Chapter 3 I'm So Screwed

• 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.