumped into him unintentionally, but still, I was really glad to see him.

Heaving out a sigh of relief, I lean on his broad shoulders. Caspian goes rigid against me, and my stomach churns painfully when he carefully pulls away, putting a foot's distance between us as he clears his throat.

Hurt flashes in my eyes as he looks off to the side, his whole demeanor distant.

Not him too?

“Are you alright?” He asks in an unusually formal tone, but I don't question him. I straightened up, squaring my shoulders as my hands moved to smooth the non-existent creases on my skirt.

I forced a smile, “I'm fine.” I answered him, the lie leaving a sour taste on my tongue.

Caspian nods curtly, not sparing me another glance as he continues on his way along the hall. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth as my throat worked, and with a newfound determination to find out just what the fuck was going on, I stormed towards my team's studio.

The scent of new fabrics tickled my nostrils as I arrived at the studio, filling me with a brief sense of serenity. The room was a symphony of creativity, with racks of luxurious fabrics in every shade and texture imaginable.

Design sketches adorned the walls, each one a glimpse into the creative process that brought our collections to life. Mannequins stood proudly, draped in the latest designs, their forms a testament to the artistry of our designers. My colleagues bustled about, none of them had yet to sense my presence as they focused on their individual tasks.

Kendall was carefully inspecting a bolt of fabric, his trained eye discerning its quality and potential. Matthew was busy at work at a nearby table, his hands deftly shaping a new prototype. Olivia engaged in a deep conversation with Kendall, probably discussing the finer details of a new design. Mrs Juniper wasn’t at her workspace, and I didn’t bother looking for Caspian.

“Good morning everyone.” I ventured, my voice straining with farce delight. They all looked my way and I don't miss how they each shared wary side glances on my arrival, undoubtedly confirming my suspicions.

They definitely know something I don't, hell the whole damn building knows. And somehow I remained clueless.

“Okay, can someone tell me why everyone’s staring at me like I have crap on my head?” I snapped, desperate for answers and fed up with the awkward treatment.

“You don't know?” Kendal broke the silence first, and Olivia cast him a warning glare which he casually dismissed with an eye roll.

“It's obviously because of what you posted on the company's platform.”

This again? I thought deliriously, it was the same topic those ladies were whispering about earlier.

But the fact remained that I didn't post anything.

“What post?” I questioned, and they all shared puzzled looks.

“Have you checked your phone today, Auri?” Olivia asks softly, and I shake my head.

“Well, I advise you do,” Mathew adds gently, and I hesitate for a bit before reaching into my bag to retrieve the device.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw next.

“Oh no.” My hand slapped against my mouth, the color draining from my cheeks as my pupils dilated in horror. “Oh no no no no.”

This can't be happening…

Why….why is the sex bucket list on the company’s forum website?

“Shit.” Kendal gaped, his expression shifting into worry “She really didn't know.”, but I could hardly hear him over the ringing in my ears.

“Aurelia.” I stiffen in my spot as Mrs. Juniper walks into the room, the older woman offers me a sympathetic smile, but I can easily sense the uneasiness hiding behind it.

I instinctively dreaded the words that would leave her lips next.

“The CEO called for you.”

My heart skips a dozen beats.

The CEO, Mr Luke Graham…the name of one of the men I had boldly placed on the list.

I gulped my spit, my grip on my phone tightening.

Only one thought came to mind at that moment.

I'm so screwed.