Chapter 9

• Lily:
• I felt trapped, surrounded by flames, my cries for help swallowed by the deafening roar of the fire. Panic surged through me as I spun around, desperately searching for an escape, but the inferno offered none.
• “Help me… someone, please!” I screamed, my voice hoarse with desperation.
• Then, suddenly, laughter rang out—mocking, cold, and disturbingly familiar. I turned toward the sound, my heart sinking as I saw Rose, Ryan, and Riley standing outside the fire, their faces twisted in cruel amusement.
• “In this life too, you’re destined to remain our puppet, Lily,” Rose sneered, her voice slicing through the chaos like a blade. “Now… die!”
• Their laughter echoed around me, growing louder, more menacing, as if it were the final blow to my soul.
• “No!” I screamed, bolting upright from my bed. My breath was ragged, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. I was drenched in sweat, my hands trembling as I looked around the dimly lit room. No fire. No Rose. Just the haunting remnants of a nightmare.
• Taking deep, steadying breaths, I forced myself to calm down. “It’s over,” I murmured to myself. “Just a dream… but not my future.” I clenched my fists tightly, the fire of my determination burning brighter than ever. “This time, I’ll change my destiny. Rose, Ryan, Riley—you won’t control me again.”
• With renewed resolve, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet hitting the floor with purpose. I moved to the bathroom, the cool water of the shower washing away the remnants of my nightmare, helping me regain focus. Refreshed, I dressed in a simple yet stylish blue top paired with white jeans. After applying a light pink lip gloss and styling my hair in a half-up, half-down look, I slipped on my sneakers, grabbed my purse, and left the apartment.
• As the cab pulled up to the towering building of Marvellous Universe, I felt a surge of resolve course through me. Standing before the impressive structure, I thought, ‘This is where it begins.’
• I entered the lobby, my heels clicking softly against the polished floor as I approached the receptionist. “Excuse me,” I said hesitantly, “can you tell me where Sister Mia’s office is?”
• The receptionist, a young woman with oversized glasses that gave her a sweet, endearing appearance, looked up at me and smiled. “Are you Miss Lily?”
• I nodded. She quickly made a call, and within moments, a staff member arrived to escort me. I followed them into the elevator, silently absorbing my surroundings, until we reached the floor where Mia’s office was located.
• Standing before the door, I knocked lightly. “Come in,” I heard Mia’s voice call from within.
• I opened the door and stepped inside with a polite smile. “Good morning, Sister Mia.”
• Mia looked up from her desk, her eyes softening as she took in my presence. I saw her expression shift—her gaze lingering on me with something almost like admiration. Her appearance was immaculate, radiant yet understated, and as she rose to her feet, she smiled warmly.
• “Lily, I can’t thank you enough,” Mia said earnestly, taking my hand. Her gratitude was genuine, her words heavy with sincerity. “If not for your help, I don’t know what I would have done.” The weight that had once seemed so heavy on her shoulders seemed to lift with her words.
• I smiled back, feeling the powerful sense of change taking root, both in my life and in the future I was determined to shape. This was only the beginning.
• “It was nothing, Sister Mia,” I replied modestly, my smile sincere.
• Mia beamed at me before saying, “Well then, let me introduce you to our CEO.” She gestured for me to follow her.
• As we walked through the bustling office, my sharp eyes picked up on the respectful greetings Mia received from every corner. Occasionally, curious glances flicked my way, but I paid them little mind. I was focused on what came next—meeting the man who would be key to my new beginning.
• We arrived at the CEO’s office, and Mia knocked before a deep, cheerful voice called out from inside, “Come in.”
• The door opened, and I found myself face-to-face with Mr. Parker, the young and charismatic CEO of Marvellous Universe. His friendly smile and sharp features radiated confidence and warmth, the kind of presence that immediately commanded attention.
• “Boss Parker,” Mia began with a smile, “this is Lily, my new artist.”
• Mr. Parker’s eyes sparkled with pleasant surprise as he turned his gaze on me, his grin widening. “So, this is the person who’s caught Mia’s attention,” he said, chuckling warmly.
• I blinked, slightly taken aback by the familiarity in his tone. I didn’t recall much about this man from my previous life, but his easy demeanor made me wary. “Do you know me?” I asked, tilting my head slightly, curious about his reaction.
• Mr. Parker laughed awkwardly, his smile never fading. “Know you? Not exactly. I just mean that you’re exceptionally talented and beautiful—it’s no wonder Mia noticed you.”
• I smiled politely, but something about his tone seemed off. Before I could dwell on it, Mr. Parker leaned forward, his expression suddenly serious. “Miss Lily, may I ask you something?”
• “Of course,” I replied courteously, keeping my composure.
• “Why did you choose to work with our company instead of ‘Motion Stars’? You know, by signing here, you’ll be directly competing with your sister,” he said, watching me intently.
• I didn’t let my smile waver as I prepared my response, my resolve unwavering. Mia had likely shared details about me with him already, so I didn’t see the need to dwell on his apparent familiarity with my situation.
• I remained composed, my voice confident as I responded. “I have no problem competing with my sister,” I said smoothly. “Besides, your company is far superior to ‘Motion Stars.’ They already have Rose; they don’t need me. Or… is Boss Parker afraid of a little rivalry?”
• Mr. Parker raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my boldness. He laughed heartily, finding my response unexpectedly refreshing.
• “Fear? Not at all,” he replied with a grin, clearly entertained. “It will be a pleasure to work with someone like you.” He then pulled a stack of documents from his desk drawer and placed them in front of me. “Here’s the contract. Let’s make it official.”
• I glanced down at the papers, feeling the weight of the moment. This was it—my future, right there in front of me. And with it, the opportunity to change everything.
• My heart swelled with a mix of emotions as I picked up the pen. My grip tightened for a moment, and I had to fight back the tears threatening to surface.
• This is it—the first step toward achieving my dreams.
• Taking a deep breath, I signed the contract with steady resolve, my hand firm and sure as the pen moved across the paper. When I finished, I placed the pen down and extended my hand toward Mr. Parker. “I look forward to working with you,” I said, my voice steady, my smile determined.
• “The feeling is mutual,” Mr. Parker replied warmly, shaking my hand with sincerity.
• With the formalities completed, Mia and I left the office.
• ..
• Author’s POV:
• As the door closed behind them, Mr. Parker leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He reached for his phone, dialing a familiar number. As he waited, he couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.
• A commanding voice answered on the other end, sharp and to the point. “Speak.”
• “Ethan, guess who I met today?” Mr. Parker said, grinning as though his friend could see him.
• “Five seconds.”
• Mr. Parker blinked, caught off guard. “What?”
• “Four seconds,” Ethan’s voice came again, calm but firm.
• Realization hit Mr. Parker like a brick wall. This guy! He’s counting down to hang up! Panic set in as Ethan continued, “Three seconds…”
• “Wait, wait!” Mr. Parker exclaimed, almost tripping over his words. “I met Lily!”